Global demand for drywall will rise around 5% per year through 2018 to roughly 10 billion square metres.
Recent research uggests that global demand for drywall will rise around 5% per year through 2018 to roughly 10 billion square metres.*
Commenting on the market report, the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA), which represents the UK and Ireland’s plasterboard manufacturers, says plasterboard has justly earned its reputation as a versatile building product with many uses and suitability for modern methods of construction.
GPDA Secretary, Crispin Dunn-Meynell, says: “Today’s gypsum-based plasterboard systems provide a cost effective, lightweight yet highly durable construction solution for internal walls, ceilings and partitions which can deliver savings in overall design and build costs compared to masonry alternatives.”
Innovation in plasterboard technology has led to the rapid adoption of specialist boards which deliver advanced acoustic, fire, thermal and structural performance. “According to our members,” continues Crispin Dunn-Meynell, “these technical boards now account for nearly half of all plasterboard sold in the UK.”
Growing demand for green building products is also contributing to the increased use of plasterboard. “Continuous improvements in manufacturing and distribution by our members have made plasterboard a sustainable solution in its own right,” claims Crispin Dunn-Meynell.
Summing up the future prospects for plasterboard, Crispin Dunn-Meynell, says: “With the Construction Products Association expecting construction output overall to rise by 19.7% between 2015 and 2019**, the use of plasterboard looks set to continue growing, from standard boards for walls and ceilings to pre-fabrication applications and as part of thermal insulation systems to satisfy UK building regulations.”
GPDA represents the four major gypsum board and plaster manufacturers: British Gypsum, Knauf, and Siniat in Britain, and Gyproc in Ireland.
*Market Report: World Drywall & Building Plaster to 2018: RnRMarketResearch.com
**CPA Autumn Forecasts 2015
Image: Knauf
