Oct 8 2010
Global laminate flooring market witnessed a decline during 2008 and 2009 primarily because of the worldwide economic recession.
The negative impact of the recession was clearly evident across the geographies. While, over capacity resulted from weak demand led to fall in prices and reduced margins, the increase in prices of oil, the basis for production of majority resins in laminates, pressured the manufacturers to a noticeable extent during 2008 and 2009. In addition, other factors such as decline in hardwood prices and emergence of low-priced luxury vinyl tile (LVT) dented the market prospects.
Nevertheless, the expected recovery of new residential construction from low levels seen in the past couple of years is likely to infuse new demand for laminate flooring and other kinds of flooring. However, the new housing is not a large market for laminate flooring as most of laminate flooring business comes from replacement market. Economic recovery is expected to increase the disposable income, thereby enhancing the demand for home renovations, which is likely to create new demand for the floor replacement, and thereby creating opportunities for laminate flooring. The prices of laminate flooring are also expected to level up and match with the growth pattern accompanying inflation and increased costs of raw material.
Europe represents the largest regional market for laminate flooring worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Laminate Flooring. Ecological awareness among Europeans coupled with design, durability, and uncomplicated installation of laminate flooring drives the market in the region. European producers dominate the global market with their technical know-how and entrepreneurship. Many of these companies directed their R&D efforts towards enhancing product offerings, and to fortify their presence in overseas markets. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing market for laminate flooring. Technological advancements, development of glueless laminates, and improved moisture resistance are playing a major role in the market growth in the Asia-Pacific region. The laminate flooring market in Asia-Pacific is poised to grow at a compounded annual rate of more than 5.0% over the analysis period.
Residential Replacement (Including DIY Inst.) constitute the largest end-use segment in the global laminate flooring market, while New Housing Starts category represents the fastest growing end-use segment.
Two unique trends in the worldwide laminate flooring market include enhancement in surface through synchronized grain and pore printing, and direct print laminate flooring through indirect gravure printing. As trends in surface designs move towards authenticity, perfection and refinement, innovations in laminate flooring take the same route. Demand is also rising due to increasing familiarity and popularity among builders and consumers. Growth can be attributed to features including enhanced performance properties such as fade and stain resistance, durability, low maintenance, lower price and improved style options. Enhancements in technologies such as embossed registration and texturing is offering consumers a cost-efficient way of attaining the looks of ceramics, tiles, and hardwood. New innovations in laminate flooring are further expected to increase the popularity of laminate flooring. The most apparent developments are in design. Realistic finishes are keeping laminate flooring one step ahead of other conventional flooring options including timber and carpet. Technological advancements, resistant surfaces, quick fixing, realistic finishes, and wide variety of designs have lent a big hand in popularizing laminate flooring. Innovative technologies such as anti-static and soundproofing were designed to address bottlenecks.
Major players profiled in the report include Abet Inc., Alloc Inc., Alsafloor SA, Armstrong World Industries Inc., Balterio Laminate Flooring, Beaulieu International Group, Berry Floor, BHK of America Inc., Bruce Flooring, Classen Group, Egger Retail Products GmbH, Faus Group Inc., Formica Corporation, Hamberger Industriewerke GmbH, HUGA Hubert Gaisendrees GmbH & Co. KG, Kaindl Flooring GmbH, Kronospan Holdings Ltd., Kronotex GmbH & Co KG, Mannington Mills Inc., Mohawk Industries Inc., Pergo AB, Pergo LLC, Pfleiderer AG, Robina Flooring Sdn Bhd, Roysol SA, Shaw Industries Inc., Skema Srl, Sonae Indústria SGPS S.A, Tarkett USA Inc., Uniboard Canada Inc., Unilin Group, Wilsonart International Inc., and Witex International Flooring GmbH.
The report titled “Laminate Flooring: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the laminate flooring markets, impact of recession on the markets, current market trends, key growth drivers, competitive scenario, product overview, recent product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for laminate flooring market for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America. Key end-use segments analyzed include new housing starts, residential replacement (including DIY inst.), and commercial markets. Also, a six-year (2001-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.
Source: http://www.strategyr.com/