GLOBAL ACOUSTIC INSULATION MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Market Size and Trends

Global acoustic insulation market is estimated to be valued at USD 16.7 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 22.12 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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Acoustic insulation finds wide application in the building & construction sector for insulation in walls, under floors, and within ceilings. Strict noise pollution norms across countries boosts need to reduce noise levels in residential and commercial buildings. Global acoustic insulation market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Growing construction activities coupled with rising consumer awareness about noise pollution are expected to boost demand for acoustic insulation. Furthermore, stringent government regulations regarding noise control in workplaces are encouraging building owners to opt for acoustic insulation. However, high costs associated with acoustic insulation solutions may hinder the market growth. Key players are focusing on developing cost-effective and innovative acoustic insulation materials to expand their market reach.

Strict regulations to curb noise pollution

With growing industrialization and urbanization worldwide, noise pollution has become a major concern for both individuals and governments. For instance, according to European Environment Agency in 2020, excessive and chronic exposure to high noise levels can cause significant health issues like hearing impairment, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. To protect citizens from the harmful effects of noise and provide a quiet living environment, many countries and municipalities have established strict regulations that set maximum permissible noise levels for different zones like residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Non-compliance with these norms can attract heavy fines and penalties. This has increased the importance of noise control solutions during construction activities. Builders have to adopt measures that ensure the noise generated from operations like hammering, drilling, and piling stays within approved decibel limits. Acoustic insulation materials have become particularly crucial for apartments, office buildings, factories, and infrastructure projects located near noise-prone areas. Regulations mandate using soundproof windows, insulation in walls and ceilings, suspended ceilings, and acoustic paneling to attenuate noise transmission. Many construction firms also install noise barriers around sites to shield neighborhoods. Growing stringency of regulations has significantly boosted demand for acoustic insulation from the building industry, aiming to comply with noise standards and minimize complaints regarding disturbance. This driver will continue propelling the acoustic insulation market as urban noise issues exacerbate and communities pressurize governments into strengthening controls over sound pollution.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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In recent years, traditional closed offices have been steadily replaced by open-plan layouts to improve collaboration and communication between employees. While this design offers various benefits like more interactions, better supervision, and increased space utilization, it also brings the disadvantage of heightened noise distractions. In open desks getting interspersed among busy co-workers, concentrating on tasks and having private conversations becomes challenging due to constant interruptions, side talks, and ambient office sounds like tapping, paper shuffling and phone ringing. This affects productivity, causes stress, and leads to employee complaints. To address rising acoustical issues in shared workspaces, companies are equipping their interiors with acoustic insulation products. Ceiling tiles, acoustic panels, sound-absorbing fabric walls and partitions help suppress reverberations and create a more focused yet peaceful work environment. With open-plan offices becoming standard globally, the need for installing acoustic control solutions is perceived to increase substantially over the coming years. This is anticipated to drive considerable market gains for insulation materials.

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The availability of substitute products is significantly restraining the growth of the global acoustic insulation market. There are numerous substitute products available that can perform the noise control and soundproofing functions almost as effectively as traditional acoustic insulation materials. For instance, mass loaded vinyl barriers and resilient channel systems are widely used as alternatives to conventional fiberglass and fiber based insulation materials. These substitutes offer competitive acoustic performance while having advantages such as lower cost of installation and greater ease of application.  The use of substitute products is gaining increasing popularity among end users such as construction contractors and building owners. This is because acoustic insulation requires careful installation to achieve its rated acoustic performance, whereas substitutes can often provide near equivalent results with less demanding fitting procedures. This makes substitutes an attractive proposition especially for projects with tight budgets and timelines. According to the data from the United Nations Environment Programme in 2021, the sales of mass loaded vinyl barriers have grown at an annual rate of over 7% in recent years taking away market share from traditional fiberglass insulation globally.

 Market Opportunities: Rising awareness about the health impacts of noise pollution

Rising awareness about the health impacts of noise pollution is prompting more people to soundproof their homes and workspaces. As urban populations grow exponentially, demand for noise-reducing commercial and residential building materials increases. Developing innovative acoustic insulation products from sustainable materials can help companies’ access green-conscious customers. 

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In terms of type, foamed plastic segment is estimated to contribute the 42.8% share of the acoustic insulation market in 2024, owing to its effective sound absorption properties. Foamed plastics, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS), have a porous, cellular structure that allows sound waves to enter the material. The small air pockets inside trap and dampen vibrations, minimizing sound reflection. This makes foamed plastics highly effective at blocking noise transmission through walls, ceilings, and other building components. Foamed plastics are also lightweight and easy to install as compared to other acoustic insulation materials like mineral wool or fiberglass. Contractors can rapidly install foamed plastic panels with minimal physical exertion. The light weight also reduces structural loading during installation. From a design perspective, foamed plastics allow for thinner, more space-efficient insulation layers that does not compromise on acoustic performance. This is appealing in applications with restricted ceiling heights or wall cavity depths.

Insights, By End-use Industry: Transportation Sector Demands Highest Levels of Noise Control

Among end-use industry, transportation segment is estimated to contribute the 41.2% share of the acoustic insulation market as various modes of transportation like automobiles, aircraft, high-speed rail, and more recently electric vehicles require stringent noise control to meet regulatory and customer expectations. Road, aircraft, train, and construction equipment noise have negative health and environmental impacts that are actively regulated. For automakers and OEMs, superior acoustic insulation is also a key product differentiator that attracts brand-loyal customers. Achieving sufficient noise reduction to comply with airport and residential noise abatement regulations requires massive acoustic insulation installation, driving material requirements. Similarly, high-speed bullet trains create disturbances that must be quelled to avoid disturbing populations near railway lines. As urban transit networks expand to less densely inhabited outskirts, meeting more stringent railway noise standards is essential. Electric vehicles present new acoustic insulation challenges as compared to internal combustion engines. The smooth, vibration-free operation of electric powertrains allows more cabin noise intrusion that must be remedied. 

Regional Insights

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North America region has dominated the global acoustic insulation market for many years with estimated 40.2% share in 2024, owing to strong policy support and industry presence. The U.S. is one of the largest producers and consumers of acoustic insulation globally. It has stringent regulations pertaining to noise control especially in the construction sector. This has boosted consistent demand from the commercial and industrial construction segments. Many leading insulation manufacturers are headquartered in the U.S., and have established distribution networks across Canada as well. The growing skyline of cities like New York and Chicago constantly require acoustic materials for ceiling, walls and floor applications in buildings. The aerospace and automotive sectors are also major consumers. As a result, North America contributes significantly to the global supply of acoustic insulation materials. The region also has a highly competitive market structure with several local and international brands vying for market share. This competition has ensured product quality and pricing remains optimum for both manufacturers as well as building contractors.

Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for acoustic insulation in recent years. The boom in the construction industry across China, India and several Southeast Asian countries has fuelled demand. Rapid urbanization is driving residential and commercial construction in the region. These emerging nations are witnessing expansion of manufacturing industries which utilize acoustic insulation to meet noise control standards.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In June 2023, Armacell launched ArmaComfort ABJ
• In 2022, Owens Corning announced that it has completed the acquisition of WearDeck
• Armacell's launch of ArmaGel DT in August 2020 brought a new offering to customers worldwide seeking top-notch thermal and acoustic solutions. The ArmaGel product line is designed to deliver high-quality performance in both thermal insulation and acoustic control, catering to the diverse needs of customers globally. This release underscores Armacell's dedication to providing innovative solutions that excel in both quality and functionality for a broad customer base.
• Armacell launched ArmaGel DT in August 2020. This marked a significant advancement in its product line. ArmaGel DT is designed to provide customers worldwide with effective thermal and acoustic solutions, boasting an impressive quality-to-cost ratio. This innovative product showcases Armacell's commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that meet the needs of a global customer base.

*Definition: Acoustic insulation market includes products that are used to reduce the transmission of sound. Acoustic insulation materials, such as stone wool, glass wool, plastic foam, and others are installed in walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces to minimize noise pollution and enhance acoustic comfort. These help control and absorb unwanted noise in applications such as building & construction, industrial, automotive, and aerospace industries. The growth of the acoustic insulation market is driven by strict government policies regarding noise pollution, increasing construction of green buildings.

Market Segmentation

• Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2019 - 2031)
  • Mineral Wool
  • Foamed Plastic
  • Elastomeric Foam
  • Others
• End-use Industry Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2019 - 2031)
  • Building and Construction
  • Transportation
  • Oil & Gas and Petrochemical
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Others (Industrial and OEM, etc.)
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn & KT, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Gates Industrial Corporation plc
  • Owens Corning
  • Rockwool International
  • Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A.
  • Armacell International S.A.
  • BASF
  • Kingspan Group plc
  • Fletcher Insulation
  • CellectaLtd.
  • International Cellulose Corporation
  • Johns Manville
  • Hush Acoustics
  • Siderise
  • Arabian Fiberglass Insulation Company Ltd.
  • L'Isolante K-Flex S.p.A.
  • Dynamic Wool Tex
  • Alaska PUF Industries
  • Shri Radhika Nonwoven Private Limited
  • Insulapack
  • Unidus India
  • SOPREMA