Hydrophilic (Swellable) Waterstop Market

Market Overview

The global Hydrophilic (Swellable) Waterstop Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period (2021–2030).

A hydrophilic water stop is part of a concrete structure that does not let water or fluids across or seep the joints of concrete. It is used in concrete joints, to seal framework spacers, or tie rods. It helps to keep the structural integrity of the construction and stops any fluid from ruining it. PVC and modified chloroprene rubber-based water stops are the most desired items. The global Hydrophilic Waterstop Market has been segmented based on product, application, and region.

Market Dynamics

Top Market Drivers

• Increasing Construction Projects to Drive the Hydrophilic Waterstop Market Growth

Water stops are joint fillers used to prevent the water from seeping through the construction joint. Hydrophilic water stops are an integral part of water reservoirs, water treatment plants, dams, locks, tunnels, marine structures, and sewage treatment plants while constructing them. These are essential in waterproofing the designs. Waterproofing is an important aspect as it also affects the construction quality, not letting water, moisture, or other fluids pass through.

Construction of bridges, tunnels, and subways, in developed and developing economies will always need the water stop in waterproofing designs, which is a primary factor driving the demand for hydrophilic water stops. In April 2021, the President of the USA announced a USD 2 trillion amount to improve the infrastructure, and it positively affected the Hydrophilic Waterstop Market as a sub-sector of the construction industry. In the years 2019 and 2020, there was seen a rise in infrastructure projects by 5.5%, which is impressive growth.

Future Market Key Challenges

• Product Limitations to Hold Back the Global Hydrophilic Waterstop Market

Bentonite-based hydrophilic water stop swells even before concrete if it comes in contact with moisture. Further, it does not regain its original shape. Over time, the quality deteriorates and it breaks apart. It does not swell when it comes in contact with contaminated or saltwater. The water stops are highly liable for the product's loss of strength in the long term.

In addition, modified chloroprene rubber (MCR) does not swell in fluids, water being an exception, has a slow swell time, and lacks expansion and contraction functionality. The American Concrete Institute suggests avoiding water stops for fluids, although it is a useful product for water. Even the most selling type of water stops, PVC water stops have their challenges while installation. Improper compaction around the water stop will supposedly result in honeycombing, and the high possibility of concrete shrinkage can result in small gaps between the concrete and PVC.

What Are Future Opportunities in Hydrophilic Waterstop Market

• Emerging Economies to Boost the Global Hydrophilic Waterstop Market Growth

The infrastructural development in developing and developed countries of Asia-Pacific is among the leading factor for the growth of the construction industry and its sub-sectors, such as the market of Hydrophilic Waterstop. Approximately USD 42 billion will be used in creating 22 green expressways in India. Hyundai Engineering and Construction has proposed a plan to build a six-lane road tunnel around 17m below the seafloor in Quang Ninh province of North Vietnam, and it is supposed to cost a whopping USD 420 million.

There is ever-growing industrialization happening in India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This is expected to propel the demand for hydrophilic water stops. Investment in water treatment plants and growing water needs will boost the demand for hydrophilic water stops. Suez SA has invested USD 165 million in the wastewater treatment plant, which will be operational within 3yrs of building it. In the year 2019, this development was to be done in Okhla and Delhi and surely spur the growth of the Hydrophilic Waterstop Market share.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the global Hydrophilic Waterstop Market share is segmented into North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific is the biggest market for hydrophilic water stops. Asia-Pacific holds 55.2% of the global market share. According to the Straits’ prediction, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%. Europe is the second-biggest market-dominating 21% of the market share.

In 2020, Asia-Pacific generated the most revenue, and China was the major contributor. Asia-Pacific has seen a rising infrastructural development and other non-residential constructions, thus, boosting the Asia-Pacific market growth. Urbanization and industrialization are growing steadily in Asian countries, including China and India. In March 2021, construction-related projects had risen to a peak and generated USD 24.72 billion in revenue.

Low-interest rates, increasing standards of living, the growing trend of nuclear families, government and bank support for home loans, etc. are among the few reasons that contribute to the growth of the European Hydrophilic Waterstop Market. The strong need for renovation and redevelopment also contributes to the notable growth of the market. The presence of key players such as Sika AG, Fosroc, Schomburg, Aquafin, and BeSealed BV in construction for the construction of bridges, roads, tunnels, etc. is also propelling the Hydrophilic Waterstop Market growth.

Segmental Analysis

Based on type, the global Hydrophilic Waterstop Market share is divided into bentonite, natural rubber, PVC, polyurethane, synthetic rubber, acrylic, and others. In 2021, the PVC segment accounted for the highest market share of 31.47%. In 2018, it made a revenue of USD 374.34 million. This market segment has projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.38%. The demand for bentonite is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.41% and has covered almost 20% of the market after PVCs. The demand for the product is expected to witness a growth by 5.67% in totality.

By application, the Hydrophilic (Swellable) Waterstop Market is segmented into industrial, commercial, institutional, and others. The commercial segment accounted for 44.80% of the market share as of 2021. This segment of the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.28%, which is a good prediction in terms of growth. As of 2018, this market had generated a revenue of USD 1212.05 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.67% by 2030.

Impact of covid-19

There was a shortfall in some countries' infrastructure budgets before the pandemic. Despite the construction of bridges, dams, tunnels, and others to fulfill the need for clean water, sanitation, and transportation, the budget was weak. Yet, during the pandemic, renovation of residential, public works, bridges, and recreational buildings was done, and this spurred the demand for the product. This also created the need for water conservation and wastewater management. The rising demand for clean drinking water boasted the growth of the global Hydrophilic (Swellable) Waterstop Market.

In 2020, North America postponed infrastructure projects worth almost USD 10 billion. The US had planned infrastructure projects worth millions and billions that had to be delayed. A recovery fund of USD 860 billion was issued. Also, Europe is projected to invest USD 2.2 trillion over the next two decades. This amount will be spent on the modernization and renovation of bridges, dams, and tunnels.

Recent Developments

• December 2018- Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited acquired Perma Construction for around USD 4.16 million. This acquisition is likely to strengthen Nerolac’s product offerings in its construction chemical segment.
• September 2018- BPA established a new distribution company named “CEM proof Sealing Components” together with the NIK Group. The NIK group companies are renowned for project planning, sales, and installation of complex and high-quality waterproofing solutions.