The global membrane structure market size was valued at USD 8,588.6 million in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 13,670.4 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The global market share expansion is being fueled by rising infrastructure development investment and government investments from various countries.
The membrane structure is a spatial structure that is made from tensioned membranes. It is lightweight and readily adapted to various applications such as long-span roofs, canopies, facade enclosures, and interior finishes. It uses high-strength flexible membrane material and auxiliary structure to produce specific pre-tensioning stress in its interior and thus forms a particular spatial shape under stress control. This structure has enough stiffness to resist external loads. Membrane materials have specific transmittance, which helps to reduce lightning intensity during the day and saves energy.
Additionally, membrane materials have flame retardancy and high-temperature resistance, which can meet fire protection requirements. The growing demand for membrane structures is linked to expanding construction, renovation, and refurbishment activities in developing countries. Membrane structures are used to build roofs, facades, skylights, and indoor ceilings, among other things. Its environmentally friendly, highly reflective surface, self-cleaning, and UV-stable properties are expected to drive membrane structure market growth. Furthermore, governments in various countries are heavily investing in critical infrastructures such as airports, stadiums, parking lots, and so on, creating an opportunity for builders to use membrane structures.
Highlights
Increased infrastructure investments, particularly in constructing or renovating stadiums and sports facilities, may drive the market trend of membrane structures. With their lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing properties, membrane structures are frequently used to construct stadiums and sports complexes. Two-thirds of China's regions have announced plans to invest more than USD 1.8 trillion in significant infrastructure projects by 2023. Transportation infrastructure, energy generation, and industrial parks are among the projects under consideration. Also, China's construction activity index reached its highest level since 2012 in March 2023.
The U.S. government invested in infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2023. In 2023, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program will award nearly USD 1.2 billion to infrastructure projects nationwide. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL) includes USD 13.2 billion in funding for 2023 and an additional USD 4.7 billion. Invest.gov tracked over USD 350 billion in announced BIL funding as of October 2023. The Biden administration has also increased the amount of public and private funds available in the United States for a multilateral program to build infrastructure in developing countries. Membrane structures are frequently used in major infrastructure projects such as sports arenas, convention centers, and transportation hubs. These projects contribute to the demand for membrane materials, design, and construction expertise.
Furthermore, membrane structures made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) woven fiberglass were used in Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums. The structures are designed to resemble traditional nomadic tents in the region.
Over the past few years, the market has witnessed a significant rise in the use of structural membranes in tensile architecture, awnings, canopies, and facades. It is also increasingly used by several commercial and recreational sectors for different purposes. For instance, North America is home to some of the largest stadiums in the world. Its top five biggest stadiums can accommodate over 100,000 people. Compared to other materials, such as wood, metals, glass, and concrete, the tensile membrane structure offers a unique visual appearance and high energy efficiency. It further assists architects, designers, and engineers in attempting and discovering new solutions. The demand for visually appealing and functional spaces in the commercial real estate sector is driving the adoption of novel architectural elements such as membrane structures. According to reports from real estate and construction industry analysts, there is a growing interest in such structures. According to Statista, the North American commercial real estate market is expected to reach USD 27.80 trillion in 2023.
Furthermore, the recreational sector in the United States has been steadily growing since 2008, and it is expected to continue growing for at least the next five years. Despite a 16% drop in sales in 2020, revenue is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Furthermore, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has named the UAE the MENA region's fastest-growing amusement park market. According to the IAAPA, consumer spending on amusement parks in the UAE could reach USD 609 million by 2023 and USD 474 million by 2024.
The production and disposal of chlorinated plastics, including polyvinyl chloride, necessitates using highly toxic chemicals. PVC's chlorine content has a high potential for producing dioxins that are harmful to humans. Likewise, phthalates and semi-volatile organic compounds used as softeners or plasticizers can harm the reproductive, respiratory, and endocrine systems. According to EU Regulation 1907/2006, any material or substance that poses a risk to human health or the environment may have its production limited or prohibited.
PTFE and ETFE are vital components in producing fluoropolymers and restrict market growth. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to tighten PVC production guidelines to reduce toxic substance emissions. The EPA is also reviewing PVC, which may announce additional restrictions or a ban by December 2024. Similarly, the Canadian government has strict regulations for producing PVC, PTFE, and ETFE. These regulations are in place to limit market growth while also protecting human health.
Natural daylight can enter interior spaces through membrane structures, especially those made of translucent materials like ETFE. This reduces the need for artificial lighting, which contributes to energy savings. The Renovation Wave initiative of the European Commission is based on the Green Deal, published in October 2020. The goal is to double Europe's annual renovation rate by 2030. With a series of interconnected geodesic domes made of ETFE, the Eden Project in the United Kingdom is an iconic example of a sustainable structure. It maximizes natural light while providing a controlled environment for various plant species. The United Kingdom aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The government has also set a target of retrofitting all existing buildings to improve energy efficiency by 2030.
Similarly, compared to traditional construction methods, the lightweight nature of membrane structures often translates to reduced material usage. This can lead to a lower environmental impact during manufacturing and transportation. The Beijing National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube example, has a one-of-a-kind membrane structure of 634 translucent membranes. The membranes are filled with low-pressure air and coated with an ETFE (ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) polymer. ETFE is an energy-efficient plastic-like material that weighs only 1% of glass.
| Study Period | 2019-2031 | CAGR | 5.3% |
| Historical Period | 2019-2021 | Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| Base Year | 2022 | Base Year Market Size | USD 8,588.6 million |
| Forecast Year | 2031 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 13,670.4 million |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The global membrane structure market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Asia-Pacific is the most significant global membrane structure market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific dominates the market because of improving infrastructures in education and transportation, economic improvement, and rising foreign investments. In 2022, China held the largest share of the Asia-Pacific market. The rise is primarily due to an increase in the number of regulations governing the protection of natural water bodies. China revised existing laws and took action to address changing climatic conditions and water scarcity levels, including the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law and the Environmental Protection Law. In 2023, China's Cleanliness and Water-saving Campaign is a conservation initiative. Furthermore, China's infrastructure investment is expected to increase by 10% in the first quarter of 2023 to around 7 trillion yuan (USD 1.03 trillion). Railway fixed-asset investment rose 6.6% year on year to 113.55 billion yuan. However, growth in China's construction sector is expected to slow in 2023. Residential housing projects are expected to decline further, while infrastructure project growth may moderate.
Similarly, Chennai, India, has two desalination plants, each with a capacity of 100 million liters per day (MLD). The local government announced the construction of a third plant, with a capacity of 150 MLD, in 2019 and plans to begin operations in 2021. These initiatives are expected to generate significant revenue for the market shortly and beyond. Japan is the world's leading producer of membranes, and according to WIPO data, the country also has intellectual property rights for most of its products.
Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. Europe is the world's second-largest region and a key market, led by Western European countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. The increasing awareness of water scarcity and government initiatives to protect freshwater sources are attributed to the market's growth in Europe. The rise in freshwater scarcity and high demand for safe drinking water in developing economies is driving market growth in the rest of Europe. The rest of Europe's market will grow due to a growing population and consistently rising demand for food and beverages.
North America holds a significant market share. The increasing number of stringent water and wastewater treatment regulations is driving market growth in North America. The United States had the largest share of the North American market. The government's implementation of new acts and laws to facilitate uncontaminated and safe drinking water for citizens is fueling demand in the United States and Canada.
Brazil is also anticipated to have the highest growth rate in Latin America during the forecast period, owing to the expansion of the food industry. The country's food industry includes over 35,800 food processing companies, and the need for zero contamination in their products is driving demand. Mexico focuses on providing clean water to its citizens and keeping freshwater bodies free of pollutants and contaminants. The country intends to repeal the General Law on Waters (LAN) and the General Law on Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection, which need coordination. As a result, the country will experience significant growth during the forecast period.
The Middle East and Africa are the fastest-growing regions, accounting for more than 45% of global desalination capacity. Water scarcity in the region has fueled the construction of water treatment and desalination facilities. Freshwater resources are scarce in this region, and residents rely heavily on desalination plants.
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The global membrane structure market is segmented based on type, material, application, and region.
The type is further segmented into Tensile, Frame, and Air-Supported Membrane Structure.
Tensile Membrane Structure accounts for the largest share of the market. Tensile membrane structures are architectural designs that feature a stretched membrane made of materials such as PVC, PTFE, or ETFE. This type uses the tension principle to create a stable and visually appealing form. Tensioned membranes are frequently supported by a framework or a series of cables, allowing for innovative and lightweight designs with long spans. These structures are used in various settings, including stadiums, theaters, and commercial spaces, allowing architects to create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.
Frame membrane structures are steel or other materials supporting a framework and a membrane covering. Unlike tensile structures, which rely primarily on tension for stability, frame membrane structures achieve structural integrity by combining a rigid frame and a membrane. The frame gives the structure support and shape; the membrane covering can be tensioned or draped. This structure is commonly used in commercial buildings, exhibition centers, and transportation terminals, providing architects with a versatile solution for striking a balance between form and function.
Based on material, the market is sub-segmented into PVC, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, Translucent, and Polyethylene Fabric.
PVC accounts for the maximum share of the market. PVC is a popular material in membrane structures due to its durability, low cost, and versatility. PVC membranes are well known for their strength, weather, and flame resistance. These membranes are frequently used in various applications, including roofing for stadiums, commercial buildings, and canopies, as they provide structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
PTFE is a high-performance polymer known for its long life, resistance to extreme temperatures, and low friction properties. PTFE-coated membranes are frequently used in architectural applications requiring high clarity and resistance to environmental factors. PTFE membranes are ideal for long-span structures such as roofs and facades, as they are elegant and low-maintenance.
By application, the segment can be further bifurcated into Residential and commercial.
Commercial holds a significant market share. The commercial segment is projected to have the fastest growth in the membrane structure market owing to its plethora of applications in industrial, recreational, and sports facilities, office space, infrastructure, and others. Membrane structures are used in malls, airports, and office buildings as a cost-effective alternative to facilitate additional constructions such as building facades, parking spaces, and entrances.
A growing number of commercial buildings, such as malls, airports, and office spaces, spur the demand for membrane structures. Adopting a capitalist approach, a rising middle-class population and growing internet penetration have ushered in the era of global trading and international business collaborations. Multinational companies are now building headquarters to facilitate R&D and other operations in emerging economies, such as Turkey and Singapore, among others, resulting in the expansion of airports.
The use of these innovative designs in private homes and housing environments is referred to as membrane structures in residential applications. Membrane structures can be used in residential settings to provide shade in outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and gardens. Tensile membrane structures are aesthetically pleasing to provide sun protection while keeping an open and airy feel. Furthermore, Membrane structures can be used to create stylish canopies or outdoor living spaces, thereby increasing the usable area of a home. These structures may cover outdoor seating areas, poolside areas, and private courtyards.
