01 Stringent Regulations regarding Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency in Building and Construction The building and construction industry across the globe is exercising several stringent energy codes to improve energy efficacy and prevent energy loss due to lack of insulation. As a result, the demand for insulating products such as polyolefin foams is rising in the overall building stock along with the amount of insulation consumed per building. Polyethylene foams are used in almost every commercial and residential property across the globe and are commonly for insulation applications. Polyolefin foams are used to insulate offices, factories, houses, along with pipework systems to prevent heat loss as well as heat gain in some applications. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the building and construction sector consume 39% of energy, whereas the transportation and industry sector accounts for 34% and 27%, respectively.
01 Surging Construction Activities across the Globe Increased disposable income and the rise in the number of middle-class populations are driving the demand for individual apartments, residential, and commercial infrastructure in developing economies such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, and China. This is due to the easy home loan process and growth in the number of working-class populations.Additionally, the ongoing recovery in the North American building and construction market is foreseen to boost the market growth; for instance, in the U.S., single-family housing has been witnessing double-digit growth coupled with spending on non-residential construction activities since 2018. The United States is the largest construction market where private construction spending reached around USD 900 billion in 2018. Moreover, growing repair and renovation activities in the region are boosting the demand for polyolefin foams.
February 2026 JSP Corporation continued strengthening its expanded polyolefin foam business through product innovation initiatives focused on lightweight and high-performance foam solutions. The company maintained its focus on automotive, packaging, and consumer applications by developing advanced foam materials with improved insulation, cushioning, and impact resistance properties.
January 2026 Leading polyolefin foam manufacturers expanded research initiatives toward recyclable and sustainable foam materials to address increasing demand from packaging, automotive, and construction industries. Companies focused on improving material efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and developing next-generation foam solutions aligned with circular economy objectives.
December 2025 SABIC expanded its sustainable materials portfolio by advancing polyolefin-based solutions designed for packaging and industrial applications. The company continued focusing on recyclable and lightweight polymer solutions to support customers seeking improved material performance and sustainability benefits.
November 2025 Kaneka Corporation continued development of advanced polymer foam technologies through innovation programs targeting lightweight and high-performance material applications. The company focused on improving foam characteristics such as thermal insulation, durability, and processing performance for industrial and consumer applications.