Construction chemicals and materials contribute to the durability, safety, and efficiency of various building projects. These products encompass a wide range of substances and compounds used at different stages of construction. Construction materials typically include raw materials such as cement, steel, bricks, and concrete. These materials are used to form the structural foundation of buildings and infrastructure. Innovations in construction materials, such as the development of high-strength concrete or eco-friendly alternatives, have led to more sustainable and resilient construction practices. Construction chemicals are specialized additives and compounds that enhance the properties of construction materials.
Construction additives include cement additives, concrete admixtures, plastic additives, bitumen additives, paints and coatings additives, adhesives & sealants additives, glass additives, and ceramic additives. These materials are used to improve the quality and performance of the construction products. They also help to achieve certain desirable properties, such as increased strength, durability, and workability. There are various powder and liquid construction additive products available in the market that enable the formulation of innovative products. Lignosulfonates, formaldehyde, naphthalene formaldehyde, and polycarboxylates are used for the production of plasticizers. Iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and carbon black are used as coloring pigments, whereas latex and epoxy resins are used for the production of admixtures.
In 2022, Asia Pacific dominated the construction additives market. According to the International Trade Administration, total investment in China’s infrastructure during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025) is estimated to reach ~US$ 4.2 trillion. In 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Transport (China) unveiled the National Highway Network Planning document aimed at the construction of a functional, efficient, green, intelligent, and safe modern highway network by 2035. The plan also encompasses the construction of a 461,000 km highway, which includes 162,000 km of expressways. Moreover, the research and development pertaining to construction additives in Asia Pacific is expected to create new construction additives market trends in the coming years.
Strategic Initiatives by Key Market Players Propel Construction Additives Market
The construction additives market report emphasizes the key factors driving the market and showcases the developments of prominent players. The key manufacturers operating in the market are investing significantly in strategic development initiatives such as product innovation, R&D, mergers & acquisitions, and business expansion to attract a wide customer base and enhance their market position. In 2023, a researcher from Sarsam and Associates Consult Bureau (Iraq) reviewed the utilization of micro-sized fly ash and nano-sized silica fumes to extend the fatigue life of the pavement. In 2022, SoyLei Innovations aimed at developing a rejuvenator product, a compound made of soybean oil that can be mixed with recycled asphalt. In October 2023, Gerdau Graphene announced the launch of two paint & coatings additives, namely, NanoDUR and NanoLAV. These two additives utilize graphene nanoplatelets for water-based paints & coatings. In December 2023, PETRONAS launched an ultra-high barrier paint additive to prevent corrosion, ProShield+, for steel structures. In March 2023, BYK introduced two starch-based polymer additives, CERAFLOUR 1003 and CERAFLOUR 1004, designed for architectural coatings application, at the European Coatings Show 2023. Thus, rising strategic product innovations and research by key market players are expected to positively influence the construction additives market growth during the forecast period.
Construction Additives Market: Segmental Overview
The construction additives market analysis has been carried out by considering the following segments: type and application. Based on type, the construction additives market is segmented into cement additives, concrete admixture (precast concrete and ready-mix concrete), paints and coatings additives, adhesives and sealants additives, plastic additives, bitumen additives, and others. In 2022, the cement additives segment held the largest construction additives market share, and the plastic additives segment is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Additives are chemical compounds that are added to cement at the time of its manufacturing to improve its mechanical and chemical properties. In the cement manufacturing process, adding cement additives helps improve cement grinding efficiency and narrow particle size distributions. This impacts cement performance properties, such as settling time, strength, and water demand. Cement additives include grinding aids, strength enhancers, and performance enhancers. Further, the growing construction activities across the globe are driving the demand for high-quality cement additives to improve cement properties.
Based on application, the market is segmented into residential, commercial, infrastructure, and others. The residential segment held the largest construction additives market share in 2022. Different types of construction additives are used to make strong and more efficient residential buildings. The residential sector includes private housing, apartments, and buildings. The growth in investments and development activities in the residential construction sector is attributed to the rising population and urbanization in different countries across the globe. Moreover, housing programs and favorable government policies in many countries have led to the establishment of residential buildings, which is creating a demand for construction additives. Also, the increasing demand for residential construction owing to accelerated urbanization has surged the requirement for different types of construction additives from the residential sector.
Construction Additives Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
W. R. Grace & Co, Chryso SAS, Dow Inc, BASF SE, Cemex SAB de CV, Fosroc International Ltd, CICO Technologies Ltd, Sika AG, Evonik Industries AG, RPM International Inc, and Mapei SpA are a few players profiled in the construction additives market report. Players operating in the market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand.
Key Developments
- In June 2023, Fosroc launched “FOSguard,” a new umbrella brand for the building sector in Europe.
- In June 2023, Fosroc International Ltd introduced Polyurea WH 100 for roof waterproofing applications in Europe.
- In November 2023, Sika AG expanded its production capacity for concrete admixtures in the US.