COVID-19 impact on building material supply chains
30% of building materials are produced in China, and stone and glass are made in Italy. Both countries were hard hit in the first quarter. Construction companies have reported shortages throughout the pandemic, and home buying has declined worldwide.
Consumers have become less brand loyal and more focused on procuring building materials. Additionally, specific types of materials, such as plexiglass and window clings, have experienced significant increases in demand due to social distancing guidelines.
CO2 emission cuts in the cement industry
Cement production contributes 7%-8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, highlighting the industry’s large carbon footprint. This industry’s footprint results from high fuel requirements, although companies have begun implementing limiting measures. There will be pressure on the cement industry to reduce its emissions, especially since it is projected to increase significantly over the next three decades.
The push to curb emissions in the cement industry is strongest in the EU, where almost all companies have set emission reduction targets for 2030. The cement industry aims to cut emissions by increasing alternative raw materials and fuels in cement production.
U.S. housing prices remain flat
Demand for housing in the U.S. market will stay flat and entry-level homes will affect profits and margins. Additionally, the housing cycle may peak, leading to less growth in new homes. This will lead to fewer materials used per home and fewer premium products installed.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced construction and new home purchases. Despite decreased demand, housing prices did not budge amid the pandemic. As a result, millennials have shifted away from buying premium building products towards mid-priced choices.
Commercial and infrastructure construction remains healthy.
States have increased spending on transportation infrastructure, and commercial construction has remained strong, especially in building large distribution centers.
State investment in roads and bridges has been good for aggregates, cement, and other heavy material building materials. Moreover, there is high confidence that this trend will continue in 2023 since much of this spending comes from specific sources such as bonds, license fees, and tools, not general tax revenue.
The impact of tariffs
Most companies in the building materials industry have adjusted to the effects of tariffs on prices and commodity costs in the past year. However, new or increased tariffs in 2023 combined with decreased demand would be more challenging for the industry to combat.
Another round of tariffs in 2021 could raise prices for building materials to the point where demand is negatively affected. However, if no new tariffs are installed, profit margins could expand as companies adjust to price increases.
Acquisition activity in the construction industry mainly slows.
Buyers and investors have walked out of acquisition deals, and acquisition activity is expected to remain low for the remainder of 2022. Private equity acquisition activity has slowed (with the exceptions of roofing and distribution) as companies are looking to get their balance sheets. In addition, increased uncertainty because of the pandemic will result in subdued acquisition activity and more internal investments.
Increased focus on outdoor spaces
Another impact of the pandemic is a substantial increase in DIY outdoor renovation and construction projects. It has led to skyrocketing demand for building materials related to the construction of outdoor spaces.
Consumers seek to build outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and patios as they spend more time outside working and relaxing. Building material producers should take advantage of this opportunity and increase marketing for materials involved in outdoor projects.
Comfort over brand
More home buyers and renovators are looking for more quiet spaces and less flashy designs. Lighting and building materials are employed to create minimalistic spaces in the house, unlike a few years ago when logos were meant to be visible.
For example, wool bricks that can be produced with less environmental impact and are more resistant to cold climates are becoming more popular as a sustainable alternative. People are less concerned with the brand and more concerned with minimalistic function.
Increased use of PET in cement and paving
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most recycled polymer found in bottles, recording tapes, and electrical components and makes up 18% of total polymers produced worldwide. PET produces much lower rates of carbon dioxide emissions than other polymer foams. It is also made of 100% recycled material.
PET foam panels perform well in thermoformability, temperature resistance, and fatigue resistance. As a result, PET can be used in concrete to improve strength and durability. It can also help improve the stability of road pavement.
Mass timber gains popularity in the U.S.
Mass timber has several forms, including glue-laminated beams, dowel-laminated timber, and nail-laminated timber. The most common form is cross-laminated timber (CLT), and it can be used to make walls, ceilings, floors, and even buildings. The world’s largest mass timber structure is 18 stories, 280 feet, and a larger 80-story wooden tower is proposed for Chicago.
Mass timber performs well in the fire, reduces carbon emissions, and results in faster construction with lower labor costs. If mass timber construction is coupled with sustainable forestry, it could significantly affect environmental impacts. In 2021, the first CLT manufacturing facility opened in Spokane, Washington.
Building Materials Industry Stats and Growth Projections in 2021
1. Cement Production could rise by as much as 23% by 2050 as the global population grows
The global population is expected to grow significantly and become more urbanized. This increased demand for cement is weighed against the need to cut carbon dioxide emissions. As a result, companies are investing in alternative fuels in the production process and large-scale concrete recycling to meet this demand in industry growth while meeting environmental responsibilities. More industry research into CO2-capturing technology may help meet this demand while demonstrating sustainability.
2. The green building materials market is expected to reach $1 trillion in 2023
Eco-conscious construction trends and the increase in non-residential green buildings in the U.S. are driving the explosion in demand for green building materials. Non-residential buildings compose 40-48% of green buildings in the U.S., up from 1.4% in 2005. This green construction trend was responsible for over 3.3 million jobs in 2018.
3. 9 billion traditional bricks are manufactured each year
Consumers are looking for more sustainable alternatives to bricks that create greenhouse gases and airborne toxins in the production process. Developed wool bricks are 37% stronger than traditional bricks and dry hard. This reduces the gases produced by firing and the energy needed to fire them.
4. Compared to reinforced concrete buildings, CLT buildings represent a 26.5% reduction in global warming potential
Cement and concrete manufacturing is responsible for 8% of GHG emissions, and the global steel and iron industry is responsible for 5% of GHG emissions. All these emissions can be avoided with the substitution of CLT mass timber. It will eliminate the need to use fossil fuels to make steel and concrete structures.
5. Announced Mergers and Acquisitions plunged 83% in deal value compared with last year
Because of COVID-19, acquisition activity faced a steep decline, $106 billion this past quarter compared to $622 billion for the same period in 2019. Due to the U.S. failing to contain the pandemic, confidence levels will likely stay low for the rest of the year.
6. Although home sales in April fell by 18%, home prices rose 7.4% compared to last year
Although housing demand declined as people lost their jobs and faced economic insecurity, home prices remained largely unchanged. This is because potential home sellers also pulled out of the market, and the drop in demand has been met with a proportional decrease in supply. However, economists predict that housing prices will drop by 2 to 3% in the long run.
7. PET core material produces 34% lower carbon dioxide emissions compared with traditional PET foams
Polyethylene Terephthalate foam cores have a higher temperature resistance, are suitable for thermoforming, and are compatible with various production processes. They are made of 100% post-consumer recycled material and can be recycled after usage. In the next few years, the use of PET in the composite industry can be expected to increase.
8. Total input costs for overall construction increased by 4.9%
This increase in input costs is attributable to the tariffs placed on steel and aluminum imports. Structural metal for nonindustrial buildings increased 13.1%, and aluminum mill shapes increased 5.9%. If the U.S. increases or implements new tariffs, it could negatively affect the building materials industry when combined with decreased demand.
9. The self-healing concrete market will reach $1.37 billion by 2025
Self-healing concretes are made with the help of bacteria that can survive in concrete for hundreds of years and produce limestone that can fill up and repair cracks. This reduces the chance of corrosion, improving the life of concrete structures. Although product costs slow the growth of self-healing concrete in the U.S., market prices are expected to decline over the next few years.
10. The value of the electrochromic smart glass market is expected to reach 3.75 billion by 2026
Switchable smart glass is a popular new building material utilized in residential properties, offices, hospitals, and airports. It is durable, provides UV protection, and can help save up to 30% on energy costs. It allows users to adjust the amount of light and heat that enters the building and can rapidly turn opaque to provide privacy.