The global fiberglass pipe market was estimated at USD 3.83 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 6.19 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 5.6%. Fiberglass pipe is used for potable water use ranging in size from 1inch through 144 inches in diameter. The pressure classes range for such fiberglass from 50 psi through 250 psi. The design defines different stiffness categories and also about the exterior loading applied to the pipe. Benefits in using such pipes include lightweight, corrosion resistance, low installation cost, sophistication, and hydraulic smoothness. Disadvantages of the use of fiberglass pipes include vulnerability to mechanical damage, low modulus of electricity, and lack of a standard jointing system.
A method of manufacturing a pipe is called filament winding. Glass-fiber saturated with resin is wound around a mandrel under controlled environments. Thus, the inside diameter of the pipe is fixed by mandrel diameter and the thickness of the wall is governed by pressure and stiffness class as specified. Another method of manufacturing is centrifugal casting. The fiberglass and resin reinforcement are applied to the mold and are rotated and heated.
The outer diameter of the pipe is determined by the mold and the inside diameter diverges dependent on the wall thickness. Therefore, various methods are used by several manufacturers to join pipe sections and fittings. Overall, considering the advantages and production techniques coupled with driving factors the global fiberglass market is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.
The key driving factors responsible for the growth of the fiberglass pipes market include a rise in demand for fiberglass pipes in sewage owing to lightweight, dimensional stability, resistance to corrosion, sophistication in installation and water management applications, and better mechanical properties resulting in an enhanced product life with lower maintenance costs. However, high costs of materials act as a major restraint to market growth.
Based on type, the global fiberglass pipes market is segmented into GRP and GRE. Based on fiber, the global fiberglass pipes market is segmented into E-Glass and T-Glass. Based on application, the global fiberglass pipes market is segmented into oil & gas, chemicals, irrigation, and sewage. The chemical segment dominates the global market in the fiberglass pipes market during the forecast period.
Based on geographic segmentation, the global fiberglass pipes market spans North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. APAC regions dominate the global fiberglass pipes market due to the presence of large chemical industry and government and heavy spending by the government on waste and water management. Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian markets are anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period. North America is estimated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period, followed by Europe and Middle-East regions. The key players in the global fiberglass pipes market include Arkema, Mitsubishi Plastics Inc, Formosa Plastics Corporation, SGL Group, Huntsman Corporation, PPG industries, and Taishan Fiberglass Inc.
Market Segmentation
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• GRE Pipes
• GRP Pipes
• Others
Fiber Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• E-glass
• T-Glass/ S-Glass/ R-Glass
• Others
End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• Oil & Gas
• Chemicals
• Sewage
• Irrigation
• Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)
• North America
• the U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Russia
• the UK
• France
• Germany
• the Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Australia
• Central & South America
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
Research Support Specialist, USA