Windows of opportunity
The PVC-U fenestration industry is undergoing a major transformation, marked by shifts in market trends, homeowner preferences, and a growing focus on sustainability. Charlotte Hawkes, director of Keystone Market Research, reveals key data from the company’s latest Keystone Fenestration Market Report, to help companies looking to align with emerging trends and position themselves for growth.
The PVC-U fenestration market has seen major fluctuations over recent years, reflecting the broader economic situation, shifts in consumer behaviour, and advancements in product offerings.
The latest insights from our PVC-U Fenestration Market Statistics Report reveal that while some segments of the market appear to have stabilised, others are experiencing significant growth or decline.
One of the most interesting findings in the report is the above average growth of companies offering specialised, higher-value products, such as sliding sash windows. While the broader industry has experienced some volatility, these niche offerings have been bucking the trend, showing strong growth.
The rising popularity of sliding sash windows indicates a shift toward premium products and suggests that there is significant potential for companies focusing on high-value products to capitalise on this demand.
The industry’s efforts in sustainability are also gaining momentum, the report highlights consistent year-on-year increases in the proportion of recycled content in PVC-U profiles. Currently, recycled content makes up 25% of the total UK production volume, reflecting a growing commitment from manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact and offer more sustainable solutions.
As regulatory pressures grow, as well as increasing consumer demand for greener products, this positions our industry well for the future. The amount varies considerably between manufacturers however, so can be used as a valuable differentiator by the systems companies leading the market in this area.
Another key trend identified in the report is the stabilisation of foiled window profiles, which currently accounts for 31% of the overall market. However, within this seemingly stable segment, and as with the recycled content proportions, certain companies are outperforming the market, achieving up to double the average with their value-added foiled product offerings.
This success suggests that while the overall foiled proportion may have stabilised, there remains substantial potential for growth in this area, particularly as our consumer reports also highlight a growing tendency to experiment with colour and increasing importance on style.
As the industry continues to evolve, businesses must be proactive in identifying and seizing these emerging opportunities. By focusing on higher-value, customised products, enhancing sustainability practices, and understanding niche market demands, companies in the PVC-U fenestration sector can position themselves to for growth.
The full Keystone PVC-U Fenestration Market Report offers a comprehensive analysis of these trends and more, providing valuable insights for industry stakeholders looking to navigate the future with confidence. For more information visit www.keystonemr.co.uk.