the Glass Fiber Market | France

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Fiberglass is a filamentous material obtained by stretching softened or melted glass [Larousse]. Since its patenting in 1930, fiberglass has become an essential element of insulation and construction in many industries: buildings, transport, electricity, sports, leisure and industrial equipment.

The manufacture of glass fibers in France is included under the code 23.14Z in the nomenclature of French activities (INSEE). We will therefore focus on the companies included in this class. The fiberglass market is a sub-segment of the glass and glassware market which is itself included in non-metallic mineral products.

France counted 200 companies in the glass market in 2016, and, therefore, less than 200 companies in the glass fiber market, which makes it a market with relatively few players involved. The market leaders are Saint Gobain and its subsidiary Isover, Owens Corning (United States) and Xella (Germany). The French production of glass fibers represents approximately 8,3% of the global market for total lens production.

The market is driven upwards by the following factors: very dynamic aeronautics and automotive industries on the one hand, and energy renovation and new construction on the other hand. The latter segment faces an imposing regulatory framework.