The plaster market - France

Since 2020, the gypsum market has been evolving in a complex landscape marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions. The construction sector, a crucial driver of gypsum demand, has experienced fluctuations, with plaster sales down 7.4% in 2020 due to site cancellations during the shutdowns. The French domestic market, driven largely by renovation and energy-retrofit incentives such as MaPrimeRénov', has seen an increase in demand for gypsum-based products as part of a growing trend towards home improvement.

However, the new-build market is lagging behind, affected by a decline in building permits. internationally, French gypsum exports rose by 6.1%, from $42 million to $53 million, with 80% of imports coming from Western Europe. The industry was also hit by material shortages, causing supply difficulties for 60% of companies, with the ensuing project delays amplifying the challenges.

Despite these difficulties, major groups such as Saint-Gobain posted profitable results thanks to price increases. Overall, the post-2020 period has been characterized by a stark dichotomy between booming renovation demand and a flagging new-build market, all against a backdrop of material shortages and rising energy prices.

Gypsum market trends and analysis of demand in France

The French gypsum market, which relies mainly on the popularity of plasterboard and tiles, experienced a slow growth trajectory until 2025. Despite this slowdown, the sector has seen an increase in plasterwork sales, rising to almost 7 billion euros in 2021. This increase suggests a potential resilience in demand. The market is also characterized by clusters of local demand, given the strong dependence on construction activities, particularly renovations.

Driven by a desire for comfort, and encouraged by government incentives such as the Crédit d'Impôt pour la Transition Énergétique and the zero-rate eco-loan, more and more homeowners are looking to improve their homes. Data shows that the French are increasingly inclined to carry out renovation work, with the percentage of private individuals engaging in this type of activity on the rise. On the other hand, new construction activity presents a contrasting and gloomy picture, indicated by a substantial slowdown, almost at half-mast, particularly in the single-family and multi-family housing sectors. Both permits and housing starts have fallen significantly, by between 1.7% and 8.7%.

Despite this, the renovation market is enjoying renewed dynamism, driven by the appeal of energy-saving renovations under schemes such as MaPrimeRénov'. The industry forecasts a need to renovate up to 20 million homes by 2050, potentially boosting the plaster market to around 75 billion euros. Faced with raw material shortages, price rises and global trade disruptions, such as those caused by the Covid-19 crisis, the construction sector, including the gypsum market, has been faced with significant challenges. The scarcity dilemma is underlined by a 60% reporting rate of companies facing supply problems, indicating substantial repercussions on project timescales.

Rising world energy prices, exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, have pushed up gypsum prices by around 3.3%. These cost increases are attributed to the energy-intensive gypsum production process. The French gypsum market thus presents a complex interplay between a stagnant new-build segment and a booming renovation sector, where ecological considerations and energy efficiency are driving demand. At the same time, it faces material shortages and high prices, making market conditions particularly difficult for stakeholders.

The key players shaping the gypsum market landscape

As we delve into the intricacies of the gypsum market, it's imperative to recognize the contributions of the key players actively shaping the industry. These companies are at the forefront of innovation and production, ensuring that the market remains dynamic and responsive to changing consumer demands and construction trends. Let's take a closer look at some of these influential market players.

• Knauf Plâtres & Cie: A giant in the plaster industry, Knauf Plâtres stands out for the robustness of its product range, which meets the diverse needs of the construction industry. Knauf's commitment to quality and innovation has consolidated its reputation as a leading supplier of reliable solutions for plasterboard and other gypsum-based products.
• Placoplatre (Saint-Gobain subsidiary): Under the Saint-Gobain Group umbrella, Placoplatre is synonymous with durability and performance. The company's expertise extends to the manufacture of high-quality gypsum products while reinforcing the sustainability of its activities. Its ingenious approach to plasterboard and tile manufacturing has made it an influential figure in the market.
• Siniat: With its resilience and adaptability, Siniat occupies an important position in the market. The company's focus on manufacturing high-quality gypsum products has enabled it to maintain a strong presence and continue to meet the complex demands of modern construction and renovation projects.
• Plâtrerie Île-de-France: This company is distinguished by a smaller but powerful workforce, delivering exceptional quality on every project. Ile-de-France Plâtrerie's portfolio includes prestigious projects such as the Philharmonie de Paris, testifying to its ability to deliver superior workmanship.
• Werey Stenger: With a rich history and a passion for plastering, Werey Stenger has carved out a place for itself in the market. Winning awards for its work on historic buildings such as the Gerstheim church in Alsace underlines its commitment to excellence in plasterwork.
• Isolation 2000: With its emphasis on energy efficiency and innovation, Isolation 2000 has made its mark by contributing to the sustainable aspect of construction. Its noteworthy involvement in the Fondation Louis Vuitton project bears witness to its ability to combine aesthetics with environmentally-friendly construction principles.

The collective efforts of these companies, large and small, have created a competitive and versatile market environment. From large-scale manufacturing by prominent industry leaders to the detailed craftsmanship of smaller companies, the gypsum market is rich in diverse expertise and unwavering dedication to the advancement of the industry

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 18/05/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Gypsum plastering sales by value
• Breakdown of "Gypsum and insulation trades" by activity
• Sales trends in the plasterboard market
• Percentage of French people who have carried out renovations, by respondent profile
• Cumulative total number of units
• Legal status of plaster companies with fewer than 20 employees
• Acoustic insulation sales trend
• Main French gypsum importing countries
• Main countries exporting gypsum to France
• Foreign trade in gypsum
• The consequences of supply difficulties
• Change in the cement, lime and plaster price index
• Trend in the price index for concrete, cement and plaster products