The window market - France

Windows are designed to open buildings up to the outside world: most are made of PVC, but they can also be made of aluminum or wood. Most window sales take place during the construction or renovation of buildings. The window market experienced strong growth between 2000 and 2008, but is now running out of steam until 2016: the market declined by more than 16% from 2008 to 2016. In 2016, sales recovered and growth resumed, with +3% recorded over the year, with more than 10 million units sold. 2021 was a record year for sales volume, with over 11 million windows sold. PVC accounts for almost 2/3 of the market, ahead of aluminum and wood. Window installation in the new-build market accounts for a quarter of the market, while the rest is taken up by renovation, often replacing wood with PVC. This dynamic market rebound is partly due to the upturn in the housing and construction market in recent years. In recent years, this renewed dynamism has made itself felt. The market is shared between a few large French companies, generally with a European or even global reach. Competition between the different types of material seems to be established geographically. Aluminum is more successful in the South, wood in the West and PVC in the East and Paris region. Strategies are based on reducing production costs, but also on developing innovative products that reduce environmental impact by minimizing energy loss through windows. In 2013, the government's decision to no longer include window renovations in tax deductions worried professionals, as the negative consequences were expected immediately : however, since 2017, numerous state aids have enabled the market to recover (ELAN law, energy transition law, tax credits, etc.). In addition, let's highlight the technological challenge of offering innovative windows such as connected windows that can easily manage ventilation.