Middle East and Africa Kidney Bean Market Outlook, 2030

The Europe fiber cement board market is witnessing significant growth, The demand is particularly robust in countries like Germany, France, and the UK, where the construction and renovation of buildings especially in urban areas are accelerating due to rising populations and stricter energy-efficiency regulations. Europe's urbanization rate continues to climb steadily, with over 75% of the population already residing in urban areas and projections indicating further growth in the coming decades. This urban shift is creating a need for high-performance building materials that offer not only structural reliability but also environmental compatibility. Fiber cement boards, known for their resistance to fire, moisture, and termites, as well as their low maintenance and long lifecycle, are increasingly favored by architects, builders, and end-users seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal. For instance, the company Euroform has enhanced its range of Versapanel® cement particle boards with a new A2 certification for fire resistance which helps in high-density, durable exterior coating of minimal combustibility when exposed to fire conditions. This is further contributing to the cement board market share. In March 2024, Etex, the Belgium-based global building materials manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction, closed the acquisition of West Australian construction materials company BGC’s plasterboard and fibre cement businesses. The European Union’s Construction Products Regulation (CPR) mandates strict performance and safety standards, and products must carry CE marking to be traded across EU member states. In July 2023, the United Kingdom government planned to announce an investment of uS$219m to increase the empower the construction of Sizewell C with the launch of Great British Nuclear. Furthermore, countries like Germany have additional national requirements under institutions such as the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt), ensuring even higher compliance for fiber cement boards used in construction.

According to the research report "Europe Fiber Cement Board Market Outlook, 2030", the Europe Fiber Cement Board market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 4.17 billion by 2030. The increasing demand for non-combustible and weather-resistant materials, especially after the implementation of stricter fire safety norms following high-profile incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK. Fiber cement boards, being inherently fire-resistant and free from asbestos, have become a go-to option for external cladding, siding, and roofing applications. Additionally, Europe’s push toward environmentally sustainable construction practices has further encouraged the use of fiber cement boards, which are composed of recyclable materials such as cellulose fibers, sand, and cement. Etex Group, headquartered in Belgium, expanded its European footprint in 2025 with the opening of a €200 million plasterboard and fiber cement board facility in Bristol, UK. In its official March 2025 communication, the company stated that the site would enable over 98% of its Siniat-brand boards sold in the UK and Ireland to be manufactured locally, reducing supply chain dependency and increasing capacity. Opportunities are also emerging from the modular construction and prefab housing sectors, which are gaining popularity across countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland due to their cost and time efficiency. Fiber cement boards fit well into these industrialized building methods as they can be pre-cut and customized off-site, contributing to faster construction cycles. The promotion of energy-efficient homes under the European Green Deal and national recovery plans post-COVID-19 has also catalyzed funding toward sustainable construction materials, including fiber cement. In July 2023, Waugh Thistleton Architects worked with Timber Development UK and released Timber Typologies. In the construction industry over 90% of the concrete can be replaced with timber.

Market Drivers

• Stringent Building Regulations Supporting Non-Combustible Materials: Europe has some of the world’s strictest building safety codes, particularly regarding fire performance and environmental sustainability. After incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK, regulatory bodies have tightened rules for façade materials, increasing the demand for non-combustible, fire-rated products. Fiber cement boards, being A1 or A2 fire-rated in most cases, are compliant with these enhanced safety standards. This regulatory push has prompted widespread adoption in both new construction and retrofitting projects across countries such as Germany, France, and the UK.
• Focus on Sustainable and Long-Life Building Materials: Environmental sustainability is a central pillar of construction policy in Europe, with strong support for circular economy initiatives and long-lasting, recyclable materials. Fiber cement boards are seen as an eco-friendly choice due to their long service life, resistance to degradation, and low maintenance. European consumers and developers are increasingly opting for materials that offer durability without compromising on sustainability. This aligns well with the EU Green Deal and energy efficiency goals, driving the market forward for fiber cement applications in siding, roofing, and partitioning.

Market Challenges

• Complex Compliance Requirements Across Multiple Countries: Europe’s fragmented market, with country-specific regulations, certifications, and building codes, creates a complex landscape for fiber cement manufacturers. What meets compliance in France might need modification to satisfy German or Scandinavian standards. This lack of harmonization increases the burden on manufacturers, requiring multiple product variants, localized testing, and extensive documentation. These complexities slow down market entry and innovation, especially for smaller or non-European producers trying to expand in the region.
• Rising Labor Costs and Installation Complexity: Labor shortages and high wages in Europe’s construction sector especially in Western Europe are driving up installation costs. Fiber cement boards, while durable, require precise cutting, dust control, and skilled installation, which adds time and expense. In a cost-sensitive market, contractors may opt for alternatives like vinyl or composite panels that are easier to work with. Additionally, the need for special tools and health-safe installation practices due to silica dust concerns makes fiber cement adoption slower in projects with limited budgets.

Market Trends

• Increasing Use in Ventilated Façade Systems: Ventilated façades are becoming increasingly popular across Europe for their energy efficiency, moisture management, and aesthetic flexibility. Fiber cement boards are a preferred cladding material in these systems due to their durability, lightweight design, and ability to support diverse finishes. Countries with colder or wetter climates such as the UK, Sweden, and Norway are particularly driving this trend, as ventilated façades help mitigate condensation issues and improve thermal insulation.
• Rising Demand for Prefabricated and Modular Construction: Europe is witnessing a notable shift toward off-site construction methods, including modular and prefabricated buildings, especially in urban housing and commercial sectors. Fiber cement boards are well-suited for prefabrication due to their uniformity, strength, and compatibility with dry construction techniques. As construction timelines shrink and labor shortages intensify, prefabrication offers a way to deliver faster, higher-quality projects boosting demand for easy-to-integrate materials like fiber cement boards in the European market.

Low density fiber cement board is moderately growing in Europe due to its suitability for interior applications and renovations, where lightweight, easy-to-handle, and thermally efficient materials are increasingly preferred.

The moderate growth of low density fiber cement boards in the European fiber cement board industry can be attributed to their growing application in interior segments such as false ceilings, partition walls, and lightweight wall systems areas that have seen steady demand due to renovation activities and the shift toward sustainable building practices. In Europe, there is a heightened focus on energy efficiency, retrofitting older buildings, and incorporating environmentally friendly materials. Low density boards, being lightweight and easier to cut and install compared to higher-density alternatives, offer considerable advantages for such renovation projects, particularly in urban areas with access and logistical constraints. Moreover, countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands have well-established infrastructure and building stock that require periodic upgrades and interior modifications rather than full-scale new construction, supporting the demand for adaptable and easy-to-install materials like low density fiber cement boards. Additionally, the European Green Deal and other energy-efficiency policies are pushing both residential and commercial property owners to improve thermal performance and reduce material waste, both of which align well with the characteristics of low density boards. While they may not be ideal for high-impact exterior applications due to their lower mechanical strength, their excellent insulation properties, fire resistance, and low moisture absorption make them suitable for many indoor uses. Furthermore, the rise in modular construction and prefabrication across several European countries is driving the adoption of lightweight construction boards that allow for faster and safer on-site installation.

Portland cement is the largest raw material type in the Europe fiber cement board industry due to its widespread availability, strong binding properties, and compatibility with stringent European building standards for strength, durability, and fire resistance.

Portland cement dominates as the primary raw material in the European fiber cement board industry because of its proven performance, regulatory compliance, and economic practicality. Known for its excellent binding capacity and structural integrity, Portland cement provides the essential strength and durability required in construction materials, making it a cornerstone component for fiber cement boards used across a range of applications from external cladding and facades to interior walls and roofing underlays. In Europe, strict building codes emphasize fire resistance, longevity, and mechanical stability, all of which Portland cement helps fulfill effectively. Its high resistance to moisture, fire, and pests makes it ideal for varying climatic conditions across Europe, from the damp northern regions to more temperate southern areas. Furthermore, Portland cement is readily available across Europe due to a well-established cement production and distribution infrastructure, keeping procurement and transportation costs manageable for manufacturers. This availability ensures a consistent supply chain, which is critical for large-scale production and supports its continued dominance. The material also aligns well with Europe’s shift toward environmentally responsible construction. While Portland cement does have a high carbon footprint, advancements in manufacturing processes, use of supplementary cementitious materials (like fly ash or slag), and carbon-reduction technologies are gradually improving its environmental profile, making it more acceptable within the context of the EU’s sustainability initiatives.

Furniture applications of fiber cement boards are moderately growing in Europe due to the rising demand for durable, fire-resistant, and minimalist materials in modern and commercial furniture design, especially for customized interior solutions.

The moderate growth of fiber cement boards in furniture applications within the European market is being driven by a combination of aesthetic trends, functional requirements, and sustainability goals. As modern European interior design increasingly leans toward minimalist, industrial, and contemporary styles, fiber cement boards known for their raw, matte, concrete-like appearance are gaining favor in the production of furniture such as countertops, tables, shelving units, and cabinetry. These boards offer a unique blend of visual appeal and practical performance, providing excellent resistance to fire, moisture, pests, and impact features particularly valuable in commercial settings like cafes, offices, retail stores, and public institutions. In addition, as Europe tightens fire safety standards for interior materials, especially in public buildings and shared residential environments, the non-combustible nature of fiber cement boards makes them an attractive material choice for furniture that must comply with such regulations. Their dimensional stability and long-lasting finish reduce the need for frequent replacements, which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and organizations aiming to reduce lifecycle costs and waste. Moreover, architects and custom furniture designers are exploring fiber cement boards as a sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based products, especially in urban areas where design innovation is a key differentiator. Additionally, they require specialized tools and joinery techniques, which not all furniture manufacturers are equipped to handle. The relatively cold and industrial finish of fiber cement, while desirable for some design applications, may not appeal to traditional home furniture buyers, limiting its use largely to niche markets.

The commercial end user segment is moderately growing in the Europe fiber cement board industry due to increasing renovation and retrofitting of office, retail, and hospitality spaces with durable, fire-resistant, and aesthetically versatile materials.

Europe has a vast stock of aging commercial infrastructure that requires modernization to meet current building codes, energy efficiency standards, and aesthetic expectations. Fiber cement boards, known for their excellent durability, fire resistance, moisture tolerance, and low maintenance needs, offer a suitable solution for cladding, partitioning, ceilings, and even certain furniture applications within commercial environments. These attributes are particularly important in public-facing and high-traffic areas, where material performance and regulatory compliance are critical. Countries like Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands are experiencing consistent upgrades in commercial building interiors and exteriors as businesses invest in sustainable, long-lasting materials that reduce lifecycle costs and align with EU-wide green building goals. The material’s adaptability to various architectural styles ranging from sleek modern façades to rustic industrial interiors adds to its appeal in branding-focused sectors such as retail and hospitality. Moreover, fiber cement boards contribute to improved fire safety ratings, a crucial factor in commercial properties where occupant protection and insurance requirements are strict. However, the growth remains moderate rather than high due to several limiting factors. Commercial construction activity in parts of Europe is experiencing a cautious pace, partly due to economic uncertainties, rising material and labor costs, and shifting workplace trends such as remote work, which reduce the demand for large-scale new office spaces. Additionally, while fiber cement boards offer robust performance, their higher initial cost compared to traditional drywall or synthetic panels may deter budget-sensitive projects, especially in small businesses or economically constrained regions.

The UK is leading in the Europe fiber cement board industry due to its advanced construction standards, emphasis on fire safety, and rising demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials.

The United Kingdom stands at the forefront of the fiber cement board industry in Europe, primarily driven by its stringent building regulations, heightened focus on fire safety, and a growing commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient construction practices. In the aftermath of high-profile fire incidents, such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the UK government has implemented stricter fire safety regulations, mandating the use of non-combustible and fire-resistant materials in both new constructions and renovation projects. Fiber cement boards, known for their high fire resistance, low maintenance, and long lifespan, have thus become a material of choice for cladding, partitioning, and roofing applications. The UK’s mature construction market, with a strong focus on quality, durability, and compliance, favors products that offer superior performance while meeting evolving safety standards. Simultaneously, there is a notable shift toward green and energy-efficient buildings as part of the country’s broader net-zero carbon targets and climate action goals. Fiber cement boards align well with these objectives, being low in VOC emissions, highly durable, and recyclable, making them suitable for use in sustainable building designs that aim for BREEAM or other environmental certifications. Urban regeneration and infrastructure modernization projects, particularly in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, are further accelerating demand for high-performance building materials that balance aesthetics, functionality, and compliance. The UK’s strong architectural and engineering base also encourages the use of innovative materials like fiber cement, which can be easily incorporated into modern and contemporary building designs. Moreover, government incentives and initiatives to promote energy efficiency in the residential and commercial sectors are pushing developers and contractors to adopt advanced construction solutions.

This product will be delivered within 2 business days.