Europe Fiber Cement Board Market Outlook, 2030

The global fiber cement board market has shown steady growth in recent years, driven by rising demand for sustainable construction materials and increasing awareness around energy-efficient and fire-resistant building solutions. The boards are widely used for external siding, internal walls, ceilings, and partitions, offering a viable alternative to wood, vinyl, and traditional gypsum products. Promotional strategies by major market players such as James Hardie Industries, Etex Group, and Everest Industries have focused heavily on highlighting these benefits, while forming strategic partnerships with contractors and developers to expand market penetration. These companies are also investing in digital marketing, homebuilder sponsorships, and green-building awareness campaigns to improve brand visibility. For instance, the company Nuvoco Vistas Corp.Ltd. Launched the Zero M Tile Adhesive T5 which is a two-component epoxy-based polyurethane adhesive designed for versatile tile and stone application across various substrates, including cement sheets and metal surfaces. Modern fiber cement boards are now required to comply with stringent safety certifications and environmental standards, such as LEED and GreenGuard, to appeal to eco-conscious builders and comply with international codes. Additionally, regulatory agencies such as the EPA, ASTM, and ICC have imposed stringent guidelines to ensure product quality, environmental performance, and worker safety. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on reducing carbon footprints, recycling raw materials, and adopting energy-efficient production technologies to align with evolving global standards. In June 2022, Swisspearl Group has recently made an announcement regarding its acquisition of Cembrit. This strategic decision was undertaken by the Swisspearl Group with the aim of expanding its presence in the international market and strengthening its portfolio of production sites.

According to the research report, ""Global Fiber Cement Board Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Global Fiber Cement Board market was valued at more than USD 16.70 Billion in 2024, with the CAGR of 5.95% from 2025-2030. Fiber cement boards, known for their strength, moisture resistance, and low maintenance, are being widely used in both residential and commercial applications, including cladding, roofing, flooring, and partition walls. In Aug 2023, the open-access Spatial Hub was launched by the Improvement Services (IS). It is a government data resource that contains valuable information about the construction industry which is specifically covering Scotland. Technological advancements have also contributed to market growth, with manufacturers introducing lighter, more flexible, and aesthetically appealing boards to cater to modern architectural preferences. For instance, companies like James Hardie, Etex Group, and Nichiha Corporation are investing in R&D to develop enhanced fiber cement products with improved thermal insulation, soundproofing, and environmental performance. Post-COVID developments have also been significant while the pandemic initially caused a slump in construction activity and supply chain disruptions, the recovery phase witnessed a sharp rebound in home improvement projects and infrastructure spending, especially through government stimulus packages. This, coupled with a labor shortage in traditional construction methods, has prompted a rise in prefabricated construction, where fiber cement boards are essential due to their ease of installation and durability. Additionally, digital transformation in the construction sector, including the adoption of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and modular design, is facilitating precise planning and higher demand for pre-sized, engineered boards. In March 2018, Toray Corporation acquired TenCate Advanced Composites Holding B.V., a subsidiary of Koninklijke Ten Cate B.V., for USD 1.12 billion to enhance its fiber cement product portfolio and geographical reach.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Durable and Low-Maintenance Construction Materials: One of the primary drivers of the global fiber cement board market is the increasing demand for durable, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance building materials. Fiber cement boards offer excellent resistance to moisture, termites, rot, and fire, making them ideal for both residential and commercial construction. As urbanization expands and construction projects grow in complexity, developers and architects are opting for fiber cement over traditional materials like wood and gypsum. This shift is particularly notable in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, where long-lasting, weatherproof materials are essential.
• Growth in Infrastructure and Housing Development in Emerging Economies: Rapid industrialization and urban population growth in countries such as China, India, Brazil, and parts of Southeast Asia are fueling a surge in construction activities. Governments in these regions are investing heavily in infrastructure and affordable housing projects, which is boosting the demand for cost-effective and durable building materials like fiber cement boards. These boards are increasingly used for roofing, cladding, and partitioning applications, especially in mass housing and commercial developments, contributing significantly to market growth.

Market Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: The cost of raw materials such as cement, cellulose fibers, and silica plays a crucial role in the profitability of fiber cement board manufacturers. These input prices are often subject to volatility due to supply chain disruptions, energy price fluctuations, and geopolitical instability. Such unpredictability makes it difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent pricing and margins, especially when facing tight competition. This challenge affects smaller players more severely, limiting their ability to scale or invest in product innovation.
• Health Concerns Related to Silica Dust Exposure: Fiber cement boards, during cutting and installation, can release fine silica dust that poses serious health risks such as silicosis when inhaled over time. This has led to growing scrutiny from regulatory bodies and health organizations, especially in developed regions like North America and Europe. Companies face increasing pressure to adopt safer manufacturing practices, provide protective equipment, and comply with stringent occupational safety standards. These regulatory constraints can increase operational costs and complicate installation procedures for end users.

Market Trends

• Increasing Adoption of Green and Sustainable Building Materials: Sustainability is becoming a central theme in global construction practices. Builders and architects are actively seeking materials that reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. Fiber cement boards, made partly from recycled materials and known for their durability, align well with green building certifications like LEED. Manufacturers are also innovating eco-friendly production processes and promoting recyclable variants of fiber cement boards, tapping into the growing eco-conscious consumer base.
• Technological Advancements in Product Design and Installation: Another significant trend is the advancement in fiber cement board formulations and installation systems. Innovations include lightweight panels, enhanced aesthetic finishes that mimic wood or stone, and pre-finished boards that reduce labor time on-site. The adoption of advanced cutting tools and dust control systems is also helping mitigate safety concerns and improve ease of installation. These innovations not only enhance product appeal but also expand fiber cement’s use in interior applications like decorative wall panels and ceilings.

The high-density fiber cement board segment is growing globally due to its superior strength, durability, and resistance to extreme environmental conditions, making it ideal for high-performance commercial and industrial applications.

The global growth of high-density fiber cement boards is primarily driven by their enhanced mechanical properties and versatile performances, which make them increasingly, preferred in demanding construction environments. These boards offer significantly higher impact resistance, moisture tolerance, and load-bearing capacity compared to medium or low-density variants, making them especially suitable for commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects that require long-term durability and minimal maintenance. In an era where construction standards are becoming more stringent and safety regulations are being tightened across regions, the demand for building materials that can withstand harsh conditions without compromising structural integrity has risen. High-density fiber cement boards fulfill these requirements exceptionally well, offering resistance against fire, water, pests, and extreme weather conditions including heavy rains, high winds, and freeze-thaw cycles. Moreover, their ability to retain shape and strength over time, even in areas with fluctuating climates, gives them a competitive edge in both developed and developing markets. Urbanization and infrastructure investments across emerging economies like India, China, Brazil, and parts of Africa are further accelerating adoption, as these regions seek durable and cost-efficient materials that can support large-scale construction. Additionally, the growing focus on green building certifications and sustainable construction is indirectly boosting this segment, since high-density fiber cement boards are non-toxic, contain recyclable content, and have a longer lifecycle, reducing replacement frequency and waste.

Portland cement is gaining prominence in the global fiber cement board industry due to its excellent binding properties, structural strength, and widespread availability, making it the preferred raw material for high-performance and durable construction boards.

The rising use of Portland cement as a key raw material in the global fiber cement board industry is largely attributed to its superior binding capability, long-standing performance record, and compatibility with other composite ingredients like cellulose fibers and silica. As the primary hydraulic binder in fiber cement products, Portland cement plays a crucial role in imparting mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to environmental stressors such as moisture, fire, and biological degradation. Its ability to chemically bond with other materials during the hydration process results in a dense and strong matrix, making fiber cement boards ideal for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications, such as cladding, roofing, flooring underlayments, and partition walls. With construction standards evolving toward enhanced safety and structural resilience especially in commercial, industrial, and high-rise residential buildings manufacturers are favoring Portland cement due to its proven capability to meet these rigorous demands. Additionally, the global supply chain for Portland cement is well established, making it a readily available and economically viable option across both developed and emerging economies. This accessibility supports scalability and consistency in production, which is critical for manufacturers aiming to meet growing global demand. Moreover, as sustainability becomes a key concern in the building materials sector, Portland cement’s long lifecycle and compatibility with recycled content such as fly ash and slag make it adaptable to green manufacturing practices. Its use in fiber cement boards aligns well with green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM, which is increasingly influencing material choices in both public and private construction projects.

The prefabricated shelters segment is growing in the global fiber cement board industry due to the increasing demand for quick, durable, and cost-effective construction solutions that offer high resistance to weather, fire, and pests.

The growth of prefabricated shelters as a key application area in the global fiber cement board industry is primarily driven by the rising global need for fast, affordable, and resilient construction, particularly in disaster-prone areas, remote locations, and rapidly urbanizing regions. Fiber cement boards are becoming the material of choice for prefabricated structures because they offer a unique combination of light weight, durability, fire resistance, moisture resistance, and ease of installation attributes that are essential for modular construction. In the context of prefabricated shelters, which are often required on an urgent basis for uses such as emergency housing, temporary offices, mobile clinics, military camps, and refugee settlements, fiber cement boards provide both structural and functional advantages. These boards can be easily cut, shaped, and transported without compromising their integrity, enabling quicker assembly and disassembly of shelters, thereby reducing overall construction time and labor costs. The global focus on disaster preparedness and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events have prompted governments and NGOs to invest in scalable, reusable, and resilient shelter solutions, further accelerating the adoption of fiber cement boards in this sector. Moreover, the affordability of fiber cement boards compared to traditional materials like concrete or brick makes them highly suitable for cost-sensitive shelter projects, especially in developing regions. In addition to affordability, these boards provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, which is critical in making prefabricated shelters comfortable and livable, even in harsh climates. Their resistance to termites, rot, mold, and fire ensures longevity and safety qualities that are crucial in both temporary and semi-permanent shelters.

The residential end-user segment is growing in the global fiber cement board industry due to rising demand for durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective building materials that offer aesthetic appeal and improved resistance to fire, moisture, and pests.

The growing adoption of fiber cement boards in the residential construction sector globally is driven by a combination of practical, economic, and aesthetic factors that align with modern housing needs. As urbanization intensifies and the demand for affordable yet high-quality housing surges, particularly in developing economies across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa, homeowners and developers are increasingly turning to fiber cement boards as a superior alternative to traditional materials like wood, gypsum, or vinyl. These boards provide excellent durability and long service life with minimal maintenance, making them ideal for exterior and interior residential applications such as siding, roofing underlayment, wall cladding, ceilings, and flooring substrates. Their resistance to fire, moisture, rot, mold, and termites addresses critical concerns in residential construction, especially in areas with humid climates or wildfire risks. Additionally, fiber cement boards contribute to a clean and modern look with various finishes that mimic wood, stone, or smooth textures, catering to homeowners’ growing preference for stylish yet functional homes. As governments worldwide push for safer, energy-efficient, and disaster-resilient housing, fiber cement boards meet several of these regulatory and performance standards, offering improved thermal and acoustic insulation while enhancing overall building safety. In developed markets, renovation and remodeling trends are also driving demand; with fiber cement siding and panels increasingly used in upgrades due to their aesthetic flexibility and low life-cycle cost. Meanwhile, in affordable housing schemes and mass residential developments, the ease of installation and cost competitiveness of fiber cement boards make them highly attractive to builders aiming for scale without compromising quality.

Asia Pacific is growing in the global fiber cement board industry due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development across emerging economies, particularly in China and India.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing robust growth in the global fiber cement board industry, primarily driven by massive urbanization and infrastructure development projects across emerging economies like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These countries are undergoing significant demographic and economic shifts that are fueling demand for modern, durable, and sustainable building materials such as fiber cement boards. In particular, the rapid pace of urbanization in densely populated nations is creating an urgent need for residential and commercial infrastructure, including affordable housing, public utilities, transport networks, and industrial spaces. Governments in these regions are actively investing in smart cities, urban housing schemes, and infrastructure modernization, where fiber cement boards are extensively used for their superior fire resistance, moisture tolerance, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility. The construction boom is accompanied by stricter building codes and an increasing preference for non-combustible, environment-friendly materials, making fiber cement boards a popular choice. Additionally, rising disposable incomes and changing consumer lifestyles are driving the renovation and remodeling of older structures, further boosting demand for lightweight and high-performance materials. Asia Pacific’s large manufacturing base, especially in China and India, also contributes to the growth by offering cost-effective production, abundant raw materials, and skilled labor, enabling local players to cater to both domestic and export markets efficiently. The presence of key global manufacturers in the region, as well as the growth of local enterprises, supports innovation, economies of scale, and competitive pricing.

• In February 2025, Xuan Son Group officially launched Xuan Son Cement at their new plant in Hoa Binh province. Covering 40 hectares with a US$196 million investment, the facility boasts a production capacity of 3.5 million tons per year.
• In February 2025, James Hardie was reported to have unveiled a new and expanded range of Hardie® fiber cement products at the 2025 International Builders’ Show. The updated product lineup included innovations in siding and panel systems, developed to enhance fire resistance, durability, and design flexibility for residential and multifamily construction.
• In January 2025, Ecocem announced plans to build its first production facility for ACT, its low-carbon cement technology, at the Dunkirk site. The new line, set to operate by 2026, will have an initial capacity of 300,000 tons per year.
• In March 2024, Etex acquires BGC's fiber cement and gypsum wallboard businesses. Etex CEO Bernard Delvaux said “We warmly welcome our 200 new teammates coming from BGC. Joining forces with their plasterboard and fiber cement activities are a strategic opportunity for Etex and we take a top three position in the fibre cement market and are eager to start delivering quality fiber cement to new customers.”


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