European Active Insulation Market 2025-2035

European Active Insulation Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Building and Construction Product (Mineral Wool, EPS, Glass Wool, and Others), by Textile Product (Polyester, Cotton, Nylon, and Wool), By Application (Building and Construction (Commercial and Residential) and Textile (Activewear, Sportswear, and Others), Forecast Period (2026-2035)

Industry Overview

European active insulation market was valued at $7.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $15.0 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The rising preference for sustainable and recycled performance fabrics, along with consumers demanding eco-friendly activewear and outdoor apparel across Europe, is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Manufacturers across Europe are focusing on innovating the materials that deliver both high performance and environmental benefits. For instance, in March 2023, Schoeller Textil AG launched Re-Source. Re-Source is a new sustainable collection that uses recycled materials from both bio-based polyester and spandex fabrics to offer modern design and high functionality.

Market Dynamics

Growing Focus on Low-Carbon Insulation in Europe

The European active insulation is growing by increasing investments in low-carbon insulation solutions. The manufacturers across the region are expanding their production capacities, further propelling the growth of the market during the forecast period. For instance,

• In June 2025, Saint-Gobain announced the launch of the lowest-carbon glass wool insulation plant in Finland. The launch of the plant will reinforce the Group’s leadership in light construction in Finland. These developments will further address the growing demand for efficient, sustainable solutions that improve occupant comfort while lowering the carbon footprint of buildings.
• Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland announced plans to launch a new low-carbon stone wool insulation manufacturing factory by 2027. The new factory will begin its production in 2027 and is expected to deliver 250 new high-quality jobs when at full capacity.

Capacity Expansion Driving Market Growth

The active insulation market in Europe is gaining momentum as companies focus on expanding capacity during the forecast period. For instance, Rockwool A/S, headquartered in Denmark, creates a wide range of stone wool products. The company announced that the company will grow faster by launching new products and services in Europe. The company states that they will ensure to improve customer service and productivity of their production platforms. Additionally, the company will expand capacity to meet the steadily growing demand of its consumers.

Market Segmentation

• Based on the building and construction product, the market is segmented into Mineral Wool, EPS, Glass Wool, and Others.
• Based on the Textile product, the market is segmented into Polyester, Cotton, Nylon, and Wool.
• Based on the application, the market is segmented into Building and Construction (Commercial and Residential) and Textile (Activewear, Sportswear, and Others).

Building and Construction Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share

The European active insulation industry is undergoing significant growth due to rising demand for energy-efficient materials. The strict regulations by the European government for higher insulation standards in both residential and commercial projects are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

For instance, the European Commission revealed the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

• The government is achieving a fully decarbonised building stock by 2050.
• The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive contributes directly to the EU’s energy and climate goals.
• 85% of European buildings were built before 2000, and 75% have poor energy performance.

Thus, these initiatives are set to accelerate the growth of Europe’s active insulation market during the forecast period.

Textile: A Key Segment in Market Growth

The textile segment is expected to be a key driver of Europe's active insulation market, demand for sustainable and high-performance materials in sportswear and outdoor apparel. For instance,

• Polartec, a division of Milliken & Company, celebrated 13 years of game-changing innovation in the active insulation market. The company develops materials that provide dynamic warmth and adapt to the stop-and-start demands of activities in unpredictable environments.
• In July 2023, PrimaLoft evolved the performance of its active insulation range. The company has breathable, moisture management, and stretch capabilities based on outdoor and lifestyle apparel.

Regional Outlook

The European active insulation market is further divided by countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe.

Germany Dominates the Market with a Major Share

The active insulation market in Germany is growing as demand for low-carbon building materials is increasing, fueled by strict EU energy efficiency regulations and sustainability goals. The market players are joining forces to enable the construction sector to reduce embodied carbon while meeting performance standards to deliver high performance standards. For instance, in August 2024, Covestro and Carlisle Construction Materials announced their partnership to produce bio-circular polyiso insulation boards with significantly lower carbon footprints. The partnership will continue to innovate in sustainable construction materials. Thus, this shift towards high-performance insulation is expected to accelerate the adoption of active insulation across Europe.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the European active insulation market include Kingspan Group, Knauf Insulation, Owens Corning, Recticel Insulation, Saint-Gobain S.A., and Unifi Inc., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Unilin expanded into Eastern Europe with a new fully automated plant in Poland, set to produce 8 million square meters of insulation material annually.

o Unilin announced a plan to invest €40 million to build a new insulation plant in Poland.

o The plant aims to capture growth in the Eastern European market.

o Scheduled to be operational by late 2026.

o The facility will create 40 jobs.

o The plant will produce 8 million m² of insulation boards annually.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2024 and forecast to 2035.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the European active insulation market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.

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