Markets: European market for windows and doors value rockets to $78.06bn in 2028

The market for windows and in Europe has received some encouraging news with the latest market forecasts from intelligence powerhouse Research and Markets. In it’s informative latest report ‘Europe Doors and Windows Market – Industry Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028’, the research organisations predicts that the market will rise in value from $61.23bn in 2022 to $78.06bn in 2028. This equates to the European doors and windows market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.13% from 2022-2028.

There are a number of key drivers and market trends that Research and Markets have highlighted in its analysis of the European market. Firstly, the integration of photovoltaics in fenestration. Modern construction styles provide several opportunities for installing BIPV materials and glass in window panels instead of plain or just glazed-glass panels in the Europe doors and windows market. High-rise buildings have windows on the sides, and multistory office buildings with glass curtain walls or facades offer ample opportunities for vendors to incorporate BIPV glass in openable and fixed windows.

Therefore, suitable doors and windows in the building envelope can be used for several integrated installations using photovoltaic modules and thin films. These innovative doors and windows can also be integrated with the building fabric. One of the most diversely used solar energy-harnessing materials in buildings is photovoltaic glass, which is available in thin films and window glass panes.

Secondly, improving investments in housing. Europe is known for its innovation in the industrial and consumer markets. Western Europe is among the largest markets for connected products in the world. The manufacturing industry in Europe contributes to about 15% of the GDP. Moreover, many big players in the doors and windows market are also based in Europe. Furthermore, the European Union (EU) has initiated the Horizon 2020 program, the most extensive R&D funding and innovation program. The program focuses on creating industrial leadership by evolving current manufacturing operations using advanced computing, sensor technology, and robotics. Also, the renovation activities to increase energy efficiency and attain nearly zero-energy building status present long-term growth opportunities for the Europe doors and windows market.

Thirdly,  usage of switchable and smart glass. The smart switchable glass is primarily used for privacy purposes and is also referred to as privacy glass. The switchable glass is used in educational institutions, hospitals, bathrooms, commercial offices or workplaces, windows, residential areas, doors and sliding doors, and many other applications. The smart glass becomes transparent immediately after switching on lights and switches to translucent after a power cut. Smart glass technology allows for a light-filled space in private mode, making it a perfect option for exterior and interior glass doors and windows. It can be fitted into a broad range of shapes and sizes to fit any door, from sliding doors in glass office partitions to front doors in ultra-luxury homes and windows and panels in industrial and commercial buildings. Therefore, the rise in the adoption of smart glass technology is expected to contribute to the Europe doors and windows market significantly.

The report also highlights a number of industry restraints, with the most prominent being the emergence of market softening due to fragmentation. The Europe doors and windows market has become fragmented and undifferentiated due to the presence of several vendors, with most of them dealing with similar or not functionally different products.

The fragmented European industry faces several challenges of becoming a soft market, where the number of sellers is likely to become higher than the number of potential buyers. In Europe, over 300 vendors constituted 60% of the market in 2022, and the remaining share will be held & distributed among over 4,900 small-scale businesses. This has also led to the softening of the already-fragmented doors industry.

The Europe doors and windows market is highly fragmented, with over 5,000 manufacturers across significant markets. The industry has long been steered by customer demand. The manufacturers have continuously introduced new products, but this does not increase customer demand due to the infrequent product updates and a longer replacement cycle of doors and windows. Furthermore, it is difficult to quantify the exact number of doors and window manufacturers across Europe because numerous small-scale and unidentifiable vendors and micro businesses are active in the market.

JELD-WEN, Inwido, VKR Group, and Internorm are the key players in the Europe doors and windows market. The growth of market vendors depends on industry conditions, technological innovations, and industry development. Access to the capital requirements bars the entry of new players in the market as the development and commercialization of efficient glazing technologies remain with a few vital capital-intensive areas. Therefore, existing vendors must expand in different regions while reviving domestic demand to achieve sustained growth.

Research and Markets have identified the leading European market players as: JELD-WEN; Inwido; VKR Group; Internorm; Dormakaba; ASSA ABLOY; GEZE; Gretsch-Unitas; NorDan; Arbonia; Aluplast; Josko; Reynaers Aluminum; Ford Windows; Indigo Products; Gealan; Astraseal; Neuffer Windows + Doors; Schuco International; Profine Group; Masco Corporation; Veka; Bertrand; Gartfen; Goran; Kinex; Karo; Korzekwa; Slowinscy; Weru; Rawington; Crystal Windows.

Why it matters: Across Europe innovation is driving the demand for windows and doors. Fenestration is seen as an investment for the good. This innovation relates directly to emphasis being played on improving the quality of the housing stock and the drive toward a carbon neutral environment. Privacy is also a key consideration in more densely populated regions, and this is driving the demand for switchable and smart glass. Mainland Europe is driving the global market.