Gypsum – a building material prepares for the future

The most important market for gypsum in Germany is the construction sector, where both gypsum and anhydrite are used in large quantities. As with the construction sector, the gypsum sector is also experiencing the consequences of the economic crisis. However, according to the Federal German Association of the Gypsum Industry the situation in the German market has also been difficult in previous years so that certainly not much will change. “On the contrary, there is the chance that the construction sector could experience a near-term recovery due to the governmental business-boosting program”, guesses the Bundesverband der Gipsindustrie e.V. (German Association of the Lime Industry). The construction sector and, consequently, the gypsum industry, will profit from the planned rehabilitation of communal facilities.
According to information given by its federal association the gypsum sector had to suffer severe losses in exports in 2008: the gypsum exports to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia clearly dropped and those to England and Ireland almost collapsed. Thus, the German market remains an important sector, in particular in the field of renovation and rehabilitation. In addition to the price, a constant product quality and innovative force, which not only follows the trend but also sets it, are the predominant purchasing criteria of German customers according to the federal association.
The prevailing fields of application for the multi-faceted building material are self-levelling floor screed, plaster blocks, render and plasterboard. Particularly in the field of gypsum boards a great variety of new developments and fields of application show the trends for 2009. Gypsum now especially scores in the fields of thermal and sound insulation, primarily due to its building physical properties. Amongst other things, they are further developed in heat insulation and noise control. In addition to an increased quality of life, cost savings are in the focus of attention. This is not only demanded by laws, rules and regulations but also by many owners since a reduction of the heating expenses is important to them. In 2009 the climate protection and conservation of resources continue to be important topics for the gypsum industry.
The efforts to give the building material further useful properties, in addition to the already existing favourable ones, are another important focal point. For example, this refers to the protection against electromagnetic radiation or the reduction of odorous or harmful substances. Special tools also promise a quicker and more efficient application of gypsum boards.
The building material gypsum will again be the trendsetter in interior finish in 2009.