Forecasts offered for geosynthetics industry

U.S. demand to grow 5% annually through 2010

Domestic demand for geosynthetics is projected to increase 5% per year through 2010 to more than 850 million yd2, according to press releases from industry observers.

A recovery in nonbuilding construction spending from a weak 2005 will fuel advances for geosynthetics demand. Geosynthetics will continue to increase their uses in a wider range of applications, such as building construction and mining. Ongoing industry efforts to increase awareness among engineers and other specifiers of the benefits of geosynthetics in various markets also support growing demand.

In 2005, geotextiles accounted for the largest share of geosynthetics demand, with approximately 75% of the total in terms of area. However, in value terms, geomembranes accounted for the largest share of the market, with about 50% of the total, as geomembranes are more expensive than geotextiles per yd².

Smaller volume geosynthetic products, such as geogrids, are expected to achieve stronger growth through 2010 than the more established geotexile and geomembrane segments. Preformed geocomposites will also see above-average growth, according to reports. Geogrids and preformed geocomposites are expected to benefit from the ongoing development of new applications and new composite combinations.