Foam Glass Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.82 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 3.61 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 5.04% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Foam Glass Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Foam Glass Market size is estimated at USD 2.82 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 3.61 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Sustained growth reflects rising demand for thermally efficient, fire-resistant, and chemically inert insulation across construction, cryogenic storage, and transportation infrastructure. Lightweight aggregates made from recycled glass are easing geotechnical challenges in road building, while policy pressure for circular materials secures a steady cullet supply for manufacturers. Incremental process innovations, led by additive manufacturing and cold-expansion foaming, are lowering energy use and enabling bespoke components. Moderate but persistent price competition from polymeric foams tempers adoption in cost-sensitive segments, yet premium applications continue to value lifecycle performance over initial costs.
Key Report Takeaways
- By type, closed-cell foam glass captured 61.94% of the foam glass market share in 2024, whereas hybrid-cell variants are projected to expand at 5.85% CAGR to 2030.
- By Manufacturing Process, continuous foaming processes held 63.15% of the foam glass market size in 2024, while additive manufacturing is forecast to register the highest 5.91% CAGR through 2030.
- By application, building and construction accounted for 45.54% of the foam glass market size in 2024, yet the cryogenic and LNG segment heads for a 6.04% CAGR over the outlook period.
- By end-user industry, industrial segment commanded 46.29% of the foam glass market share in 2024 and is also expected to post the highest 6.09% CAGR by 2030.
- By geography, Asia-Pacific led the global foam glass market with 39.33% revenue share in 2024 and is on track for the fastest 5.58% CAGR to 2030.
Global Foam Glass Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid adoption of foam glass as lightweight fill in transportation infrastructure | +1.10% | North America & Europe, expanding to APAC | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rising energy-efficiency regulations boosting demand for high-performance insulation | +0.80% | Global, with strongest enforcement in EU & North America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Industrial uptake for chemically inert insulation in LNG and cryogenic storage | +0.70% | Global, concentrated in energy-producing regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Recycling-mandate driven supply growth of cullet for foam-glass production | +0.60% | Europe leading, North America & APAC following | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| 3-D printed foam-glass components for modular construction | +0.50% | North America & Europe early adoption, APAC scaling | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rapid Adoption of Foam Glass as Lightweight Fill in Transportation Infrastructure
Highway agencies are validating foam glass aggregates as a structural solution in soft-soil projects. The Federal Highway Administration documented load reductions of up to 75% in bridge abutments compared with traditional stone fill. Lower loads cut foundation costs and improve seismic tolerance, while the material’s drainage and thermal properties curb frost heave. Field trials in Norway reported two winter seasons without frost penetration, removing the need for extra frost-protection layers. These results reposition foam glass from an insulation material to an engineered lightweight fill.
Rising Energy-Efficiency Regulations Boosting Demand for High-Performance Insulation
Revised codes in the European Union and North America prioritize whole-building energy outcomes, prompting architects to select materials with reliable thermal performance over decades. FIW studies show foam glass retains conductivity within design limits for 50 years. Its non-organic matrix resists moisture, microbial growth, and degradation that undermine polymeric foams. Cold-climate regions rely on a –269 °C to +482 °C operating window to specify a single insulation solution across temperature zones.
Industrial Uptake for Chemically Inert Insulation in LNG and Cryogenic Storage
Large LNG tanks demand materials that withstand thermal cycling and hydrocarbon exposure without conductivity drift. Closed-cell foam glass used beneath 30,000 m³ tanks helps operators keep boil-off below 0.08 wt% per day[1]Fan Yang et al., “Optimal Design of Cryogenic Insulation System for Large LNG Storage Tanks,” doi.org . In petrochemical plants, its inorganic nature avoids stress-cracking and corrosion, reducing shutdown risks and total ownership costs. Specifiers emphasize material integrity over the service life of equipment operating in aggressive environments.
3-D Printed Foam-Glass Components for Modular Construction
Material extrusion research yields printable slurries that foam in situ, opening pathways for customized, lightweight panels. Early pilots demonstrate shaped blocks that integrate insulation, drainage, and fire protection in a single part. Adoption is moving from prototypes to small-batch production in North America, with Europe investing in automated assembly lines[2]Veronica Gonzalez, “3D-printing formula may transform future of foam,” phys.org .
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High capital-investment requirement for production lines | -0.90% | Global, particularly affecting emerging markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Price competition from cheaper polymeric foams and mineral wool | -0.70% | Global, most intense in price-sensitive segments | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Limited design flexibility for aesthetic architectural use | -0.40% | North America & Europe, premium architectural segments | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
High Capital-Investment Requirement for Production Lines
Building a modern foam glass plant demands USD 50-100 million for high-temperature furnaces, foaming systems, and emission controls[3]S.V. Fedosov et al., “Parametric Optimization of the Thermal Processing of Foam Glass,” iopscience.iop.org . Emerging markets struggle to marshal patient capital and specialist engineering talent, delaying local supply. Minimum efficient capacity often exceeds domestic demand, reinforcing reliance on imports and sustaining moderate industry consolidation.
Price Competition from Cheaper Polymeric Foams and Mineral Wool
Expanded polystyrene and mineral wool undercut foam glass by 40-60% on purchase price, challenging uptake in residential and mid-tier commercial projects. Builders focused on initial cost seldom weigh decades-long performance. Mineral wool’s fire resistance narrows the perceived advantage of foam glass, particularly where cullet supply or energy costs push product prices higher.
Segment Analysis
By Type: Closed Cell Dominance Drives Market Maturity
Closed-cell products held 61.94% of the foam glass market share in 2024, reflecting strong adoption in industrial process pipework and below-grade building envelopes where vapor resistance is critical. The segment benefits from compressive strengths above 4 MPa, supporting load-bearing applications across LNG tanks and cold-storage floors. Hybrid-cell materials, blending closed and open pores, are slated to grow at 5.85% CAGR as formulators optimize densities for both structural and acoustic performance.
Open-cell variants remain niche but gain traction in architectural elements that prioritize sound absorption and breathability. Indoor air quality certifications now reference vapor-permeable insulation, creating pull for open-cell slabs in schools and healthcare projects. Manufacturers integrating over 60% recycled glass content satisfy green building credits and meet circular-economy targets.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Manufacturing Process: Additive Manufacturing Reshapes Production Paradigms
Continuous foaming deployed in tunnel furnaces accounted for 63.15% of the foam glass market size in 2024, leveraging decades of incremental efficiency gains. The approach excels at long runs of standard boards and blocks. Additive manufacturing, however, is poised to expand at 5.91% CAGR as it unlocks complex geometries for modular facades and bespoke industrial parts.
Batch foaming remains relevant where density control overrides scale, such as in fireproof pipe supports. Recent cold-expansion methods cut energy use below 1 kWh/kg, narrowing the cost gap with polymers while shrinking the emissions footprint.
By Application: Cryogenic Segment Drives Premium Growth
Building and construction absorbed 45.54% of 2024 demand, powered by codes mandating lower energy use intensities. Projects specify foam glass boards for roof terraces and inverted roofs where water exposure undermines polymeric foams. The cryogenic and LNG segment is projected to post a 6.04% CAGR, boosted by record investments in export terminals and carrier fleets.
Infrastructure engineers are specifying lightweight aggregates to stabilise embankments on compressible soils, an emerging application expected to accelerate as more transport agencies qualify the material. Water-treatment basins and biodigesters form a smaller but growing niche due to foam glass’s chemical inertness.
By End-User Industry: Industrial Sector Leads Growth and Adoption
Industrial facilities contributed 46.29% of revenue in 2024 and are set for a 6.09% CAGR through 2030 as refineries, chemical plants, and food processors retrofit legacy insulation. Specifiers value foam glass’s resistance to oil spills, solvents, and microbial attack. Commercial real-estate owners adopt the material in data centers and cold-chain warehouses, citing avoided maintenance and energy savings.
Residential uptake remains modest, yet premium single-family builders in North America and Northern Europe are incorporating foam glass slabs under grade beams to mitigate thermal bridging. Marketing alliances with green-building certification bodies aim to raise consumer awareness of lifecycle benefits.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific generated 39.33% of global revenue in 2024 and is advancing at a 5.58% CAGR. Chinese industrial policy supporting energy-efficient manufacturing underpins widespread adoption in petrochemical clusters along the Yangtze. Japan’s materials sector is trialing additive manufacturing to supply high-precision foamed inserts for seismic isolation. South Korea’s shipyards specify closed-cell blocks in LNG carriers, reinforcing regional leadership.
North America forms a mature demand base anchored by stringent envelope codes. Federal and state investments in bridge resilience have opened a new route for lightweight aggregates. Canada’s cold climate positions foam glass as a single-material solution from foundations to rooftop mechanical rooms.
Europe benefits from a dense recycling network that supplies high-quality cullet at competitive prices. Germany and Switzerland host major producers that export to neighboring construction and process-industry hubs. Nordic experiences in permafrost highways furnish performance data that global designers now cite.
Competitive Landscape
The industry shows moderately consolidated concentration. Owens Corning’s 2017 takeover of Pittsburgh Corning grouped premium cellular glass assets within a broad insulation portfolio. Foamit Group will double capacity at its Norwegian plant by mid-2025, adding two electric lines that scale regional supply while trimming emissions.
Strategy focuses on regional production to minimize freight of low-density blocks. Leading firms partner with recyclers such as Strategic Materials to secure cullet streams and lock in carbon credentials. R&D pipelines emphasize binder chemistries friendly to 3-D printing, aiming to patent structure-property enhancements rather than commodity volumes.
Foam Glass Industry Leaders
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AeroAggregates of North America, LLC
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SCHLÜSSELBAUER Geomaterials GmbH
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Glapor Werk Mitterteich GmbH
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Misapor
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Owens Corning
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: Owens Corning has announced a major investment in its FOAMGLAS insulation plant in Klášterec, Czech Republic, to expand production capacity by 50% and lower carbon intensity, highlighting its focus on sustainability and innovation in the building products market.
- March 2024: Foamit Group is set to double its foam glass manufacturing capacity at its Onsøy plant in Norway. As part of the initial phase of the program, the plant will see the installation of two new electric production lines in the first half of 2025, boosting its foam glass manufacturing capacity by around 130,000 m3.
Global Foam Glass Market Report Scope
The Foam Glass market report includes:
| Open Cell |
| Closed Cell |
| Hybrid Cell |
| Continuous Foaming |
| Batch Foaming |
| Additive Manufacturing (3-D Printing) |
| Building and Construction |
| Infrastructure and Civil Engineering |
| Industrial and Chemical Processing |
| Cryogenic and LNG |
| Agriculture and Water Treatment |
| Other Applications (Roofing Granules, Landscaping) |
| Residential |
| Commercial |
| Industrial |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | |
| India | |
| South Korea | |
| ASEAN Countries | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| Spain | |
| Russia | |
| NORDIC Countries | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| South Africa | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
| By Type | Open Cell | |
| Closed Cell | ||
| Hybrid Cell | ||
| By Manufacturing Process | Continuous Foaming | |
| Batch Foaming | ||
| Additive Manufacturing (3-D Printing) | ||
| By Application | Building and Construction | |
| Infrastructure and Civil Engineering | ||
| Industrial and Chemical Processing | ||
| Cryogenic and LNG | ||
| Agriculture and Water Treatment | ||
| Other Applications (Roofing Granules, Landscaping) | ||
| By End-user Industry | Residential | |
| Commercial | ||
| Industrial | ||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| Japan | ||
| India | ||
| South Korea | ||
| ASEAN Countries | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| North America | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| Spain | ||
| Russia | ||
| NORDIC Countries | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | ||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the foam glass market?
The foam glass market size totals USD 2.82 billion in 2025.
How fast is the foam glass market expected to grow?
The industry is projected to post a 5.04% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
Which region leads global demand?
Asia-Pacific commands 39.33% of 2024 revenue and maintains the fastest 5.58% CAGR outlook.
Which application segment is expanding the quickest?
The cryogenic and LNG insulation segment is forecast to rise at 6.04% CAGR through 2030.
What factors restrain wider adoption of foam glass?
High capital costs for production lines and price competition from lower-cost polymeric foams temper growth, particularly in price-sensitive markets.
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