Polyester Spunbond in Waterproofing Membranes EU27 Market Estimates

• Bituminous waterproofing membranes are a construction material critical component to provide a water-resistant or waterproof barrier for various surfaces in building and civil engineering, such as roofs, foundations, basements, and other structural elements that need protection from water infiltration.
  
  
• Since 2012, EDANA Member companies have been estimating the European annual production of bituminous membranes in square meters. Back in 2012 the EU27 production of bituminous membranes was approximately 688 million square meters. Since then, this production has been at similar levels with slight fluctuations depending on the trend of the construction market. In 2023, the estimated production in the EU27 countries was 591 million square meters.

• Bituminous membranes are typically made from bitumen, a petroleum-based substance that is highly resistant to water and moisture, combined with reinforcing materials, polyester and/or fiberglass to enhance strength and durability.



• Typically, one square meter of bituminous membranes requires one or several layers made of polyester nonwovens and/or glass mats used as carrier. In accordance with the final bituminous membranes’ specifications, the shares of polyester nonwovens and glass mats can vary. On average, for all possible compositions, our analysis indicates that the share of polyester nonwovens represents 75%.



• Polyester nonwoven is a sheet or web of polyester filaments (spunbond)or staple fibres made from PET chips or flakes.



• Polyester nonwovens, when bonded by needle-punching and by resins, are predominantly used as carrier for bituminous waterproofing membranes.



• The average weight of polyester spunbond used in the production of bituminous membranes can also vary but is between 170 and 185 grams per square meters in average.



• Based on the above production volumes of bituminous membranes, the share between PET spunbond and glass mats and the average weight of PET spunbond, it can be reasonably deduced that the consumption of PET spunbond for the EU production of bituminous membranes reached 316.4 million square meters (56,300 tonnes) in 2023.

For more information contact Jacques Prigneaux - jacques.prigneaux@edana.org