The global Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) industry is likely driven by the construction, transportation, automotive, and advertising industries. As the ACP market is embarking on growth, it is here to understand the increase in the market in the upcoming years and how it impacts different industries.
Aluminium composite panels (ACP sheets) are composed of a thin pre-coated aluminium coil bonded with synthetic resin to a thermoplastic LDPE core, mineral core, and FR-grade core. The application of non-toxic polyethylene core (PE) makes the panel sustainable and eco-friendly. The panels are used extensively in the application worldwide as building facades, signage, and insulation. It is not only limited to architectural material but is also comprehensively used in aerospace engineering, metro coaches, and outdoor signs.
The aluminium panel sheet by application is segmented into interior decoration, hoarding, insulation, cladding, railway carrier, beam wrap and exterior facade, and other applications.
Key market trends of ‘Aluminium Composite Panel’
ACP sheets are highly flexible, and as it is 100 per cent recyclable, the material answers all problems of modern construction challenges. They tick all boxes when checked regarding versatility, price sensitivity, and ease of installation. As technology develops, the panels are slowly becoming better and better. This includes fire resistivity, ease of installation, and integration of features of modern architectural material alternatives like acrylic and HPL into aluminium panel sheets.
ACP sheet emerged as a popular choice among architects and designers over two decades ago. Currently, the material is witnessing rapid growth, and the main focus is on significant investments such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia, among others.
The ACP market trends are as follows:
- Rise in demand for Fire-Retardant Panel
The aluminium composite panel consisting of a non-combustible core will rise in the coming years. The primary concern of modern architecture is to increase fire safety and use fire-proof construction materials. To serve this purpose, leading aluminium composite panel manufacturers offer fire-resistant or fire-retardant ACPs. Therefore, the fire-resistant sector will grow and see incredible growth to cater to the construction industry.
- Growth in demand for LED or LCD panels
The out-of-home advertising medium is an effective way to reach a wider audience. The growing demand for outdoor advertising services is primarily attributed to the cost-effective billboard segment.
As the hospitality sector, e-commerce sector, FMCG sector, and BFSI include static and digital billboards, the need for proper signage material is increasing. ACP panels are delivered as LED and LCD signage that is helpful in brand promotion, becoming a perfect material for such applications.
- Use of ACP in the Automobile Industry
In terms of style and function, ACP Sheet serves as aesthetic material in the automobile industry. These panels are applied as noise dampers, padding, and even enhancing the fashion quotient of cars, bikes, or train coaches. The panels have excellent heat retaining capacity, and fire protection, which is why with the growing demand of the automobile industry, there is a projected growth of ACP as raw material.
ACP market growth in India
India has the fastest-growing economy, and infrastructure investment will increase. The Indian government has announced a target of USD $376.5 billion in investment from 2023-2025. Major projects in MNC buildings, museums, IT parks, hospitals, and theatres, have created a make-shift material to fix complex construction challenges.
It is vital to remember aluminium panel sheet has existed in the Indian market and has replaced old cladding material. Government initiatives such as “MakeInIndia” will grow more indigenous ACP brands that answer the need for “skin of architecture” in a modern building.
In the upcoming years, hyper-luxury hotels, futuristic mega-city, resorts, hospitals, and housing towers, will have aluminium composite panels as the skin of the building. The thin panel able to resist weather and environmental changes is expected to increase the need for modern architecture worldwide. Some of the key players in this will be 3A composites, VIVA, Arconic, and Qatar Composite Panels.