Industry Overview - The thermal insulation materials industry is a significant branch of the new materials sector, focusing on functional materials that reduce energy loss through thermal conduction, convection, or radiation [2] - Products are categorized based on raw materials, including rubber and plastic materials, fiberglass materials, ceramic fiber materials, aerogel materials, and rock wool materials, with applications in HVAC, industrial, marine, rail, new energy, and building structures [2] Historical Development - The modern thermal insulation materials industry in China began in the 1980s, with industrial production facilitated by the reform and opening-up policy, leading to significant advancements in the development and production of high-efficiency insulation materials [3] - China's rapid economic growth and urbanization have accelerated the industry's scale, supported by improved research capabilities, making China the largest manufacturer and processor of thermal insulation materials globally [3] Global Market Trends - The global market for thermal insulation and soundproofing products was valued at $55.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%, reaching $71.7 billion by 2026 [3] - Key growth drivers include the demand for lightweight and stable insulation materials in high-end equipment manufacturing, particularly in the shipbuilding, aerospace, and rail transportation sectors, as well as enhanced building energy efficiency standards and green building policies [3] Domestic Industry Landscape - China's thermal insulation materials industry has a diverse range of products and applications, with a well-established industrial layout across provinces such as Hebei, Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Shandong [4] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" period has seen various provinces introduce supportive policies for the development of thermal insulation materials, further accelerating industry growth [4] Production Capacity Distribution - For fiberglass, Hebei accounts for approximately 45% of national production capacity, with additional capacity in Jiangxi, Hubei, and Shandong [5] - Shandong holds nearly 50% of the national production capacity for ceramic fibers, while Hebei dominates rubber and plastic production with about 80% of the total capacity [5] - The aerogel industry in China is still in its early stages, with around 30 companies and limited large-scale enterprises, indicating a developing production chain [5][11]