Only in the western European market for interior doors (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Great Britain and Spain) 25.7 million interior doors were sold in 2013, of which 3.3 million are dwelling entrance doors for apartments. In terms of value, the market size for the year 2013 amounted to 3.8 billion euros.
The main driver in the market for interior doors is the residential housing segment. Out of all the interior doors sold, 61.5% were sold for residential housing. In Italy this figure is the highest at 76.2%; in Great Britain it is the lowest at 42.0%. It is also encouraging that the construction industry will consolidate this year. Since 2008 the number of completed residential housing units has decreased annually by 12.8% in volume; this will, however, reverse course in 2014 with an expected increase of 2.0%. Even the renovation segment will grow by 2.1% due to the 1.9% growth in 2014, that is, 1.9% growth for the period 2012 – 2016.
Our technology is addressed to those end-users that require comfort (in terms of noise reduction); not only residential housing (dwelling entrances with the 61,5%) but also medical centres, hotels or offices which we estimate that represent another 15% of the doors market. In terms of money we speak about a potential market of 2,9 billion euros.
The comfort criteria for these potential customers are the following:
- Dwelling entrances: Regulatory frame establishes 30dBA of S.R.I. on most European countries. However, customers – especially in Slovenia, Italy and the UK – demand over 35-38dBA.
- Medical centres: 35dBA of sound reduction index (S.R.I.) would cover most of customer and regulatory demands.
- Hotels: A European survey of 18 cities accounted over 680,000 hotel rooms and as an average they are asking for a noise reduction of, at least, 34dBA; however, if we want to reach this market completely, 37-38dBA would be required.