Where Pre-Insulated Ducts (PIR / Phenolic) Are Used Most — Top 10 Countries and Why

Where Pre-Insulated Ducts (PIR / Phenolic) Are Used Most — Top 10 Countries and Why

Pre-insulated ducts (PIR and phenolic) are gaining ground worldwide because they combine thermal performance, lightweight construction, fire performance (phenolic) and fast onsite installation. Below is a practical ranking of the 10 countries using these systems most, followed by concise reasons for each ranking.

Top 10 (high → low):

China

United States

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Saudi Arabia

Germany

United Kingdom

Italy

France

Australia

India

Why these countries rank high

China: Rapid urbanization, large commercial construction volume and increasingly strict energy codes make pre-insulated ducts attractive for new buildings and retrofits. Market reports show Asia-Pacific leading growth in HVAC insulation demand.

United States: Strong green-building adoption, ASHRAE codes, and a mature HVAC retrofitting market push contractors toward factory-made, airtight pre-insulated systems—especially in commercial projects. The U.S. HVAC insulation market is among the largest globally.

3–4. UAE & Saudi Arabia: Hot climates, premium construction projects (hotels, malls, airports) and strict civil-defense fire ratings encourage use of phenolic and PIR ducts for better thermal control and fire performance. Local suppliers and certifications further support adoption.

5–6. Germany & UK: Europe’s emphasis on thermal performance, retrofit efficiency, and green labels (BREEAM/LEED) drives uptake of pre-insulated systems, particularly in energy-efficient office and healthcare projects.

7–8. Italy & France: Steady construction pipelines, increased focus on renovation and airtightness, plus demand for compact solutions in historic urban fabric, favor pre-insulated panels. Manufacturers serving the Mediterranean market report growing interest.

Australia: Commercial construction and hot climate zones (northern states) lead to selective adoption of PIR/phenolic ducts, especially in high-spec buildings.

India: Fast urbanization and a growing middle-to-upper commercial real-estate market create rising demand, though price sensitivity slows penetration relative to the top markets.

Drivers common across top users

Stricter energy regulations and green-building programs (reduce operational costs).

Large commercial projects where onsite labor is expensive or time is tight (prefab cuts installation time).

Fire safety requirements (phenolic has excellent flame/smoke performance; PIR balances cost and thermal performance).

Takeaway: If you are a manufacturer or supplier targeting growth, prioritize China, the U.S., and Gulf countries for short-term opportunity, and Western Europe and Australia for steady, high-spec demand.

By Sammi