According to the company, in 2014 the total consumption of heat-insulating materials in Russia amounted to 51.2 million square meters. m, but due to the economic crisis in 2015 is expected to decline by about 9%. At the same time, if the pattern of consumption of stone and glass in Russia and the CIS, roughly similar to the European markets, the share of consumption of XPS, the most in demand in the segments of the insulation of roofs, foundations and road construction, traditionally higher than in other countries. This is due to high marketing activity of two major competing manufacturers, as well as large volumes of material used for the construction of temporary roads in the oil fields in the permafrost. At the same time, the market expanded polystyrene foam is much less developed than in Europe. In the absence of strong manufacturers who are ready to develop new technologies, mainly represented by EPS cheap low-quality products. In the current economic conditions, the durability of insulation when coming to the fore, consumers are increasingly opting for XPS. In 2012 there was an increase of consumption of extruded polystyrene in Russia and CIS countries by an average of 16% a year in 2015 due to the economic crisis, experts predict the fall in demand by about 9%, and this trend will continue in 2016. According to the projected GDP next year is expected to reduce investment in construction by 3%, but given the decline in oil prices, it could be 5%.

In addition to macroeconomic factors, there are risks that may affect the reduction of the share in the structure of expanded polystyrene thermal insulation materials in Russia and CIS. For example, in 2015 the price war for the shrinking market between stone and glass led to a decrease in their value on average 20%, while the producers of polystyrene due to higher raw material prices in the Russian Federation have been forced to increase the cost by approximately 30%. This rise in the raw material is at odds desheveyuschey oil in the world, reducing the cost of polystyrene in Europe and, of course, is a direct threat to the total polymer insulation Russia. But, unfortunately, the market prospects recycling processors except the few people concerned, including manufacturers and raw materials. Also, experts predict a change in the configuration of the market of thermal insulation in connection with the launch of Russia’s first mass production of insulation PIR, which occupies in the US and Europe, a leader in the segment of thermal insulation of flat roofs.

Experts predict a positive market growth of thermal insulation Russia in 2017. It will be linked to the implementation of major projects of construction of sports facilities for the FIFA World Cup – 2018 Winter Universiade – 2019, special programs for the development of the Far East. Given the current challenges, Maria Sorokin highlighted the key trends of the modern market XPS, which will allow the material to hold the position. First of all, according to experts, the potential lies in improving the quality. Retain and win new positions will facilitate the use of modern technologies and environmental certification of products, production of highly specialized products, such as plates for the device of the foundation method Insulated Swedish stove or insulation of facades. Also, as one of the important factors in the development of the market XPS Maria Sorokina has identified the need to create professional associations.

“During the crisis, the ability to provide reliable supplies of high-quality insulation on time comes out on top. In this situation, a special role in the development of the market belongs to a strong extruded polystyrene manufacturers with sufficient headroom for the purchase of raw materials and the development of technologies that improve the quality and durability of the products “, – summed up Maria Sorokina