The global passive fire protection market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.8% from 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach the market value of around US$ 5,263.7 Mn by 2027.

Any fire safety strategy must include passive fire protection. It is incorporated into the structure of a building to protect people's lives and to reduce the financial impact of damage to buildings and their contents. It serves a functional purpose by limiting the spread of fire and smoke by containing it in a single compartment, protecting the escape routes for essential means of escape, and protecting the building structure, ensuring its long-term viability. Furthermore, passive fire protection is built into the structure to provide stability to walls and floors, dividing the buildings into manageable risk-compartments. These areas are intended to limit the spread of fire, allowing occupants to escape and providing protection for firefighters. Such passive protection is either provided by the materials used to build the buildings or is added to the buildings to improve their fire resistance.

Market Dynamics

Government and regulatory bodies tightening the regulations thus drive the passive fire protection market

Passive fire protection is required in both domestic and non-domestic buildings in the United Kingdom. Different rules apply to achieving the required level of fire resistance in both existing and new building structures. Any new construction, modernization, or extension work, for example, must adhere to the Building Regulations 2010, Fire Safety, and Approved Document B3. B3 specifies the sub-division of the building with fire-resistant construction and the installation of appropriate automatic fire suppression systems. Furthermore, every passive fire protection component is tested to the relevant and current British standard and is rated in terms of certification to resist fire for a specific length of time (up to 4 hours). For example, BS476: 1987 (Fire tests on building materials and structures) Part 20 (Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction – general principles) and Part 22 (Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-load bearing elements of construction). It is also strongly advised that CERTIFIRE approved products to be used for installation. CERTIFIRE is a national certification organization that specializes in passive fire protection. Its quality mark reflects not only compliance with the minimum regulatory requirements for CE marking but also ISO 9001:2000 certification and independent audit testing.

Rising demand for passive fire protection from end use industries such as building & construction, oil & gas, and transportation drive the global market

Because of its high strength and ductility, structural steel is one of the most commonly used materials in building construction. Steel is a durable, noncombustible, or fire-resistant material, and with proper design and construction, steel framing can maintain structural integrity in the event of a fire and prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Fire protection is achieved through a combination of active and passive fire protection methods, according to the American Institute of Steel Construction. Many steel-framed structures, such as low-rise buildings, sports stadiums, and open-deck parking structures, do not require fire protection at all or only require active fire protection (sprinkler systems). As a result, when passive fire protection is required, there are several cost-effective coating options that not only achieve a suitable fire rating but also look appealing if the steel is left exposed.

Rising focus on regulations drive the passive fire protection material consumption on structural application

Structural fire protection is primarily used to contain and prevent fires in the building and construction industries. These materials safeguard critical structural elements such as steel and timber membranes. Because these structures are critical load-bearing components, fire protection is essential. As a result, regulatory bodies are emphasising the use of fire-resistant coatings and materials for structural protection.

Market Segmentation

Passive fire protection market is segmented based on product and application. By product, the market is segmented as cementitious materials, intumescent coatings, fireproofing cladding, and others. Based on application, the market is segmented as oil & gas, construction, industrial, warehousing, and others. 

By product, cementitious material is expected to account largest market share in the forthcoming years. Rising use of cementitious materials to increase the fire safety of steel structures and prevention of damages in manufacturing facilities acts as a prominent factor that propel the growth of the global passive fire protection market.

Additionally, intumescent material is the second largest growing segment among the product segment. The segment is predicted to witness a reasonable CAGR in the forthcoming years. Because intumescent materials are widely used for structural steel protection in a variety of industries, with rising applications in the building and construction industries, followed by applications in end user industries such as oil and gas, transportation, and so on, the segment holds a significant passive fire protection market CAGR. Based on application, construction segment is predicted to hold dominating market share in the forecast period. Rising demand for megacities as a result of the rapid shift of consumers in emerging economies such as China, Africa, India, and Brazil is expected to boost the construction industry's growth over the forecast period, thereby positively influencing segmental growth.

Regional Overview

North America is expected to dominate the passive fire protection market during the forecast period. Rising demand for multifamily housing projects, as well as increased consumer awareness about fire safety, are major factors driving the global passive fire protection market. Furthermore, rising consumer spending power and a renewed focus by governments and regulatory bodies on improving the overall fire safety standards of buildings in the region are expected to fuel the global passive fire protection market.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, will have the fastest growing CAGR in the coming years. Increased demand for the product from end-user industries such as industrial, construction, and warehousing, particularly in China and India, are positive factors influencing the global passive fire protection market. Furthermore, a surge in demand for fire-safe infrastructure, including commercial and residential buildings, combined with growing awareness among an ever-increasing consumer base, are factors that contribute to the global demand for passive fire protection.

Competitive landscape

The prominent players involved in the global passive fire protection market are 3M, PPG Industries, Inc., Etex Group, The Sherwin-Williams Company, The ROTAREX Group, Specified Technologies Inc., CARRIER, Consilium,  Contego International Inc., Tecresa Protección Pasiva, S.L., and among others

Market Segmentation

Market By Product

Cementitious Materials
Intumescent Coatings
Fireproofing Cladding
Others

Market By Application

Oil & Gas
Construction
Industrial
Warehousing
Others

Market By Geography

North America
•    U.S.
•    Canada

Europe
•    U.K.
•    Germany
•    France
•    Spain
•    Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific
•    China
•    Japan
•    India
•    Australia
•    South Korea
•    Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America
•    Brazil 
•    Mexico
•    Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa
•    GCC
•    South Africa
•    Rest of Middle East & Africa

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