In accordance with the cross-century development strategy of the building materials industry, which emphasizes "moving from large-scale to strong and relying on innovation to become strong," the focus of developing new building materials will be on the "new" aspect, promoting the adjustment of the industrial structure. The output value of new building materials and products grew at a rate of about 20%-25% during the "Nine-Five" period, with the output value reaching nearly 130 billion yuan in 2000. Among them, the output value of independent accounting enterprises above the township level was 80-90 billion yuan, accounting for 20% of the total output value of the building materials industry. The technological equipment and product quality reached the international level of the 1970s, with key enterprises reaching the early 1980s international level, and certain enterprises reaching the international level of the same period.

1A Brief Analysis of the Development Status of Some New Building Materials Products

(1)Waterproof Sealant Materials

China's output of new waterproofing membrane reaches 83 million square meters, with a market share of 20%. The use of new waterproofing materials in urban and rural buildings has reached 60%. By 2010, the output of new waterproofing membranes is expected to reach 250 million square meters, with a market share of 50%, and the use of new waterproofing materials in urban and rural buildings will increase to 80%.

Prospects for the Development of New Building Materials and Products in China

(2)Thermal Insulation Material

National demand for thermal insulation materials is 400,000 tons of rock (mineral) wool, 50,000 tons of glass wool, 300,000 tons of expanded perlite, and 40,000 tons of aluminum silicate fiber. It is projected that by 2010, the national demand will increase to 600,000 tons of rock (mineral) wool, 100,000 tons of glass wool, 400,000 tons of expanded perlite, and 80,000 tons of aluminum silicate fiber.

(3)Asbestos Acoustic Panels

The demand for mineral wool acoustic panels nationwide is between 20 to 25 million square meters. It is projected that by 2012, the demand will reach 40 to 50 million square meters. The variety, quality, and quantity of the products will not only meet the domestic market's needs but also include a portion for export.

(4)Decorative Gypsum Board

The demand for decorative gypsum board nationwide is 7 million square meters. It is projected that by 2012, the demand will reach 14 million square meters. The demand for gypsum board in 2000 was approximately 80 million square meters.

(5)Architectural Paint

The national demand for architectural coatings is 1 million tons, with coatings accounting for a significant portion. It is projected that by 2012, the national demand for architectural coatings will reach 1.6 million tons.

(6)Plastic Profiles and Windows & Doors

The demand for plastic profile materials in China is 200,000 tons, which can be used to produce 10 million square meters of plastic windows and doors. It is projected that by 2012, the national demand for plastic profiles will reach 500,000 to 600,000 tons, enabling the production of 25 to 30 million square meters of plastic windows and doors.

(7)Plastic Flooring

The national demand for plastic flooring is 80 million square meters. It is expected that by 2012, the demand will reach 150-200 million square meters. By then, the variety and quality of plastic flooring (including elastic rolled flooring, semi-rigid plastic flooring, flexible rolled flooring, and various functional flooring with anti-static, corrosion-resistant, fire-retardant, and health-preserving properties) will significantly improve, basically meeting the needs of different levels.

(8)Plastic Pipes

The national demand for plastic pipes is 400,000 tons (with 330,000 tons for drainage pipes and 70,000 tons for water supply pipes), and the issue of mismatched pipe materials and fittings is basically resolved. It is expected that by 2012, the national demand for plastic pipes will reach 1 million tons, including plastic water supply pipes, electrical conduits, cold and hot water pipes, gas pipes, and more.

(9)Wallpaper, Wall Coverings

The demand for wallpaper and wallcoverings in China ranges from 250 to 300 million square meters. The development of offset wallpaper, all-natural wallcoverings, inkjet printed wallcoverings, and other functional wallpaper will continue, which can basically meet the needs of hotels and restaurants. It is expected that by 2010, the national demand for wallpaper and wallcoverings will exceed 400 million square meters, with some for export.

(10)Synthetic carpet

The demand for national fiber carpet is 12 million square meters. It is projected that by 2012, the national demand for fiber carpet will reach between 50 to 80 million square meters. The variety is basically complementary, capable of meeting the functional requirements of buildings with different needs, including anti-static, smolder-resistant, toxic-free, anti-stain, and wear-resistant properties.