Plasterboard Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented, By Type (Standard, Fire-Resistant, Sound-insulated, Moisture-Resistant, Thermal, Specialist, Impact-Resistant), By Form (Tapered-Edged and Square-Edged), By End-User Sector (Residential and Non-Residential), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 32.44 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.59%
Fastest Growing Segment	Sound-insulated
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 47.58 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Plasterboard Market will grow from USD 32.44 Billion in 2025 to USD 47.58 Billion by 2031 at a 6.59% CAGR. Plasterboard is a construction panel consisting of a gypsum core sandwiched between heavy paper or fiberglass mats, primarily utilized for internal partitions and ceiling linings. The global market is largely driven by rapid urbanization and the continuous expansion of residential and commercial infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the material’s inherent fire resistance, acoustic insulation capabilities, and superior installation speed compared to traditional wet masonry bolster its widespread adoption in modern building practices.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the diminishing availability of synthetic gypsum due to the closure of coal-fired power stations, which creates raw material supply constraints and necessitates a costly transition to natural or recycled alternatives. Highlighting demand within a major market, according to the Gypsum Association, in 2024, sales of gypsum board products in the United States totaled 3.80 million metric tons during the third quarter. This data underscores the sustained reliance on the material despite these supply chain pressures.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of global residential construction activities acts as a foundational driver for the industry, necessitating efficient interior solutions for wall partitions and ceiling assemblies. As housing shortages in major economies prompt accelerated building schedules, contractors increasingly rely on plasterboard for its speed of installation and smooth finishing properties compared to traditional wet plastering. This trend is evident in North America, where residential output remains robust despite broader economic fluctuations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, September 2024, in the 'Monthly New Residential Construction, August 2024', privately-owned housing starts were authorized at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,356,000 units. To capitalize on such regional growth opportunities and strengthen supply chains, major manufacturers are pursuing aggressive inorganic growth strategies. According to Saint-Gobain, in 2024, the group entered a definitive agreement to acquire CSR Limited for AUD 4.5 billion, aiming to consolidate its plasterboard and construction materials footprint within the high-growth Asia-Pacific market.

Simultaneously, the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly building materials is compelling manufacturers to innovate manufacturing processes and enhance product lifecycles. Regulatory bodies and green building certification systems are pushing the sector toward circular economy models, encouraging the reduction of embodied carbon through the use of synthetic gypsum and post-consumer waste. This shift drives the adoption of lightweight and high-recycled-content boards that maintain structural integrity while lowering transportation emissions. Highlighting this industry-wide transition toward circularity, according to Etex, April 2024, in the 'Combined Annual Report 2023', the company reported that it successfully incorporated 8.6% recycled gypsum into its production processes globally. These sustainability mandates ensure that plasterboard remains a preferred component in modern, environmentally conscious architectural designs.

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Key Market Challenges

The diminishing availability of synthetic gypsum, primarily sourced as a byproduct from coal-fired power stations, poses a substantial barrier to the expansion of the global plasterboard market. Manufacturers have long depended on this material, known as Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, for its consistency and cost-efficiency. However, the accelerated closure of coal plants worldwide has disrupted this supply chain, forcing a structural shift back to natural gypsum. This transition necessitates increased mining activities and complex logistical adjustments, as natural deposits are often located far from existing production facilities. The resulting escalation in raw material sourcing and transportation costs directly erodes profit margins and creates pricing volatility that can stall market growth.

This supply constraint materially limits the industry's capacity to meet rising construction demands without inflating costs. As the volume of accessible synthetic feedstock contracts, manufacturers face heightened competition for remaining resources, which hampers production scalability. According to the American Coal Ash Association, in 2024, the utilization of synthetic gypsum in panel products decreased to 12.9 million tons. This reduction highlights the tangible impact of supply shortages, creating a bottleneck that impedes the sector's ability to maintain the low-cost, high-volume output essential for widespread market adoption.

Key Market Trends

The integration with prefabricated and modular construction is reshaping the industry, as developers increasingly prioritize off-site manufacturing to mitigate labor shortages and accelerate project timelines. This trend necessitates the production of high-strength, dimensionally precise plasterboards that can withstand the stresses of transport and hoisting while minimizing on-site waste. Manufacturers are responding by developing specialized board systems compatible with automated assembly lines, supporting the shift toward industrialized housing. According to Saint-Gobain, March 2025, in the article 'Is building fast the same as building better?', the global off-site construction market for housing reached US$22.87 billion in 2024, highlighting the substantial scale of this manufacturing evolution within the broader building sector.

Simultaneously, there is a surge in innovation within fire-resistant and impact-resistant panels, driven by stringent safety regulations and the densification of urban infrastructure. Market players are engineering heavy-duty gypsum boards reinforced with fiberglass and high-density cores to offer superior durability and fire protection for commercial and high-rise residential applications. These advanced panels are designed to meet rigorous building codes while reducing long-term maintenance costs for facility managers. Underscoring the industry's commitment to this high-performance segment, according to Woodworking Network, February 2025, in the article 'Georgia-Pacific announces executive vice president of building products', the company recently spearheaded a $300 million expansion in Sweetwater, Texas, to strengthen its capacity to meet growing customer needs in residential and commercial markets.

Segmental Insights

The sound-insulated segment is currently the fastest-growing category within the global plasterboard market, primarily driven by rapid urbanization and the escalating need for noise control in densely populated areas. This expansion is supported by stringent building standards, such as those influenced by the International Code Council, which mandate higher acoustic performance ratings for multi-family residential and commercial structures. As developers seek to ensure compliance with these rigorous regulations and enhance occupant privacy, the adoption of high-density acoustic boards has increased significantly, positioning this segment as a vital area of development in the construction materials sector.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global plasterboard market primarily due to the widespread preference for dry construction techniques in residential and commercial housing. This demand is reinforced by strict building codes regarding fire safety and energy efficiency. The influence of institutions such as the U.S. Green Building Council promotes the adoption of sustainable gypsum products to meet environmental certifications. Additionally, the mature real estate sector generates consistent requirements for remodeling and renovation projects, further sustaining the high consumption of wallboard materials throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Knauf Gypsum Australia introduced a consolidated range of four high-performance plasterboard products designed to simplify specifications for architects and contractors. The new lineup included SHEETROCK PLUS, ImpactStop, MultiStop ONE, and MultiStop ONE HI, which collectively addressed requirements for fire, water, acoustic, and impact resistance in various building sectors. The company stated that these products were rigorously tested to meet stringent compliance codes and featured environmental certifications. This strategic portfolio refresh aimed to reduce complexity in the supply chain while ensuring that modern construction projects could access versatile, durable, and sustainable wall lining solutions.
• In January 2025, British Gypsum, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, launched Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100, a pioneering plasterboard manufactured entirely from recycled gypsum. This product release marked a significant milestone in the construction industry's transition toward a circular economy, as it utilized plaster waste collected from construction sites as a primary raw material. The company emphasized that this innovation maintained the high performance standards of traditional boards while substantially reducing natural resource consumption. The launch was part of a broader sustainability commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, offering construction companies a practical solution to meet their environmental targets.
• In July 2024, Saint-Gobain finalized the acquisition of CSR Limited, a leading building products manufacturer in Australia known for its iconic plasterboard brand. This major acquisition established a robust presence for the company in the attractive Australian construction sector, aligning with its global strategy for light and sustainable construction. The integration of CSR’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks was designed to accelerate growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Management highlighted that the transaction would leverage shared expertise to deliver enhanced value and innovative solutions to the market, capitalizing on solid macroeconomic fundamentals in the area.
• In March 2024, Etex completed the acquisition of the plasterboard and fibre cement businesses of BGC, a prominent Australian construction materials firm. This strategic transaction included a 56,000 square metre plasterboard manufacturing facility in Perth and a logistics network of nine warehouses across Australia and New Zealand. By integrating these assets, the company significantly expanded its footprint in the region, complementing its existing Siniat brand operations. The deal allowed the organization to enhance its sustainable product offerings and improve service accessibility for customers in the high-growth Australian construction market, adding approximately 200 new employees to its workforce.

Key Market Players

• Etex Group
• Saint-Gobain
• Georgia-Pacific
• AWI Licensing LLC
• National Gypsum Services Company
• Ahlstrom Oyj
• Boral Limited
• Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd.
• Nichias Corporation

By Type	By Form	By End-User Sector	By Region
Standard Fire-Resistant Sound-insulated Moisture-Resistant Thermal Specialist Impact-Resistant	Tapered-Edged and Square-Edged	Residential and Non-Residential	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Plasterboard Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Plasterboard Market , By Type:

• Standard
• Fire-Resistant
• Sound-insulated
• Moisture-Resistant
• Thermal
• Specialist
• Impact-Resistant

• Plasterboard Market , By Form:

• Tapered-Edged and Square-Edged

• Plasterboard Market , By End-User Sector:

• Residential and Non-Residential

• Plasterboard Market , By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE