MARKET AMA Research presents findings from their latest floorcoverings reports on the


Introduction In 2020 the UK resilient floorcoverings segment accounted for an estimated 20% of total floorcoverings slightly up on the previous year. Used in both residential and contract applications the sector, which includes sheet vinyl, LVT, rubber and safety flooring had a stronger year than other floorcoverings sub-sectors. While floorcoverings as a whole saw a 10% decline in value in 2020, the resilient sub-sector proved more robust in the market, falling just 4%.


Market Overview & Trends Although a mature market sector, floorcoverings, and resilient flooring in particular, can benefit at times when RMI is stronger, as we are seeing at present. Manufacturers and suppliers can influence replacement of existing products, by promoting the latest material innovations and designs and through regular product launches.


The necessity to maintain social distancing measures in taking positive action against Covid-19 has been addressed through flooring solutions, with designs incorporated as an inlay option to promote two-metre distancing rules.


The introduction of more specialist finishes with specific application benefits, such as anti-slip or anti-bacterial, as well as longer guarantees, improved design definition, alternative tile or plank sizes, formats and textures all provide opportunities to differentiate and maintain premium prices.


330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400 410 420 430


2017


We have also seen development of more specialist products for particular applications, with technical coatings and finishes and custom designs made possible through advances in digital printing. The health and fitness sector, with a focus on spas and gyms, are key users of resilient sports flooring and this sector is likely to prove relatively robust once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted.


Sustainability issues have become more prevalent, with increased marketing of environmental certification, carbon footprint and ethical supply chains involved in producing products. The potential re-use, recycling and ultimate disposal of products already in-situ is also a growing area of focus.


Recent Performance As with many other sectors, the UK floorcoverings market has been significantly impacted by trading restrictions and lockdown measures imposed by Covid-19, resulting in a forecast decline of 4% in 2020, in value terms for the resilient flooring sub-sector. This is set against overall growth of 7% between 2017 and 2019. The dip in 2020 has lowered the average growth rate since 2017 to 3%, albeit still outperforming the wider floorcoverings market.


Opportunities in education and healthcare, as well as other large- scale establishments, have driven a steadier demand for resilient floorcoverings. Establishing the temporary Nightingale health facilities in H1 2020 saw increased demand for vinyl sheeting.


04 | MARKET REPORT Product Mix


While growth has been modest for many areas of floorcovering in recent years, the development of high- specification materials that are often aimed at particular end-use sectors has been noticeable in underpinning market performance.


There is continued growth for LVT in both domestic and commercial sectors. Product development is focused on meeting more stringent technical requirements, such as added wear and impact resistance, anti-slip and improved safety, improved hygiene and acoustic properties. Requirements of healthcare and educational establishments have provided a focus for product improvements.


The rise in LVT is associated with slight declines in market share for both wood floorcoverings and ceramic and porcelain tiles. With sustainability rising in prominence in decision making criteria, certification is a key issue in the sourcing of wood products. When there are cheaper, easier- to-work with alternatives to ceramics that can simulate the look and feel of tiles, these alternatives are starting to steal market share.


Product innovation is particularly focused on increasing the performance of flooring. For example, there has been greater uptake of stone polymer/plastic composites (SPC) within the luxury vinyl floor tile and planks sector. There is higher margin potential in the more advanced products, and these can also act as a point of differentiation.


2018 2019 2020 2021 2022


UK Resilient Flooring Market – Product and Sector Mix by Value 2020 (%) – Vinyl, Linoleum, Rubber & Cork


Rubber and Cork 6%


Linoleum 6%


Resilient floorcverings market value (£ MSP) Resilient floorcverings market % change YoY


20


Vinyl 88%


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20