The future of filters appears to be heading in a good direction, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc. A recent Aftermarket Business article states that filter shipments are projected to advance 3.2% annually through 2011 to $10.9 billion. Gains will be driven by ongoing sales in the aftermarket, which accounts for the vast majority of demand. Advances will also be spurred by pending changes in environmental regulations, particularly those involving cleaner air and a reduction in diesel engine emissions. Manufacturers’ increasing interest in reclaiming production inputs from process water and investing in water-recycling processes to reduce costs will also drive demand for filters.
Additionally, advances will be aided by an increasing penetration of newer products, particularly motor-vehicle cabin air filters, many varieties of home air and water filters and the development of a significant aftermarket within these segments. These and other trends are presented in “Filters” a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
Shipments of air filters are expected to post the strongest growth through 2011, driven primarily by changes in environmental regulations and gains in the consumer market. The internal-combustion engine and related filter segment (oil, air intake, fuel and cabin air) is a relatively mature product group that is expected to post more modest gains but will benefit from the ongoing development of new types of diesel-engine filters and a growing aftermarket for cabin air filters.
The motor-vehicle market will continue to account for the largest portion of total demand, with a 24% share in 2011, despite below average growth, the company reports. The high volume of these oil, fuel and air-intake filters sold as original equipment and in the aftermarket more than offsets their relatively low unit prices.
Demand for filters in the other transportation equipment and utilities markets is projected to post the strongest gains, powered by current and pending regulations and concerns about the quality of air and portable water supplies. Demand for filters used in diesel-powered off-road equipment will also post strong gains, primarily stemming from pending regulatory changes.
“Filters” is available from The Freedonia Group, Inc. For more information, contact Corinne Gangloff at 440/684-9600, pr@freedoniagroup.com or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.
Source: “Sales Not being Filtered Out in Product’s Future.” Aftermarket Business. Retrieved May 18 from www.aftermarketbusiness.com.