Air Curtain Market Assessment, By Type [Non-Re-circulating Air Curtains, Re-circulating Air Curtains], By Size [Below 1000mm, 1000mm-1500mm, 1500mm-2000mm, 2000 mm and Above], By Mounting Type [Recessed, Overhead], By End-use [Commercial, Industrial, Residential], By Application [Doors, Windows], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global air curtain market is projected to witness a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.25 billion in 2023 to USD 2.7 billion in 2031. The air curtain market is primarily being driven by the enhancing focus on incorporating energy efficient and sustainable designs in buildings. Air curtains are primarily used to improve energy efficiency by lowering heat gain or loss, preserving a cozy interior climate, and enhancing air quality. These systems are widely used in many different industries, including manufacturing facilities, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. In addition to saving energy, air curtains are a useful tool for preventing dust, controlling pests, and regulating the temperature in refrigerated storage areas, thereby favoring their widespread adoption.
Moreover, various governments have introduced stringent regulations and standards towards energy efficiency and hygiene across commercial and industrial environments, which, in turn, have propelled their need in these sectors. In addition to this, the performance of air curtains has been further optimized by technological advancements, such as infrared sensors, adjustable airflow, and integration with building management systems. The market for air curtains is expanding as more companies become aware of how effective these systems are at controlling interior temperatures and cutting expenses.
For instance, in January 2023, Berner International, an industry leader and innovator in air curtain manufacturing, announced the launch of the first digital controller platform for the shipping dock and door for industrial air curtain in North America. Through this, building managers can monitor and control air curtains individually or in groups, in addition to extra features like BACnet and the Berner AIRTM smart controller/app.
Commercial and Industrial Infrastructure Drive the Market
The increasing expansion of commercial and industrial infrastructure, encompassing industries like manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and healthcare, has led to a surge in the need for air curtain systems. These systems are in high demand as essential resources for maximizing operational effectiveness and promoting cozy work environments. Air curtains play a crucial role in maintaining controlled environments to ensure hygiene and operational efficiency in healthcare and manufacturing, and they also help save energy and create friendly atmospheres in retail and hospitality. The growing use of air curtain solutions showcases the improving productivity and environmental control in the growing number of commercial and industrial facilities.
For instance, in June 2022, Airtècnics launched a new air curtain called Airtrack for refrigerated transport, which stops energy loss that occurs during the loading and unloading of cargo. Additionally, carriers will save up to 30% fuel with air curtains that are designed for transport. Furthermore, air curtains in refrigerated transport minimizes the energy consumption, while keeping cargo free of gases, odors, and insects among other things that can contaminate supplies.
Continuous Technological Advancements are Propelling the Air Curtain Market
The market for air curtains is expanding due to ongoing technological advancements, especially with the development of smart and sensor-based systems. Technological developments bring a new degree of worth and effectiveness to air curtain systems, improving their overall performance. Sensor-based technologies provide increased control and accuracy, while facilitating smooth operation. Furthermore, by enabling centralized control and monitoring, the integration of cutting-edge air curtain systems with building management systems increases their usefulness.
For instance, in July 2023, Berner International made an expansion in the architectural air curtain line, which made the product more comfortable, aesthetic, and energy-efficient. Additionally, it made the product expansion in hotels, retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, and other market applications. Furthermore, the redesigned icon 8 design is available in 3 to 10ft size and icon 10 design is available in 3 to 12ft lengths respectively. Additionally, Berner's energy savings calculator incorporates air curtains and offers a GHG emissions reduction as air curtain saves energy when door is open.
Growing Awareness of Indoor Air Quality Drives Market Growth
The adoption of air curtain systems is majorly driven by the increased awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ). With the growing awareness, manufacturers are realizing how important it is to have clean and healthy indoor environments. By serving as a barrier, air curtain systems successfully stop pollutants, allergies, and other toxins from entering the building from the outside. The need for air curtains is growing as companies place a higher priority on employee health and safety. Investing in such solutions is consistent with an active approach for maintaining high indoor air quality, guaranteeing occupants in a variety of commercial and industrial settings a safer and more comfortable environment.
For instance, in 2023, Thermoscreens announced the launch of its latest innovation, an IP-66 rated air curtain. The IP-66 rating signifies that the air curtain is dust tight and protected against powerful jets of water. This makes the Thermoscreens air curtain an ideal solution for environments where exposure to water, dust, and other contaminants is a concern, or where the unit needs to be rigorously cleaned such as in food processing plants and abattoirs.
Impact of COVID-19
The air curtain market has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also influenced industry trends and priorities. The pandemic has increased awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) and has sped up the adoption of air curtain systems as an essential tool for preserving hygienic and wholesome indoor environments. Manufacturers have focused more on blocking the spread of airborne pollutants, including viruses, especially in industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail.
Air curtains are now an essential part of strategies meant to improve safety precautions because they serve as a barrier against outside pollutants. In addition, the pandemic has spurred advancements in air curtain technology, with an emphasis on attributes like touchless controls and antimicrobial coatings that are in line with the increased standards for hygiene in a variety of contexts.
Long-term resilience and growth in the air curtain market have been facilitated by the increased emphasis on creating safer indoor spaces, even though the pandemic's initial effects caused disruptions in supply chains and construction activities. The need for air curtain solutions is predicted to stay strong as long as companies continue to place a high priority on health and safety precautions.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Air curtain market sees an expansion and innovation in the market owing to the prominent manufacturers, such as Mars Air Systems, Berner International, Panasonic Corporation, and Panasonic Corporation, holding a dominant position in the market due to their wide range of products and global reach. These leaders provide intelligent and energy-efficient air curtain solutions, frequently concentrating on technological developments. Market players regularly use alliances, partnerships, and strategic acquisitions to bolster their market positions, diversify their product offerings, and maintain their competitiveness in a market that is changing due to the growing emphasis on indoor air quality and energy efficiency across a range of industries.
For instance, in February 2023, Thermoscreens and Brookvent announced a new collaboration in Poland and Ireland, wherein Brookvent was designated as the sole distributor of Thermoscreens air curtains. The collaboration demonstrated the vision to provide clients with an international portfolio of superior goods and services.