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Several factors underpin the strong demand growth potential
of high performance window thin films. These include the global
warming phenomena resulting in the rise in temperatures, higher
risks of skin diseases from increased penetration of ultra-violet
radiation from the sun and new regulations in countries requiring
energy conservation measures in buildings. In Germany, a new
regulation introduced in 1995, requires buildings to have
a minimum level of thermal insulation for energy savings.
In Thailand, the government implemented the Demand Side Management
for energy consumption in which products like window films
are recognised as green technologies. Luxury car models in
Europe are incorporating such technologies in car windscreens
and windows. In most developed and developing countries, demand
in the automobile industry alone is expected to be strong.
World-wide, the market potential is tremendous. New car registrations
number 50 million per year, adding to an existing car population
of 650 million. Annual production of float glass is about
1,500 million square meters. Only about 7% of all glass are
currently coated. The bulk of the production are ordinary
float glass without any solar control features. The architectural
and automotive after-market is estimated at 500 million square
feet or 50 million square meters a year. The company believes
that high performance clear solar shading would appeal to
the high end of the market which constitutes 5% to10% of the
total. The market potential for V-KOOL at the retail level,
is estimated to be US$575 million per annum.
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