China Underfloor Heating Insulation Film Market 2025: Trends, Technology & Tradsak's Competitive Edge

Underfloor heating insulation film installation and Tradsak high-performance eco-friendly insulation products for residential and commercial buildings in China.

Introduction: The Booming Landscape of China's Underfloor Heating Insulation Film Industry

As global demand for energy-efficient building materials surges, China's underfloor heating insulation film sector has emerged as a pivotal player in the global supply chain. With a projected market size of RMB 4.86 billion (USD 680 million) in 2025 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% through 2030, the industry is witnessing unprecedented expansion driven by stringent carbon reduction policies, rising green building adoption, and technological advancements. This article delves into the market dynamics, technical specifications, regional trends, and export opportunities shaping the industry, while highlighting how Tradsak—an innovative Chinese manufacturer—aligns its product portfolio with global standards and consumer needs.

Underfloor heating insulation film, a critical component in radiant heating systems, serves two core functions: minimizing downward heat loss (which can reach 30–40% with low-quality materials) and maximizing upward heat reflection. Its importance has been underscored by China’s latest building codes, such as the GB 55015-2021 "General Code for Building Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Utilization," which mandates a thermal reflectivity of no less than 93% and a floor heat transfer coefficient ≤0.8 W/(㎡·K) for new constructions. For international buyers, understanding China’s market structure, technical benchmarks, and key suppliers like Tradsak is essential for sourcing high-performance, cost-effective solutions.

Market Drivers: Policy, Demand, and Technological Innovation

Policy Mandates Fueling Market Growth

China's "Dual Carbon" strategy (carbon peaking by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2060) has become the cornerstone of the insulation film industry’s expansion. National and local policies are driving both new construction and retrofitting demand:

National Standards: The revised GB 50016-2023 "Code for Fire Protection Design of Buildings" extends the mandatory use of Class A non-combustible insulation materials to buildings over 24 meters (previously 27 meters), pushing the phase-out of low-grade EPS/XPS products. For insulation films, this translates to stricter requirements for flame retardancy (oxygen index ≥30%) and low smoke density (≤75).
Local Implementation: Regional policies further tailor standards to climate and development needs. Beijing mandates a thermal conductivity ≤0.025 W/(m·K) and carbon footprint certification, while the Yangtze River Delta emphasizes "performance + local service" dual-track mechanisms. In cold northern regions, the updated JGJ 26-2024 "Energy Conservation Design Standard for Residential Buildings in Severe Cold and Cold Areas" requires a 10% reduction in heat transfer coefficients, boosting demand for high-reflectivity films.
Green Finance Incentives: Projects using certified green materials (e.g., China’s Three-Star Green Building Certification) qualify for preferential loans and insurance premiums, driving 85% of developers to require carbon footprint reports for insulation products.

Demand Structural Shifts: From Residential to Diversified Applications

The market’s demand profile is evolving beyond traditional residential use:

Residential Dominance: Accounting for 76% of total demand, residential projects—especially high-end renovated apartments—are the largest segment. China’s residential floor heating penetration rate has reached 61% in fully furnished homes, with homeowners increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Low-VOC, formaldehyde-free products have seen a penetration rate jump from 38% in 2024 to a projected 42% in 2025.
Commercial and Industrial Expansion: Public buildings (hospitals, schools, shopping malls) and industrial facilities (petrochemical plants, data centers) are emerging as fast-growing segments. For example, industrial insulation film demand is driven by the GB 50264-2022 standard, which limits equipment heat loss to ≤5% for high-temperature pipelines.
Retrofitting Opportunities: China’s 6.2 billion square meters of existing buildings in need of energy-efficient upgrades present a massive untapped market. The "coal-to-electricity" program in northern rural areas alone has driven a 210% year-on-year increase in insulation film procurement in Xinjiang in 2024.

Technological Advancements Reshaping Product Standards

Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in R&D to meet global performance requirements:

Material Innovation: The shift from solvent-based to water-based adhesives has reduced carbon emissions by 37–41% for leading brands. Advanced composites, such as nano-silver ion antibacterial films and intelligent temperature-sensing membranes, are gaining traction with annual growth rates exceeding 25%.
Performance Benchmarks: Top-tier products now achieve thermal reflectivity ≥95% (vs. the national minimum of 93%), thermal conductivity ≤0.030 W/(m·K), and a service life of 15–20 years. For example, leading domestic brands like Luyu (绿羽) offer films with 7μm aluminum layers and cross-laminated PET substrates for enhanced durability.
Manufacturing Automation: Intelligent production lines, with initial investments exceeding RMB 150 million, have reduced product thickness variation to ±0.02mm, critical for prefabricated building applications.

Technical Deep Dive: Key Specifications and Compliance Standards

Core Performance Parameters for Underfloor Heating Insulation Film

Parameter	Chinese National Standard (GB)	International Benchmark (EU/US)	Tradsak's Product Specs
Thermal Reflectivity	≥93% (GB 55015-2021)	≥95% (EN 13162)	96.5% (avg.)
Thermal Conductivity (λ)	≤0.034 W/(m·K)	≤0.030 W/(m·K) (ASTM C518)	0.028 W/(m·K)
Flame Retardancy	Class B1 (GB 8624-2012)	Class E (EN 13501-1)	Class A1 (Non-combustible)
VOC Emission	≤0.5mg/m³ (GB/T 34722-2017)	≤0.3mg/m³ (EPA Method 24)	0.2mg/m³
Aluminum Layer Thickness	≥5μm	≥7μm	8μm (vacuum-plated)
Tensile Strength	≥25MPa	≥30MPa	32MPa
Service Life	≥10 years	≥15 years	20 years (warranty)

Data sources: China Building Materials Federation, ASTM International, Tradsak Technical Datasheet

Critical Compliance Certifications

Chinese Certifications: Three-Star Green Building Material Certification (highest level), ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental), GB/T 28001 (occupational health).
International Certifications: EU CE (Construction Products Regulation CPR), US EPA (for low-VOC emissions), and SGS testing for heavy metal content. For products claiming antibacterial properties, EPA registration is mandatory for US market entry.
Regional Adaptations: Products for Southeast Asia must meet Malaysia’s SIRIM certification, while Middle Eastern markets require SASO approval (Saudi Arabian Standards Organization).

Installation Best Practices

Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the substrate is flat (variation ≤4mm) and dry (moisture content 0%).
Seam Sealing: Use aluminum foil tape to seal all gaps between film sheets, preventing heat loss of up to 15%.
Boundary Insulation: Install 20mm-thick polystyrene strips along walls to absorb thermal expansion.
Compatibility: Pair with insulation boards (≥20mm thickness, density ≥20kg/m³) for optimal U-value (≤0.25 W/(㎡·K) for ground floors).

Tradsak provides comprehensive installation guides and on-site technical support for global clients, ensuring compliance with local building codes—from Europe’s EN 1264 to North America’s ASHRAE 90.1.

Regional Market Analysis: China's Domestic Demand Hotspots

East China: Mature Market with High-End Demand

Market Share: 39.5% of national demand (2025), dominated by Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
Key Drivers: High urbanization rate (≥70%), strict green building standards, large stock of high-end residential properties.
Product Preferences: Premium films with low VOC emissions, antibacterial features, and carbon footprint transparency. Tradsak has a production base in Jiangsu to serve this region.

Central and Western China: Fastest-Growing Regions

Growth Rate: CAGR of 14.2% (2025–2030).
Key Drivers: Government infrastructure investment, rising disposable incomes, and lower production costs.
Product Preferences: Cost-effective yet compliant products for mid-range residential and public projects. Tradsak covers 12 provinces, supplying insulation film for rural "coal-to-electricity" projects.

North China: Cold Climate-Driven Demand

Market Focus: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei.
Key Drivers: Replacement of coal-fired heating with electric floor heating.
Product Preferences: Flame-retardant films (Class A1) and high-reflectivity products (≥96%).

South China: Green Building Innovation Hub

Market Characteristics: Hot and humid climates, high concentration of Three-Star Green Building projects.
Product Preferences: Moisture-resistant films, low-carbon products. Tradsak’s eco-friendly line uses 30% recycled PET and has been adopted in smart city projects in Shenzhen Qianhai and Guangzhou Nansha.

Export Trade Dynamics: China's Role in the Global Market

Global Export Overview

China is the world's largest exporter of underfloor heating insulation film, accounting for 40% of global export volume.
Export Volume (2024–2025): 598 shipments.
Top Destinations: Southeast Asia (35%), Middle East (25%), Central Asia (18%), Europe (12%).
Export Growth Drivers: Cost competitiveness, compliance with international standards, fast delivery (15–20 days).

Regional Export Strategies

Southeast Asia

Opportunities: Rapid urbanization in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia.
Challenges: Diverse local standards (SNI, TISI).
Tradsak’s Approach: Local distributor partnerships, SIRIM/SNI-certified products, Jakarta warehouse ensures 3-day delivery.

Europe

Opportunities: EU Renovation Wave.
Challenges: CE CPR certification, REACH compliance, CBAM risks.
Tradsak's Approach: Carbon footprint reduction (37% lower than EU competitors), EPD certification, Berlin office technical support.

Middle East and Central Asia

Opportunities: NEOM city, cold climate heating in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Challenges: High humidity, logistics constraints.
Tradsak’s Approach: Moisture-resistant films with UV protection, Dubai hub, compliance with SASO and GOST standards.

Competitive Landscape in Global Markets

Large Domestic Manufacturers: Scale & vertical integration (e.g., Zhejiang New Material Tech, Shandong Insulation Group).
Foreign-invested Enterprises: Focus on high-end markets, localized production in China.
Specialized Exporters: Tradsak focuses on niche industrial segments and offers end-to-end solutions.

Tradsak: A Focus on Global Compliance and Innovation

Brand Overview

Founded in 2016, Tradsak is a leading Chinese manufacturer headquartered in Shandong with production bases in Weifang City.

Product Portfolio Aligned with Market Trends

Eco-Friendly Series: Water-based adhesives, 30% recycled PET, certified by Three-Star Green Building and EU EPD.
High-Reflectivity Series: Thermal reflectivity 96.5%, conductivity 0.028 W/(m·K).
Flame-Retardant Series: Class A1 non-combustible.
Customized Solutions: Pre-cut sheets, modular components, antibacterial/antimold films, smart temperature-sensing films.

Global Compliance and Certifications

Chinese: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Three-Star Green Building, GB/T 34722-2017.
International: CE (CPR), EPA, SGS, EPD.
Regional: SIRIM, TISI, GOST.

Customer Success Stories

Residential: Weifang, Qingzhou – 50,000 m², U-value 0.23 W/(㎡·K), 40% heating cost reduction.
Commercial: Dubai Mall Expansion – moisture-resistant film meets UAE green standards.
Industrial: PetroChina Xinjiang Refinery – heat loss ≤3%, high-temp resistance.

How to Choose the Right Underfloor Heating Insulation Film: A Buyer’s Guide

Step 1: Define Application Requirements

Residential, commercial, industrial, and export markets.

Step 2: Evaluate Technical Parameters

Thermal reflectivity, conductivity, flame retardancy, VOC emissions.

Step 3: Verify Manufacturer Credentials

Production capacity ≥10 million m², certifications, quality control, after-sales service.

Step 4: Consider Total Cost of Ownership

High-quality films reduce energy bills 30–40% and eliminate frequent replacements.

Future Trends: 2025–2030 Outlook

Technological Innovations

Smart insulation films with IoT connectivity.
Carbon-neutral bio-based materials.
Ultra-thin films (<0.2mm) for retrofits.

Market Expansion

Africa & South America CAGR 18–20%.
Applications: EV batteries, data centers.
Service-oriented turnkey solutions.

Policy and Regulation

Stricter carbon disclosure.
Harmonization of GB & international standards.
Phase-out of low-quality films (VOC >1.0mg/m³) by 2027.

Conclusion: China's Insulation Film Market – A Global Leader in Innovation and Value

China's underfloor heating insulation film industry is poised for robust growth, with projected market size RMB 8.4 billion (USD 1.2 billion) by 2030.

Tradsak exemplifies eco-friendly, globally compliant products, offering technical innovation, regional customization, and customer-centric service. Global buyers should prioritize technical excellence, compliance, and total cost of ownership. Choosing Tradsak ensures energy savings and long-term carbon reduction, establishing China as a key driver of global building materials innovation.