Construction Industry Today

Concrete Formwork Market to Soar to $40.7 Billion by 2032, Riding a 4.59% CAGR Wave

The increasing demand for infrastructure development, urbanization, and construction activities globally is driving the growth of the concrete formwork market
Published 18 July 2025

Concrete formwork is a temporary or permanent mold into which fresh concrete is poured and shaped until it hardens. It is a crucial component in construction, ensuring that concrete structures achieve the desired shape, strength, and finish. Formwork must be strong enough to support the weight of wet concrete and any additional loads during placement and curing.

Concrete Formwork Market Size was estimated at 27.16 (USD Billion) in 2023. The Concrete Formwork Market Industry is expected to grow from 28.41(USD Billion) in 2024 to 40.7 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Concrete Formwork Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.59% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Types of Concrete Formwork

Formwork systems vary based on the project requirements, budget, and complexity. The main types include:

Traditional Timber Formwork

One of the oldest and most common types, timber formwork uses plywood or wooden planks supported by timber frames. It is flexible and easy to construct but is labor-intensive and less durable for large-scale projects.

Advantages:

  • Easy to cut and assemble on-site
  • Cost-effective for small projects
  • Suitable for complex shapes

Disadvantages:

  • Short lifespan (reusable 5-10 times)
  • Prone to warping and moisture damage

Engineered Formwork Systems

These are prefabricated modular systems made of steel or aluminum with standardized panels. They are commonly used in large-scale commercial projects.

Advantages:

  • High durability (reusable over 100 times)
  • Quick assembly and dismantling
  • Provides a smooth concrete finish

Disadvantages:

  • Higher initial cost
  • Less flexibility for custom shapes

Plastic Formwork

Lightweight and reusable, plastic formwork is ideal for simple, repetitive structures like low-cost housing.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Resistant to water and chemicals
  • Low maintenance

Disadvantages:

  • Limited load-bearing capacity
  • Not suitable for heavy structures

Stay-in-Place Formwork

This permanent formwork remains part of the structure after concrete curing, often made of insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or prefabricated panels.

Advantages:

  • Provides additional insulation
  • Reduces construction time
  • Enhances structural integrity

Disadvantages:

  • Higher material costs
  • Limited design flexibility

Climbing Formwork

Used in high-rise construction, climbing formwork is moved upward as each concrete section sets, reducing the need for scaffolding.

Advantages:

  • Ideal for tall structures (e.g., skyscrapers, bridge piers)
  • Improves construction speed

Disadvantages:

  • Requires skilled labor
  • High initial setup cost

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Materials Used in Formwork

The choice of material affects the formwork's strength, durability, and finish:

  1. Plywood – Commonly used for traditional formwork due to its smooth surface and ease of shaping.
  2. Steel – Strong and durable, ideal for repetitive use in large projects.
  3. Aluminum – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant but more expensive than steel.
  4. Plastic/Fiberglass – Used for lightweight, reusable formwork with complex geometries.
  5. Fabric Formwork – Flexible membranes used for unique architectural shapes.

Key Design Considerations

Proper formwork design ensures safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Key factors include:

Load Capacity

Formwork must withstand:

  • Vertical Loads – Weight of wet concrete, reinforcement, and workers.
  • Lateral Pressure – Hydrostatic pressure from fresh concrete.

Deflection Control

Excessive bending can deform the structure. Deflection limits are typically 1/360 of the span for visible surfaces.

Ease of Removal (Stripping)

Formwork should be removable without damaging the concrete. Proper release agents (oils or coatings) help in easy stripping.

Watertightness

Prevents leakage of cement paste, which weakens the concrete and causes surface defects.

Reusability

Modular and durable formwork reduces long-term costs.

Best Practices for Efficient Formwork

  1. Proper Planning – Detailed drawings and schedules prevent delays.
  2. Quality Materials – Use high-grade plywood, steel, or engineered systems for better durability.
  3. Adequate Bracing – Prevents collapse due to concrete pressure.
  4. Timely Removal – Stripping too early weakens concrete; too late increases labor costs.
  5. Surface Treatment – Apply form release agents for smooth finishes.
  6. Safety Measures – Ensure workers wear PPE and formwork is securely braced.

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Key Companies in the Concrete Formwork Market Include:

  • Mateco
  • Altrad Group
  • SGB Formwork and Scaffolding
  • EFCO
  • Meva Group
  • Interform
  • NOESchaltechnik
  • Ulma Construccion
  • Harsco Infrastructure
  • Plyform
  • Doka Group
  • PERI GmbH
  • Symons Corporation
  • Peri

Concrete formwork is a vital element in construction, influencing the quality, speed, and cost of projects. Choosing the right type—whether timber, steel, plastic, or stay-in-place—depends on structural requirements and budget. Proper design, material selection, and construction practices ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality concrete structures.

Translation of the Report in Different Languages 

Marché du coffrage en béton | Markt für Betonschalungen | 콘크리트 거푸집 시장 | 混凝土模板市场 | Mercado de encofrados de hormigón | コンクリート型枠市場

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