A recent study of the UK Rainwater market - the market for gutters and down pipes - shows builders' merchants, and some of the manufacturers who supply them, continuing to lose share to plastic distributors and new manufacturers.

In 2002 plastic distributors increased rainwater volumes by 11% compared with 2000. Builders' merchant volumes fell by approximately -3%. The total volume of the PVC-U Rainwater market in 2002 was 45,790 tonnes, an increase of 6.8% on 2000.

The link between significant growth in PVC-UE cellular foam roofline products and rainwater products is having a dramatic effect on channels of distribution. Cellular foam roofline products are distributed mainly through plastic distributors. This growth has also attracted new entrants into the market, who have increased volumes at the expense of some traditional manufacturers.

Conservatory roof manufacturers increasingly supply rainwater products as part of their kits and significant growth in conservatories between 2000 and 2002 has contributed to increased volumes of rainwater products. Market value rose 4.2% over the two-year period.

Prospects for the PVC-U Rainwater market are good an increase of 7% per year expected in 2004 and 2005.

The PVC-U Rainwater Products Market 2002 report updates trends from Michael Rigby Associates' 1st study of this market in 2000. The report includes a range of important issues from routes to market (volume and value) to detailed analysis of key players and market shares, technical & environmental review and industry forecasts to 2005. It holds 65 pages, 34 tables and 9 charts.

The rainwater market is in the midst of dramatic change with new suppliers and new routes to market developing quickly. For further information contact Lucia Di Stazio on 01453 521621 or email lucia@521621.com.