Industry Trends: Current Status and Future Development of the Construction Timber Formwork Market — 26 Years of Industry Insight from Sunmmax

In the construction sector, timber formwork has long been one of the core materials for concrete pouring and shaping. Although new materials such as steel and aluminum formwork have emerged in recent years, timber formwork still holds a significant position in projects nationwide thanks to its flexible processing, high cost-effectiveness, and wide applicability.
As Sunmmax, a company specializing in construction timber formwork and timber beam production for 26 years, we are not only deeply committed to manufacturing but also closely track industry trends. Today, we share our analysis of the current market landscape and the future development directions.

I. Market Status: Stable Demand, Intensifying Competition

Currently, China’s construction industry is maintaining steady growth. Continuous progress in infrastructure and real estate projects provides a solid foundation for demand in the timber formwork market. According to industry data, timber formwork still accounts for over 50% of the concrete formwork market share.

However, as more players enter the industry, competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Price wars and uneven product quality are common. Some contractors fall into the “price trap” — saving in the short term but incurring higher long-term costs due to short formwork lifespans and high rework rates.

Against this backdrop, manufacturers with strong brand recognition, stable quality, and comprehensive services are better positioned to stand out. Leveraging 26 years of quality craftsmanship, Sunmmax has earned an excellent reputation in numerous large-scale engineering projects.

II. Technological Upgrades: Continuous Product Performance Improvement

Traditional timber formwork has shortcomings in water resistance, moisture resistance, and wear resistance — long-standing areas of focus for improvement in the industry. In recent years, thanks to advancements in production techniques and raw materials, durability and reuse cycles have significantly improved. High-performance products such as film-faced panels and phenolic resin panels are increasingly popular.

Sunmmax uses high-density premium core veneers, imported phenolic resin adhesives, and high-temperature, high-pressure film-coating technology. This greatly enhances water resistance and prevents delamination, allowing a single panel to be reused more than 10 times and significantly lowering clients’ overall usage costs.

III. Environmental Trends: Green Construction Becomes the New Standard

China’s “dual carbon” goals have made environmental sustainability a key priority in the construction industry. Timber formwork, as a renewable material, inherently offers certain environmental benefits. However, whether the adhesives used and the production process are environmentally friendly has also become an important consideration.

Sunmmax adheres to environmental standards in adhesive selection to minimize harmful emissions and strictly controls production waste discharge. At the same time, we ensure raw materials are sourced sustainably, actively aligning with green building policy requirements, and providing clients with healthier, more eco-friendly formwork products.

IV. Future Development: Customization and Service Upgrades

As architectural designs become more diverse and engineering standards more stringent, the demand for customized formwork continues to grow. In the future, timber formwork manufacturers will need not only to offer standardized products but also to develop the ability to quickly design and customize to meet the specific needs of different projects.

After-sales service will also become a critical factor in competition. The ability to provide technical guidance, installation advice, and rapid replenishment will directly influence client choices. Sunmmax has been building its capabilities in this area for years, establishing a rapid response mechanism to ensure clients can proceed with construction without delay.

V. Industry Outlook: Survival of the Fittest, Quality is King

Overall, the construction timber formwork industry will continue to enjoy stable demand in the coming years, but competition will increasingly center on quality and service. Companies lacking quality assurance and relying solely on low prices will gradually be phased out, while brands that consistently innovate, maintain quality, and deliver comprehensive services will hold stronger positions in the market.

With 26 years of dedication and expertise, Sunmmax will continue to enhance product performance, environmental standards, customization capabilities, and customer service, working hand-in-hand with construction companies to usher in a new era of higher-quality building.