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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
Terrace canopies are increasingly becoming an integral part of the Dutch living environment. It once started with simple awnings over the terrace, but now we are talking about completely integrated outdoor solutions: smart, stylish and increasingly suitable for all seasons. For sun protection specialists, there are structural opportunities here - both for expansion and for deepening the offer.
In Spring 2024, the Garden Equipment Market Monitor concluded that nearly 40% of all online searches around garden projects are focused on patio covers. Not surprising: the outdoor space is increasingly considered an extension of the home. The rise of luxury canopies with glass walls, lighting, heating and blinds ensures that these spaces are used not only in the summer, but also during the rest of the year.
According to reports by RetailTrends and other media outlets, sales of canopies have increased structurally since the corona pandemic, although growth has leveled off somewhat after corona. Some providers reported a 50% increase over the pre-2020 period. The combination of working from home, rising home prices and a growing need for outdoor living is causing many people to prefer to invest in their current homes rather than move.
Consumers have become more demanding. He no longer wants a standard solution, but something that matches the architecture of home and garden. That means: sleek profiles, powder coating in RAL colors, natural materials and invisible integration of technology. Customization has become the rule rather than the exception. For sun protection specialists, it is important to respond to this demand. It has long ceased to be just about providing shade - it is about atmosphere, comfort and appearance.
Although the demand for sustainability does not always come from consumers yet, manufacturers and business customers are actively working on it. Long-lasting aluminum, FSC-certified wood composite and, for example, recycled cloth and glass are increasingly being used. In addition, the canopy can help keep the home cool in the summer. This strengthens the story toward the environmentally conscious customer.
Other opportunities for the industry lie in the extras sold with the canopy or already integrated. Think sun and rain sensors, operation via smartphone or even voice. Especially slat canopies, in which the position of the slats can be adjusted dynamically, are on the rise. In addition, integrated lighting is in high demand. For sun protection specialists, this means that technological know-how and system advice are becoming increasingly important.
The hospitality industry, healthcare facilities and recreational parks are emerging markets for canopies. They are looking for flexible outdoor solutions that offer both comfort and create additional capacity. There are clear opportunities here for sun protection companies that want to present themselves as total partners - from advice to installation.
The patio cover is not a temporary trend, but a structural extension of outdoor living. For the sun protection industry, this means a broadening of the market in which advice, technology, aesthetics and sustainability come together. This product segment will only become more important in the coming years.
