Aerogel Shines at the 2025 Asia Thermal Insulation Expo Amid Market Challenges

Reflections on the 2025 Asia Thermal Insulation Expo: Aerogel's Bright Future in a Challenging Market

I recently attended the 22nd Asia Thermal Insulation Materials and Energy-Saving Technology Exhibition (TIM Expo), held from December 11-13, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. As a representative of Hebei Woqin Trading Co., Ltd., specializing in aerogel and vacuum insulation panels, the event provided valuable insights into the current state of China's insulation industry.

Overall, the atmosphere reflected the broader market realities: economic headwinds and saturation in traditional segments led to fewer participating companies and a quieter exhibition floor compared to previous years. Many established players in conventional insulation materials appear to be facing intensified internal competition ("inner volume") and declining demand, prompting a cautious approach to new investments.

Yet, amid this subdued backdrop, one category stood out prominently: aerogel products. Aerogel-based solutions were everywhere—drawing crowds, sparking discussions, and showcasing a wave of fresh innovations. A notable highlight was the presentation on aerogel insulating mortar, demonstrating ultra-low thermal conductivity (around 0.092 W/m·K) through advanced particle integration and performance graphs illustrating superior insulation across temperature ranges.

This enthusiasm for aerogel is no coincidence. As traditional insulation faces stagnation, more enterprises are pivoting toward innovative pathways to avoid overcrowded markets. Aerogel, as a relatively new yet proven technology in China, offers ultra-low thermal conductivity, lightweight properties, and versatility—making it ideally suited for demanding applications like passive houses, industrial pipelines, and building retrofits.

The event also featured insightful forums, including discussions on low-carbon thermal insulation at the parallel Shanghai International Low-Carbon and Thermal Insulation Energy Efficiency Forum. Experts, including references to leading researchers like Professor Shen Xiaodong from Nanjing University of Technology—a pioneer in aerogel advancements—affirmed the material's trajectory. Aerogel is poised to gradually replace traditional insulation materials, driven by its superior performance and alignment with China's dual-carbon goals.

At Hebei Woqin Trading Co., Ltd., we see ourselves as active contributors to this evolution. Our focus on high-quality aerogel blankets, panels, and vacuum insulation panels positions us to support the industry's shift toward sustainable, high-efficiency solutions.

While the current market presents challenges, the prominence of aerogel at this expo signals a promising turning point. With continued innovation and collaboration, aerogel will play a pivotal role in advancing energy efficiency across building, industrial, and emerging sectors.

We look forward to the next developments and invite partners to explore how aerogel can drive the future of insulation.