HVAC Market Recovery Drives Steady Demand for AL/PE Flexible Duct Outer Jackets in 2026

The first half of 2026 has seen China's HVAC sector sustain the recovery momentum that began in Q4 2025. Driven by increased commercial property completions, accelerated data center construction, and ongoing residential renovation programs, demand for aluminum foil composite outer jacketing materials for ventilation ductwork has shown notable growth. Among these, AL/PE (aluminum foil / polyethylene) composite flexible duct outer jackets have emerged as a high-frequency procurement item, valued for their combined moisture resistance, thermal reflectivity, and lightweight characteristics.

I. Structure and Functional Role of AL/PE Flexible Duct Jackets

AL/PE composite duct jacketing is a laminated roll material consisting of an aluminum foil layer (typically 7–15 μm) bonded with a PE extrusion coating (15–50 μm). It serves as the outermost wrapping layer on flexible air ducts, providing both protective and functional benefits. Both single-sided and double-sided PE coating options are available depending on application requirements.

The outer jacket performs four core functions:

First, moisture barrier protection. The PE coating layer provides a reliable moisture barrier that prevents ambient humidity from penetrating the glass wool insulation inside the flexible duct. When insulation absorbs moisture, its thermal conductivity rises sharply, degrading system performance over time. The PE layer maintains the insulation's dry state and long-term thermal efficiency.

Second, thermal radiation reflectivity. The outer aluminum foil surface offers high reflectivity (typically ≥ 85%), bouncing back ambient thermal radiation and reducing cooling energy loss during conditioned air distribution. This function is particularly critical in hot-weather climates during summer months.

Third, physical protection. The jacketing material acts as a wear-resistant, puncture-resistant shield over the internal insulation layer and steel wire helix. It resists dust accumulation, abrasion during handling and installation, and minor mechanical impact throughout the duct's service life.

Fourth, installation adaptability. AL/PE composite film is highly flexible and conforms tightly to the corrugated surface of flexible ducts. It is easy to cut, wrap, and secure with tape or ties, contributing to efficient on-site installation. The smooth, clean surface also simplifies routine maintenance.

II. Specification Comparison and Selection Guidelines

The following table summarizes the mainstream AL/PE duct jacket specifications currently available:

When sourcing AL/PE duct jacketing, procurement teams should evaluate several key parameters:

Foil thickness directly affects thermal reflectivity and mechanical durability. The 9 μm grade represents the market mainstream, balancing cost and performance. For data centers, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, or other environments with stringent thermal requirements, 12 μm foil is recommended.

PE coating thickness determines moisture barrier performance and long-term durability. A 25 μm coating is sufficient for most commercial applications, while 40 μm or above is advised for high-humidity environments.

Bond strength (peel adhesion) is the critical quality indicator. Premium AL/PE laminates should achieve a peel strength of ≥ 1.5 N/15mm. Weak lamination leads to delamination between the foil and PE layers, severely compromising performance. Buyers should request third-party test reports to verify this specification.

Width and roll length must align with the duct production line's process requirements. Common widths range from 1.0 to 1.6 m, with roll lengths customizable — standard rolls are typically 200 m or 400 m. Proper width and length configuration minimizes production waste and reduces material costs.

III. 2026 Market Outlook

Three demand-side drivers are fueling continued growth in AL/PE duct jacketing:

Data center construction boom. China's AI computing infrastructure buildout is at its peak. Large-scale data centers require high volumes of quality flexible ductwork for cooling systems, directly increasing procurement of aluminum foil composite jacketing materials.

Stricter green building standards. The updated national code on building energy efficiency has raised HVAC system performance requirements, pushing contractors to prioritize aluminum foil jacketing with superior thermal reflectivity for ventilation ductwork.

Export market recovery. Infrastructure development in Southeast Asia and the Middle East continues to drive steady import demand for HVAC flexible ducts and associated aluminum foil composite materials. Chinese manufacturers are reporting increased export orders across these regions.

For aluminum foil composite suppliers, market competition is increasingly centered on consistent lamination quality, flexible specification customization, and reliable delivery timelines — rather than price alone. Hongcheng Technology, as a specialized aluminum foil composite manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China, offers mature production lines and extensive export experience in AL/PE duct jacketing, providing customers with end-to-end service from material structure design to volume supply.

For inquiries on aluminum foil composite materials, please contact: Phone/WeChat +86 13758223270.