Key Insights
The North American geopolymer market, currently valued at $1.9 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.15% from 2025 to 2033. This rapid expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials is a major catalyst. Geopolymers offer a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional Portland cement, aligning perfectly with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality goals. Secondly, the superior performance characteristics of geopolymers, including enhanced strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attack, are attracting significant interest from infrastructure and construction projects. This is particularly relevant in demanding applications like bridge construction, tunnel lining, and road pavements, where longevity and resilience are critical. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sustainable infrastructure development and stricter environmental regulations are further stimulating market growth. The rising adoption of geopolymers in specialized applications like nuclear waste immobilization also contributes to market expansion.
Within the North American market, segments like building construction and road & pavement applications are expected to dominate, fueled by large-scale infrastructure projects and increasing urbanization. The precast panel segment within product types also shows promising growth potential due to its ease of use and efficient construction methods. While the market faces challenges such as high initial investment costs and the need for specialized expertise, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on addressing these issues, making geopolymers a more accessible and cost-effective solution over time. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging companies, each contributing to innovation and market penetration within specific niche applications. This dynamic interplay is expected to further accelerate the overall growth trajectory of the North American geopolymer market.

North America Geopolymer Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the North America geopolymer market, offering invaluable insights for businesses, investors, and researchers. With a study period spanning 2019-2033, a base year of 2025, and a forecast period of 2025-2033, this report leverages historical data (2019-2024) to predict future market trends and opportunities within the North American geopolymer industry, a market projected to reach xx Billion by 2033.
North America Geopolymer Market Structure & Competitive Dynamics
This section analyzes the competitive landscape of the North American geopolymer market, examining market concentration, innovation ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, product substitutes, end-user trends, and merger & acquisition (M&A) activities. The market is characterized by a moderate level of concentration, with key players such as Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions, Milliken & Company Inc, Standard Cement Materials Inc, URETEK USA, PURIS Corp, Vortex Companies, Geopolymer Solutions LLC, CEMEX S A B de C V, SLB (Schlumberger Limited), RENCA Inc, and Critica Infrastructure holding significant market share. The total market value in 2025 is estimated at $xx Billion.
- Market Concentration: The market is moderately consolidated, with the top 5 players accounting for approximately xx% of the market share in 2025.
- Innovation Ecosystems: Significant R&D investments are driving innovation in geopolymer formulations and applications.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Government regulations regarding sustainable construction materials are influencing market growth.
- Product Substitutes: Competition exists from traditional cement and concrete, but geopolymers offer advantages in sustainability and performance.
- End-User Trends: Growing demand for sustainable and high-performance construction materials is a key market driver.
- M&A Activities: The past five years have witnessed xx M&A deals in the North American geopolymer market, with a total value of approximately $xx Billion. These activities reflect increasing industry consolidation and strategic investments.
North America Geopolymer Market Industry Trends & Insights
This section delves into the key trends shaping the North American geopolymer market. The market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable construction materials, advancements in geopolymer technology, and supportive government policies promoting green infrastructure. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period (2025-2033) is projected to be xx%. Market penetration is increasing steadily, particularly in the building and construction sector. Technological disruptions, such as the development of high-performance geopolymer blends and innovative manufacturing processes, are further accelerating market expansion. Consumer preferences are shifting towards eco-friendly and durable construction solutions, bolstering demand for geopolymers. Competitive dynamics are marked by both established players and emerging companies vying for market share, leading to continuous innovation and improved product offerings.

Dominant Markets & Segments in North America Geopolymer Market
The building and construction sector represents the largest segment within the North American geopolymer market, accounting for approximately xx% of the total market value in 2025. The Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel segment holds the largest market share within the product type category, followed by Grout and Binder and Other Product Types.
Key Drivers:
- Building & Construction: Increased infrastructure spending and construction activities drive demand.
- Road & Pavement: Growing need for durable and sustainable road infrastructure fuels segment growth.
- Economic Policies: Government initiatives promoting green building and infrastructure development stimulate market expansion.
Dominance Analysis:
The United States is the leading market in North America, driven by robust construction activity and supportive government policies. Canada and Mexico follow as significant markets, exhibiting substantial growth potential. The building application segment is dominant due to the wide adoption of geopolymers in various building projects.
North America Geopolymer Market Product Innovations
Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in geopolymer technology, including the development of high-strength, self-healing, and customizable geopolymer formulations. These innovations are enhancing the performance, durability, and sustainability of geopolymer products, expanding their applicability across various sectors. The introduction of novel manufacturing processes is further improving efficiency and reducing production costs, making geopolymers a more competitive alternative to traditional construction materials.
Report Segmentation & Scope
This report provides a granular segmentation of the North America geopolymer market, examining various product types (Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel; Grout and Binder; Other Product Types – Composites, Foam, and Bricks) and applications (Building; Road and Pavement; Runway; Pipe and Concrete Repair; Bridge; Tunnel Lining; Railroad Sleeper; Coating; Fireproofing; Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization; Specific Mold Products). Each segment's growth projections, market size, and competitive dynamics are analyzed. The detailed analysis covers market size, growth forecasts, and competitive landscape across the different segments, enabling businesses to understand the market dynamics at a granular level.
Key Drivers of North America Geopolymer Market Growth
The North American geopolymer market's growth is propelled by several factors: the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials, stringent environmental regulations promoting reduced carbon emissions, advancements in geopolymer technology resulting in enhanced product performance, and growing government investments in infrastructure development.
Challenges in the North America Geopolymer Market Sector
Despite its growth potential, the North American geopolymer market faces challenges including: the relatively high initial cost of geopolymer materials compared to traditional cement, potential supply chain constraints affecting raw material availability, and the need for increased awareness and acceptance among construction professionals regarding the benefits of geopolymers. These factors can impede market penetration and necessitate targeted strategies for addressing these barriers.
Leading Players in the North America Geopolymer Market Market
- Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions
- Milliken & Company Inc
- Standard Cement Materials Inc
- URETEK USA
- PURIS Corp
- Vortex Companies
- Geopolymer Solutions LLC
- CEMEX S A B de C V
- SLB (Schlumberger Limited)
- RENCA Inc
- Critica Infrastructure
Key Developments in North America Geopolymer Market Sector
- 2022 Q4: Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions launched a new high-performance geopolymer binder.
- 2023 Q1: A significant merger occurred between two leading geopolymer producers in the US, resulting in increased market consolidation.
- 2024 Q2: A new government initiative in California promotes the use of geopolymers in infrastructure projects. (Further developments to be added based on data availability).
Strategic North America Geopolymer Market Outlook
The North American geopolymer market presents significant growth opportunities. Continued technological advancements, supportive government policies, and growing awareness of sustainability are poised to drive strong market expansion. Strategic partnerships, investments in R&D, and expansion into new applications will be critical for success in this dynamic market. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, presenting lucrative prospects for businesses engaged in the development and application of geopolymer technology.
North America Geopolymer Market Segmentation
-
1. Product Type
- 1.1. Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel
- 1.2. Grout and Binder
- 1.3. Other Product Types (Composites, Foam, and Bricks)
-
2. Application
- 2.1. Building
- 2.2. Road and Pavement
- 2.3. Runway
- 2.4. Pipe and Concrete Repair
- 2.5. Bridge
- 2.6. Tunnel Lining
- 2.7. Railroad Sleeper
- 2.8. Coating
- 2.9. Fireproofing
- 2.10. Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization
- 2.11. Specific Mold Products
-
3. Geography
- 3.1. United States
- 3.2. Canada
- 3.3. Mexico
North America Geopolymer Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. United States
- 2. Canada
- 3. Mexico

North America Geopolymer Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 30.15% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Construction Activities in the Region; Environmental Regulations and Emission Strain on Cement Industry; Other Drivers
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Complex Manufacturing Process; Other Restraints
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Building Segment to Dominate the Market
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 5.1.1. Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel
- 5.1.2. Grout and Binder
- 5.1.3. Other Product Types (Composites, Foam, and Bricks)
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 5.2.1. Building
- 5.2.2. Road and Pavement
- 5.2.3. Runway
- 5.2.4. Pipe and Concrete Repair
- 5.2.5. Bridge
- 5.2.6. Tunnel Lining
- 5.2.7. Railroad Sleeper
- 5.2.8. Coating
- 5.2.9. Fireproofing
- 5.2.10. Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization
- 5.2.11. Specific Mold Products
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 5.3.1. United States
- 5.3.2. Canada
- 5.3.3. Mexico
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.4.1. United States
- 5.4.2. Canada
- 5.4.3. Mexico
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6. United States North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 6.1.1. Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel
- 6.1.2. Grout and Binder
- 6.1.3. Other Product Types (Composites, Foam, and Bricks)
- 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 6.2.1. Building
- 6.2.2. Road and Pavement
- 6.2.3. Runway
- 6.2.4. Pipe and Concrete Repair
- 6.2.5. Bridge
- 6.2.6. Tunnel Lining
- 6.2.7. Railroad Sleeper
- 6.2.8. Coating
- 6.2.9. Fireproofing
- 6.2.10. Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization
- 6.2.11. Specific Mold Products
- 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 6.3.1. United States
- 6.3.2. Canada
- 6.3.3. Mexico
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7. Canada North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 7.1.1. Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel
- 7.1.2. Grout and Binder
- 7.1.3. Other Product Types (Composites, Foam, and Bricks)
- 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 7.2.1. Building
- 7.2.2. Road and Pavement
- 7.2.3. Runway
- 7.2.4. Pipe and Concrete Repair
- 7.2.5. Bridge
- 7.2.6. Tunnel Lining
- 7.2.7. Railroad Sleeper
- 7.2.8. Coating
- 7.2.9. Fireproofing
- 7.2.10. Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization
- 7.2.11. Specific Mold Products
- 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 7.3.1. United States
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8. Mexico North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 8.1.1. Cement, Concrete, and Precast Panel
- 8.1.2. Grout and Binder
- 8.1.3. Other Product Types (Composites, Foam, and Bricks)
- 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Application
- 8.2.1. Building
- 8.2.2. Road and Pavement
- 8.2.3. Runway
- 8.2.4. Pipe and Concrete Repair
- 8.2.5. Bridge
- 8.2.6. Tunnel Lining
- 8.2.7. Railroad Sleeper
- 8.2.8. Coating
- 8.2.9. Fireproofing
- 8.2.10. Nuclear and Other Toxic Waste Immobilization
- 8.2.11. Specific Mold Products
- 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Geography
- 8.3.1. United States
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.3. Mexico
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Product Type
- 9. United States North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Canada North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11. Mexico North America Geopolymer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12. Competitive Analysis
- 12.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 12.2. Company Profiles
- 12.2.1 Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions
- 12.2.1.1. Overview
- 12.2.1.2. Products
- 12.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.2 Milliken & Company Inc
- 12.2.2.1. Overview
- 12.2.2.2. Products
- 12.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.3 Standard Cement Materials Inc
- 12.2.3.1. Overview
- 12.2.3.2. Products
- 12.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.4 URETEK USA
- 12.2.4.1. Overview
- 12.2.4.2. Products
- 12.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.5 PURIS Corp
- 12.2.5.1. Overview
- 12.2.5.2. Products
- 12.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.6 Vortex Companies
- 12.2.6.1. Overview
- 12.2.6.2. Products
- 12.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.7 Geopolymer Solutions LLC
- 12.2.7.1. Overview
- 12.2.7.2. Products
- 12.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.8 CEMEX S A B de C V
- 12.2.8.1. Overview
- 12.2.8.2. Products
- 12.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.9 SLB (Schlumberger Limited)
- 12.2.9.1. Overview
- 12.2.9.2. Products
- 12.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.10 RENCA Inc
- 12.2.10.1. Overview
- 12.2.10.2. Products
- 12.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.11 Critica Infrastructure
- 12.2.11.1. Overview
- 12.2.11.2. Products
- 12.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 12.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 12.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 12.2.1 Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions
List of Figures
- Figure 1: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Breakdown (Billion, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Geopolymer Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: United States North America Geopolymer Market Revenue (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: United States North America Geopolymer Market Volume (Cubic Meter) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Canada North America Geopolymer Market Revenue (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Canada North America Geopolymer Market Volume (Cubic Meter) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Mexico North America Geopolymer Market Revenue (Billion) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Mexico North America Geopolymer Market Volume (Cubic Meter) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Product Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Geography 2019 & 2032
- Table 41: North America Geopolymer Market Revenue Billion Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 42: North America Geopolymer Market Volume Cubic Meter Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the North America Geopolymer Market ?
The projected CAGR is approximately 30.15%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the North America Geopolymer Market ?
Key companies in the market include Alchemy Geopolymer Solutions, Milliken & Company Inc, Standard Cement Materials Inc, URETEK USA, PURIS Corp, Vortex Companies, Geopolymer Solutions LLC, CEMEX S A B de C V, SLB (Schlumberger Limited), RENCA Inc, Critica Infrastructure.
3. What are the main segments of the North America Geopolymer Market ?
The market segments include Product Type, Application, Geography.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 1.9 Billion as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Construction Activities in the Region; Environmental Regulations and Emission Strain on Cement Industry; Other Drivers.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Building Segment to Dominate the Market.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Complex Manufacturing Process; Other Restraints.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Billion and volume, measured in Cubic Meter.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "North America Geopolymer Market ," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the North America Geopolymer Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the North America Geopolymer Market ?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the North America Geopolymer Market , consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence