As per a research report by Global Market Insights, Inc, protective face masks market is estimated to surpass $2.8bn (€2.36bn) by 2026.
The protective face masks market is poised to accumulate noteworthy gains in the coming years owing to the rapidly rising number of COVID-19 cases across the globe, according to the Global Market Insight‘s report. Ever since first reports of the disease came out, several international organizations like CDC (Centre for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) have suggested that the general public start to use face masks to avoid spreading the virus.
Protective masks effectively trap the aerosols generated by breathing in their filters, which significantly helps in decreasing the spread of the disease. With the number of COVID-19 cases rising at an unprecedented rate, there has been an exponential rise in demand for face masks over recent months. Additionally, as people become more aware of their potential benefits in preventing infections and allergies, the demand is expected to further increase.
The increasing load of chronic diseases has also led to a rise in the number of surgeries across the world. Figures from WHO, show that over 60% of the 56.1 million deaths that occurred worldwide in 2001 were because of chronic disease. That number is projected to rise by 57% by the end of 2020, as there is slated to be an increase in the total number of surgeries across the world, fuelling the demand for masks used by surgeons.
Notable industry players operating in the face masks market include Moldex, Cardinal Health, 3M, CrossTex, Henry Schein, Dentsply Sirona, Honeywell, and Coltene.
Growing demand for face shields
The face shields product segment represented a valuation of over $94m (€79.34m) in 2019 and is projected to witness substantial growth through the forecast timeframe. Face shields are generally used as a second layer of protection worn over the face masks.
Face shields effectively further extend the overall lifecycle of a protective face mask and lessens the chances of getting infected by a considerable margin. Over the coming years, the cost-effective nature of face shields is likely to boost the segment expansion.
Rising product demand in hospitals and clinics
The hospitals and clinics segment is forecast to dominate the overall industry share over the projected time span. The industry was already valued at over $336m (€283.61m) in 2019 and, given the critical demand for PPEs at the front lines, will continue to show exponential growth.
In fact, the presence of a large number of doctors across hospitals treating COVID-19 cases is ensuring that the supply chain of protective masks in the industry remains strong for the foreseeable timeframe. Moreover, increasing patient preference to opt for hospitals, for their treatment, because of the high availability of professionals, as well as better care quality, will fuel the growth of the segment further.
Growing product traction in Asia-Pacific
The protective face masks market of Asia Pacific (APAC) dominated the industry share, holding a valuation of over $637m (€537.68m) in 2019. This region is projected to register tremendous growth owing to the ongoing mass manufacturing operations across South-East Asian countries, China, and India.
Additionally, the already high adoption of face masks in China and Japan to decrease allergies caused by air pollution will further drive the industry share. In fact, China dominated the APAC market landscape with over 41% market share in 2019 and is likely to exhibit robust growth.
Furthermore, the high number of COVID-19 cases in the region and strict government mandates on the use of masks will boost the industry expansion further.
As well as practising social and physical distancing, wearing face masks, and properly washing hands in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, WHO advises replacing masks which get damp. It also recommends not reusing masks that are intended for single use. Considering all the precautionary measures and the growing importance of face masks amidst the pandemic, demand is expected to increase over the coming years.
