Australia and New Zealand Protective Face Masks Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Medical Face Masks, Standard Respirators, and Others), By Usage (Disposable and Reusable), By End Use Industry (Healthcare and Industrial), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The Australia and New Zealand protective face masks market size was valued at USD 269.0 million in 2022 and is expected to grow from USD 266.5 million in 2023 to USD 347.8 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

Protective face masks such as N95 respirators and surgical masks are personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from contaminated particles or liquids on the face. The edges of the masks are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth forming a respiratory protection from contaminants such as dusts, mists, and fumes.

As per the guidelines mentioned by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), face masks must be used for surgical, clinical, medical purposes, or other healthcare services to meet the definition. The efficacy of these masks in offering high-efficiency levels and protection against airborne diseases is set to fuel the market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

COVID-19 Outbreak Skyrocketed the Demand for Protective Face Masks Owing to Stringent Safety Measures

The uncertain outbreak of COVID-19 spiked the demand for personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, and face masks. Protective face masks played a crucial role in preventing the spread of disease, illness, and infection. It not only protected the wearer but also prevented the further spread of infection through the infected person. As a result, wearing protective face masks during the COVID-19 virus outbreak was mandated by the governments of Australia and New Zealand, which skyrocketed the demand for the masks. However, production capacities were unable to meet the skyrocketed demand, and due to shortage of raw materials created an extra barrier in producing face masks. With global supply chains disrupted, it was essential to mobilize local manufacturers and repurpose production facilities to produce procedure masks and surgical masks at a scale to meet the growing demand in Australia. In response, the Australian Government, CSIRO, and selected Australian manufacturers partnered to develop and test the materials and manufacturing processes needed to make the masks. Similar efforts were noticed by New Zealand’s government, which balanced the supply-demand equation.

Australia and New Zealand Protective Face Masks Market Trends

Rising Adoption of Reusable Face Masks to Fuel Market Growth

Surgical masks and N95 masks are considered best for protection against COVID-19. Although they offer a lot of protection, their disposable nature can have serious environmental and animal impacts. To address this issue, people not working in healthcare facilities are encouraged to use reusable masks instead of surgical masks. Reusable masks can be washed and reused after use and are often made of breathable fabric. However, reusable masks are not a replacement for N95 masks; they provide personal protection and protect others to a certain extent. According to the study titled "Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2", conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended to use a non-valved multi-layer cloth mask. The trend of reusable masks reduces the waste created due to disposable masks and prevents the spread of COVID-19. Thus, the advantages associated with reusable face masks and their rising adoption will fuel the market growth.

Australia and New Zealand Protective Face Masks Market Growth Factors

Continuous Uncertain COVID-19 Waves and Emerging Variants to Fuel the Demand for Product

The unexpected COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 skyrocketed the demand for protective face masks during the historical period (2017-2022). As per the World Health Organization, in Australia alone, there were 11.61 million cases and 23,188 deaths from 3^rd January 2020 to 12^th October 2023. As a result, the demand for this type of face masks spiked during this period due to the risks associated with the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent implementation of a mask mandate by the Australian Government.

Although the pandemic has gone, fear and uncertainty attached to emerging COVID-19 variants still persists, acting as a catalyst for market growth. Over tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases were found in Australia from January to October 2023, the demand for face masks is expected to be sustained. Such uncertain COVID-19 waves have the potential to impact large masses and create a situation akin to the pandemic if not improperly handled. The factors will drive this market in the region during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Environmental Concerns Related to Disposable Face Masks May Hinder their Usage in the Long Term

Face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) have become essential for healthcare workers since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Disposable N95 masks were particularly in demand to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease. However, millions of face masks are disposed-off reluctantly and inappropriately, posing a potential environmental danger. Some plastic fibers (mainly polypropylene) found in face masks will may persist in the environment for decades or even centuries, ultimately breaking down into smaller microplastics and nanoplastics. As per the study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is found that face masks contain several toxic metals such as Cd, Cr, and Pb and produce different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 4-methylheptane and 2,4-dimethylhept-1-ene. Such toxic metals and VOCs pose a high risk to the environment.

These findings prompt governments and manufacturers to look for an alternative solution and force consumers to move toward reusable masks, reducing the demand for disposable masks in the long term.

Australia and New Zealand Protective Face Masks Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Standard Respirators to Dominate the Market Owing to Its Wide Adoption

Based on product, the market is segmented into medical face masks, standard respirators, and others.

In the Australia protective face masks market, the standard respirators segment accounted for a larger market share in 2022 and is projected to remain the leading product type throughout the forecast period. The huge demand is mainly due to its efficacy in protecting against chemical vapours, gases, and toxic particles, ensuring respiratory health. Workers in the construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors often use standard respirators to safeguard against dust, fumes, and other airborne particulates that can lead to respiratory issues.

The medical face mask segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast timeline. The medical face mask segment is further sub-segmented into surgical & procedure, N-95 respirators, and others. Medical face masks are designed mainly for healthcare professionals due to their effectiveness in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This factor is contributing to the segment’s growth. Medical face masks are crucial for health workers to protect themselves and patients from transmitting infectious diseases, including COVID-19, tuberculosis, and influenza, driving demand during the forecast period. In medical masks, N95 masks are anticipated to grow faster than any other face masks due to their snug facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles.

By Usage Analysis

Disposable Protective Face Masks Accounted for Major Share Owing to Safety Measures 

Based on usage, the market is segmented into disposable and reusable.

The disposable segment accounted for the largest Australia and New Zealand protective face masks market share and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.

Disposable face masks are a staple in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and dental clinics. They are widely used by healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors to prevent transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and common colds. Researchers and laboratory workers use disposable masks to protect against inhalation of airborne contaminants. However, face masks are used only once as they can carry hazardous contents or virus strands on their surface, which may infect the wearer if they're used regularly. Therefore, in order to maintain the purpose of the protective face mask and maintain the safety of the wearer, it is disposed of more frequently. As a result, it generates more revenue in the market, which makes it a dominating segment.

But, due to increasing concerns associated with disposable masks, reusable masks have gained significant popularity amid rising disposable waste. As a result, reusable masks are projected to grow faster than disposable masks.

By End Use Industry Analysis

High-Risk Working Environment in Various Industries Made Industrial Segment Dominating in the Market

Based on end use industry, the market is segmented into healthcare and industrial. 

The industrial segment is further segmented into oil & gas, mining, construction and others. The industrial segment held the largest market share in 2022.

In the mining industry, masks protect workers from dust, sparks, and metal smoke from entering the respiratory tract. The air-purifying respirators are widely used in construction because they protect against solid and liquid particles in smoke and droplets. Working environments in the oil and gas industry are more hazardous compared to many industries, making these face masks an important safety measure. Due to the high-risk working environments of these industries, the industrial segment dominates the demand for these face masks in the Australia and New Zealand face masks market.

The healthcare segment is poised to grow at a higher rate than the industrial segment. Rapid spread of COVID-19 has spiked the healthcare industry's demand for protective face masks.

COUNTRY INSIGHTS

Based on country, the market is divided into Australia and New Zealand.

In Australia and New Zealand protective face masks market, Australia accounted for the largest share in year 2022. The unexpected pandemic event caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 skyrocketed the demand for these face masks during the historical period (2017-2021). As per the World Health Organization, alone in Australia, there were 11.61 million cases and 23,188 deaths from 3rd January 2020 to 12th October 2023. As a result, the demand for protective face masks spiked during this period, generating total sales of 416.68 million in Australia in 2020. The demand was primarily driven by the risks associated with the coronavirus outbreak and after the mask mandate introduced by the Australian Government.

List of Key Companies in Australia and New Zealand Protective Face Masks Market 

Rapid Capacity Expansion to Become Key Strategy among Market Giants to Cater the Growing Demand

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts both established and emerging companies. 3M, Care Essentials, Detmold Group, Esko, and Honeywell International Inc. are the key players leading this market with a considerable amount of market share. To meet the growing demand for protective face masks various companies like Detmold Group, 3M and Honeywell have expanded their production capacities. In addition, it is observed that local manufacturers are shifting toward reusable face masks, which will shape the Australia and New Zealand market in the foreseeable period.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3M (U.S.)


• Care Essentials (Australia)


• Detmold Group (Australia)


• Esko (New Zealand)


• Honeywell International Inc (U.S.)


• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. (U.S.)


• Lanaco (New Zealand)


• Med-Con Pty Ltd (Australia)


• RCR International Pty Ltd (Australia)


• Softmed (Australia)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2022 – 3M, a leading international conglomerate, announced its decision to undertake a major expansion project at its Valley, Nebraska, plant to augment the company's respiratory and hearing protection product lines. This ambitious endeavor involves an investment of approximately USD 58 million for the construction of a state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot facility.


• April 2020 – The Detmold Group announced the establishment of a face mask manufacturing facility in Brompton. With the ongoing coronavirus health crisis and the increased demand for personal protective equipment, the company took swift action to set up local production of face masks in record time.


• March 2020 – Honeywell announced expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Phoenix to produce N95 face masks to assist the government's response to the novel coronavirus. The company's Phoenix expansion and its previously announced new production in Rhode Island will enable Honeywell to manufacture over 20 million N95 disposable masks monthly to combat COVID-19.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study report thoroughly examines key factors such as leading companies, products, usage, and end-use industry. It also provides market trends and highlights significant industry advancements. The study includes different variables that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years. It examines the industry's newest market dynamics, and opportunities, and historical data, and revenue growth estimates at the country levels.

Report Scope & Segmentation