North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Hand Protection, Eye & Face Protection {Safety Spectacles, Safety Goggles}, Hearing Protection {Ear Plugs, Cap Mounted Earmuffs, and Hearing Bands}, Protective Clothing {Chemical Defending Garment}, Respiratory Protection {APR and Supplied Air Respirators}, Protective Footwear, Fall Protection {Soft Goods, Hard Goods, Full Body Harness}, Head Protection), By End-use Industry (Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Healthcare), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market size was valued at USD 26.99 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 28.27 billion in 2023 to USD 40.27 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

Personal Protective Equipment is mainly used to protect users from safety hazards or workplace health issues. PPE is crucial in times of emergency and for ensuring the safety of workers. The protective equipment is made up of garments designed to protect healthcare workers or any individual from infections. PPE products include safety gloves, helmets, eye protection, safety footwear, coveralls, and others.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increasing Demand from the Biomedical Industry to Boost Market Growth

This industry underwent constant changes in conditions and dynamics on a daily basis. As the pandemic spreads across the globe, it witnessed an unprecedented surge in demand for gloves, masks, coveralls, and others. The industry faced challenges such as numerous export bans imposed by governments or legislations, creating trade barriers, including raw materials required for protective gloves production.

There existed a bottleneck in the production lines for masks and gloves, and establishing additional production lines was a time-consuming process. For example, it can take 4 to 6 months to add a new production line and high investment. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities in the supply chains of various industries. Many healthcare systems globally had either been encouraged or forced offshoring of PPE production to low-cost providers. In the U.S., 95% of surgical masks and 70% of respirators were produced overseas. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) factory shutdown and ban on travel and PPE products exports placed significant strain on PPE supply chains. The evolving pandemic nature of COVID-19 also gave rise to technical and political constraints within the supply chain market.

North America Personal Protective Equipment Market Trends

Innovation in Antiviral Fabrics for Medical Protective Clothing to Spur Market Development

Protective clothing or textiles are important technical textiles that are used principally for their functional or functional properties. The importance of protective clothing in the workplace is growing every day. These products are used to protect against various adverse environments, whether natural or man-made, such as storms, cold, heat, ultraviolet (UV) rays, fires, radioactive radiation, snow, friction, microorganisms, dust, and chemicals.

Protective textiles include a range of properties, including lightweight, water and wind-resistant, high durability, and resistant to microorganisms, bacteria, and chemicals. They also provide thermal insulation, protection from the radar spectrum, air permeability, UV resistant, and fire and flame resistance.

The importance of medical protective clothing during COVID-19 pandemic has surged drastically. According to the Performance Apparel Markets report, the COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated innovation in fabrics with antiviral properties for medical protective clothing. Medical protective clothing plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of healthcare workers, the general public, and the patients they treat.

Key players in the performance textile industry are prioritizing the rapid development of antiviral finishes and fabrics. For instance, Ascend Performance Materials introduced Acteev technology which can destroy SARS CoV-2, and other pathogens such as coronavirus 229E, H1N1, and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as E Coli and staphylococcus. Acteev technology combines virus-deactivating active zinc ions with the softness of polyamide fibers and fabrics to deliver unparalleled performance and antimicrobial efficacy.

In August 2021, Carrington Textiles developed an antiviral and antibacterial finish for fabrics that is certified by ISO. This finish aims to protect employees in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, heavy industry, and armed forces from COVID-19 transmission. In addition, in June 2021, Rudolf Group launched a new product with antiviral features and antimicrobial products for textile applications to combat COVID-19.

In April 2021, Polygiene launched ViralOff, a fabric finish with tested antiviral capabilities to help combat COVID-19.

North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Growth Factors

Demand from the Food Industry to Drive the Market Growth

Workers in the food production sector are exposed to a startling amount of harsh and hazardous chemicals, putting them at risk of contaminating the food they handle. Many hazardous substances may be found in food factories, ranging from anhydrous ammonia used in cooling systems to disinfectants required for clean equipment. Industrial gases such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and ozone are used in food processing today for freezing, chilling, carbonating, and sterilizing. These gases, however, can endanger both employees and facilities. Therefore, reliable monitoring of poisonous, flammable, and explosive gases is required in food processing plants, along with the provision of breathing and personal protection equipment, as well as escape and rescue equipment in case of emergency. Workers who may come into contact with these substances should be informed, follow correct work procedures, and wear suitable personal protection equipment. Striking a delicate balance is crucial for PPE in the food industry, as manufacturers must safeguard not just their employees, but also the food they produce. Protective gear and its application are important elements in avoiding worker injury and food contamination. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that could lead to injuries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees in the food production and handling business can sustain a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to serious. Cuts, burns, bruising, and fractures are all common injuries that may be avoided and prevented with proper PPE.

Correct food handling practices minimizes contamination and spoiling, extend the shelf life of food, and reduce waste and inefficiency. Equipping staff with comfortable and effective PPE decreases the likelihood of food being contaminated with parasites, germs, dust, mold spores, and other material present on the human body and clothing.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Skin Allergies Due to the Usage of PPE Products for Longer Periods of Time May Hinder Market Growth

The COVID-19 outbreak led to an increased demand for personal protective equipment used by healthcare workers to treat patients. More than 40% of healthcare workers have suffered serious skin injuries related to the use of PPE products such as face shields, goggles, protective clothing, overalls, and masks. These skin injuries put staff at risk of infection due to inadequate preventive and therapeutic measures. The three main reasons for skin damage from using personal protective equipment are damp skin from perspiration, skin tears from a tight mask, and pressure damage. Many of these allergies are caused due to excessive sweating, prolonged wear, and the use of Class 3 PPE products. The bridge of the nose, ears, cheeks, and forehead are the most vulnerable areas for skin injuries in healthcare workers. Prolonged wearing of PPE products, N95 respirators, surgical masks, and goggles puts pressure on the bridge of the nose and cheeks of healthcare workers, increasing the incidence of skin damage and allergies.

In addition, improper disposal of masks also poses a major threat to the environment. An increasing number of gloves and masks are being found in the ocean, posing a deadly risk to the fish and turtles that feed on them. This poses a threat to the marine life, along with thousands of other masks that have been abandoned. While the use of PPE products is critical to the current pandemic scenario, so is the proper disposal of masks.

North America PPE Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Respiratory Protection Segment to Gain Momentum due to Growing Demand for N-95 Respirators  

By product, the market in North America is segmented into hearing protection, head protection, protective clothing, eye face protection, protective footwear, hand protection, respiratory protection, fall protection, and others.

Respiratory protection is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The respiratory protection segment is expected to grow due to the considerable increase in the demand for respirators and masks due to the spread of air-borne diseases including, COVID-19 pandemic. The air-borne diseases spread through droplets of saliva, cough and sneezing which creates high demand for respirators and masks. During the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended all the citizens of the country to wear mask and maintain a social distance as a precautionary measure. The increasing awareness about the preventive measures for the diseases will drive the respiratory protection segment growth.

By End-use Industry Analysis

Healthcare Industry Accounted for a Significant Market Share Due to Rising Demand for Gloves, Face Masks, Gowns, and Others

On the basis of end-use industry, the market is divided into manufacturing, construction, automotive, oil & gas, chemical, healthcare, food, chemical, transportation, and others.  

The healthcare segment held the prime share of the market in 2022. The demand for personal protective equipment is expected to grow as the global outbreak of coronavirus has increased the importance of staff safety in healthcare facilities. The use of PPE has surged in hospitals worldwide, due to the growing geriatric population and the increase number of coronavirus cases.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has generated exceptional demand for PPE products in healthcare such as face masks, gowns, gloves, goggles, coveralls, and face shields. This protective equipment is worn to reduce exposure to risks causing serious health problems. Manufacturers are focusing on increasing the production capacities of the PPE product in many regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East to meet the rising product demand. In many western regions, production plants are outsourced to Asian countries to an extent of 60% and 70%.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. has led to a rise in demand for personal protective equipment by healthcare and paramedical workers. Various government agencies such as the Defense Health Agency, are helping in ensuring safety in military hospitals across the globe.

Increasing demand for coverall headgear from the healthcare industry is boosting the market growth due to the growing number of coronavirus cases. The eye and face protection segment is expected to show significant growth amid the ongoing pandemic as a result of individual safety measures. The risk of exposure to the virus is augmenting the demand for face shields and masks in the North America region.

The U.S. accounts for the largest North America personal protective equipment market share attributed to a large number of PPE manufacturers. The demand for PPE in the U.S. has risen due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in cities such as New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and other cities.

The unprecedented demand for PPE and other medical devices in Canada to combat COVID-19 has led to increased production of coveralls, gloves, and masks in the region. Companies in the region are making efforts to meet the demand and supply of PPE products in Canada. In addition, the Government of Canada is mobilizing the industry to provide medical supplies and providing information on PPE in relation to COVID-19.

List of Key North America PPE Market Companies

Key Players Are Adopting Strategies to Maintain their Position in the Market

The market share is characterized by fragmention, with key players operating in the industry being 3M, AlphaProTech, DuPont, Bullard, and MSA Safety. Other key players include Honeywell International Inc., Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Lakeland, Inc., Protective Industrial Products, Inc., and Radians, Inc. Manufacturers are also expanding their business to gain competency in the industry and alleviate threats from new entrants.  

Market participants are fiercely competing with international and regional players with extensive distribution networks, regulatory know-how, and suppliers. In addition, companies sign contracts, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships with other market leaders to expand their existing markets.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3M (U.S.)


• AlphaProTech (Canada)


• DuPont (U.S.)


• Bullard (U.S.)


• MSA Safety (U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


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


• Lakeland, Inc. (U.S.)


• Protective Industrial Products, Inc. (U.S.)


• Radians, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2022- Honeywell acquired Norcross Safety Products L.L.C. for USD 1.2 billion. This acquisition would provide the company with a platform in North America, offering substantial growth opportunities.


• March 2022- 3M, MSA Safety and Dentec Safety Specialists redesigned reusable industrial face masks to better protect healthcare workers and help prevent mask shortages. These elastomeric respirators gained NIOSH approval, as they were redesigned by either removing the exhalation valve or fitting it with a new filter and valve to trap the virus inside.


• January 2022- MSA Safety Incorporated acquired England-based Bristol Uniforms at USD 60 million. This acquisition strengthened MSA Safety’s position in the fire service and PPE, expanding the business in the U.K. and key European markets.


• December 2021- KARAM, a PPE manufacturing company in India, expanded into the consumer healthcare segment with the launch of its KARAM Plus range. The latest product range under KARAM Healthcare includes RF 101 - RFH 101 K-Air N 95 Disposable Face Masks to serve its customers in the healthcare sector.


• May 2021 – Honeywell signed an agreement with the U.K. government for 70 million face masks to support the U.K.’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. The new production line would be capable of producing up to 4.5 million FFP2 and FFP3 disposable face masks per month at its Newhouse site in Scotland, U.K.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, product, and end-use industries. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors contributing to the market growth in recent years.

This report includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation