Protective Face Mask Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Medical Face Mask {Surgical & Procedure, N-95 Respirators, and Others}, Respirator, and Others), By Usage (Disposable and Reusable), and By End-use Industry (Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global protective face mask market size was valued at USD 23.70 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.76 billion in 2022 to USD 19.85 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. North America dominated the protective face mask market with a market share of 38.99% in 2021. Moreover, the protective face mask market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 9.48 billion by 2032, driven by rising health awareness, increased demand during COVID-19, and regulatory measures promoting workplace safety.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with protective face mask experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a huge growth of 223.9% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

A protective face mask is designed to protect the wearer's face and prevent air contaminated with chemical or biological agents from breathing. Examples of face masks that shield the wearer from airborne contaminants and liquid contaminating the skin are N95 respirators, surgical masks, and others. With increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the demand for masks increased exponentially in 2020, thus promoting the market growth. To meet the growing demand for protective masks, market participants have fueled the production. The increase in the number of operations coupled with the increase in the COVID-19 infection rate will create a huge demand for the product. This factor will make more and more people accept masks.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Challenges in Supply Chains to Widen Supply-Demand Gaps

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a significant increase in the demand for protective face masks and respirators. China is one of the world leaders in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators. China is the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak and one of the first countries affected by the pandemic. Due to restrictions and closures in the area, many industrial facilities were forced to reduce their production capacity or even shut down completely. The decline in China's industrial production has adversely affected the world's major economies. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), at the beginning of the COVID19 crisis, China had a daily manufacturing capacity of 20 million masks. However, it is estimated that during the peak of the epidemic, the total demand for masks and respirators reached 240 million per day. This mismatch between supply and demand caused a huge disruption in the supply chain.

Meeting the demand for PPE equipment, including respirators, is the primary goal of many countries battling the pandemic. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), approximately 80 countries banned the export of respirators during the pandemic as a temporary measure to avoid severe shortages. The PPE industry has witnessed multiple export bans imposed by the government on trade barriers, resulting in a shortage of raw materials to produce disposable masks.

PROTECTIVE FACE MASK MARKET TRENDS

Increasing Demand from Healthcare Industry to Boost Market Progress

The healthcare sector is witnessing rapid expansion worldwide. The market conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for continued innovation in the healthcare sector. The increasing importance of personnel safety at healthcare facilities and the coronavirus outbreak globally are driving the market growth. The rising geriatric population base and the growing pandemic have resulted in mask penetration in the hospital sector. The global COVID-19 pandemic created unmatched demand for masks in healthcare. These protective face masks are worn to reduce exposure to hazards that cause serious health issues. Manufacturers focus on increasing the production capacities of face masks in many regions, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, supporting the market development.

In the initial stages, the COVID-19 outbreak in China created a huge demand for face masks for doctors and healthcare workers, resulting in the disruption of the supply chain in other countries. The increasing demand for face protection, respiratory protection, and others in the healthcare industry ensures the safety of people and healthcare workers during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, which is expected to boost the market. Healthcare workers are in high danger while working in a high viral load environment. This factor may propel the industry development.

PROTECTIVE FACE MASK MARKET GROWTH FACTORS 

Growing Concerns Regarding the Spread of COVID-19 to Drive Market Growth

Coronavirus cases had been confirmed in large numbers of countries, due to which COVID-19 had been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The race to slow the spread of the virus by testing and treating patients, tracing contacts, restricting travel, quarantining citizens, and canceling large gatherings, such as sporting events, concerts, and schools, became apparent Many countries had gone into lockdown, placing restrictions on people's movement, preventing international visitors from blunting the spread of the virus, and preventing community transmission. Some necessary measures, such as covering the nose & mouth, washing hands, and others, are prescribed by the WHO to prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, the WHO and the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) prescribe masks to prevent virus spread.

The concern regarding the spread of the COVID-19 is expected to boost the market. The surge in demand for protective face masks has led to a stock shortage. In some countries, wearing face masks to fight COVID-19 has been mandated by the government. The WHO has prescribed N95 respirators as they are more effective in controlling the virus spread. N95 respirators have the highest degree of COVID-19 infection protection, followed by surgical grade masks. COVID-19 pandemic promotes an immense rise in demand for medical masks from both general and medical professionals as it can be prevented from spreading.

Growing Demand for N-95 Respirators to Accelerate Market Growth

Transmission of an airborne infectious agent refers to the transmission of disease caused by the spread of droplet nuclei that remains infectious while suspended in the air for long distances and time. Precautions establishing a barrier and procedures to minimize or remove virus from the atmosphere or personal belongings form the basis for interrupting the transmission of direct contact disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the spread of airborne diseases, such as seasonal influenza, annually kills 200-500 thousand people. Influenza A (H1N1) has caused 17,000 deaths worldwide, many of which were healthy adults.

Pandemics, such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak, are fueling the product demand. People can catch COVID-19 from another person if they are in direct contact with the infected person, especially if they do not cover their face while coughing or sneezing. Small droplets from the mouth or nose that disperse when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales will spread the disease from person to person. Thus, this factor may boost the demand for protective masks.

N-95 respirators have gained popularity as healthcare respirators, medical respirators and surgical N95. N95 respirators are described as the best solution for containing the spread of COVID-19. N95 respirator is a face mask that is more closely fitted. Besides splashes, sprays and large droplets, and also controlling bacteria & viruses, N95 respirators can potentially flush out 95% of very small particles. In general, the respirator itself is circular or oval in shape and is designed to form a close seal with the face. Elastic bands allow to keep it tight against the nose. Many styles may have an exhalation valve attachment, which may help accumulate breath, heat, and moisture. These factors may drive the protective face mask market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuation in Prices of Protective Face Masks to Hinder the Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a paradigm shift in the prices of protective face masks. In some regions, PPE products, such as glove and masks witnessed a surge in the price of over 50%, thereby making the products too expensive for the low-income class of society. The face masks’ quality hasn’t changed that much. Still, the process of getting them from the factory into the hands or at the hospital or nursing home has been facing issues due to distribution factors such as being held up at customs, rerouted, or higher freight charges than the previous ones. China is the major producer of face masks. Majority of these products available in different regions come from the export business from China. As China is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, all the export from the country has been restricted, leading to a shortage of face masks in various countries. Also, a minor number of products that have been exported are very expensive due to special packaging and measures taken for restricting the spread of coronavirus.

PROTECTIVE FACE MASK MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Analysis

Medical Face Mask Segment to Grow Significantly Due to Rise in COVID-19 Cases

In terms of product, the market is trifurcated into respirators, medical face masks, and others. The medical face mask segment is subdivided into surgical & procedure, N-95 respirators, and others.

The medical face mask segment constituted a favorable global market share and is likely to grow swiftly during the forecast period. Surgical face masks are made of non-woven fabric that offers greater bacterial filtration efficiency and air permeability while being less slippery than tissue. Surgical masks are made of natural fiber such as cotton or linen, or synthetic materials, such as polypropylene. These materials include a hydrophobic outer layer, a middle filtering layer, and an inner hydrophilic layer to trap moisture and fluid. These are used as shields to prevent microorganism cross-contamination and are used during surgical procedures.

N95 mask is used as one of the protective products for the personnel and is used to shield the wearer from airborne contaminants and facial contamination by oil. It is designed to achieve a very near facial fit and effective airborne particle filtration. 'N95' means that the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small particles, which are 0.3-micron test particles when subjected to rigorous examination. The breathable edges are built to create a seal around the mouth and nose. Surgical N95 respirators are used commonly in healthcare settings.

By Usage Analysis

Disposable Segment Held Key Market Share Due to Strict Government Mandates to Wear Masks in Public Places

In terms of usage, the industry is segregated into reusable and disposable.

The disposable segment accounted for a considerable share of the global market. The rise in Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs), the growing elderly population, and the development of healthcare facilities in emerging economies fuel the disposable segment. Different manufacturers use different types of material for manufacturing disposable face masks. 3M Company, for instance, offers a wide variety of NIOSH-approved filtering disposable face covers designed for numerous tasks where the chances of suffering from infection are high.

By End-use Industry Analysis

Healthcare Segment to Constitute for Significant Market Share Due to Increase in Face Mask Demand 

In terms of end-use industry, the market is segmented into oil & gas, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, mining, and others.

The healthcare segment contributed significant share towards the global market. The sector is classified into manufacturing, hospitals and clinics, and others, considering the end-use. Hospitals and clinics are potentially functioning at their full capacity on account of the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the healthcare sector has mainly focused on their workplace health and use face masks.

Industries have also exhibited profound traction for face masks. Governments have boosted their strategies to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Besides, they have issued guidelines and advisories, encouraging the production of face masks. Furthermore, the segment is expected to grow further with industries returning to normal operation and production.

REGIONAL PROTECTIVE FACE MASK MARKET ANALYSIS

The market size in North America was USD 9.24 billion in 2021. North America held the major share of the global market. The region is the major consumer of the protective face mask. In North America, the market is driven by a rising customer base, the highest number of COVID-19 cases, backed by a growing awareness of health and personal hygiene. The coronavirus pandemic is expected to contribute to exponential demand for the product in North America, promoting personal hygiene habits.

Asia Pacific is expected to expand rapidly due to the adoption of the mask in highly populated countries, such as China and India, and will primarily affect facial mask consumption and demand in the region in the years to come. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is one of the leading hospital supply manufacturers of face masks, which is likely to create opportunities for the market. Manufacturers operating in the Asia Pacific region benefit from a large client base, most notably China and India. China and India also rank among the world's most important manufacturing countries for face masks.      

The Europe protective face mask market share is driven by an expanding customer base, supported by increasing awareness regarding health and personal hygiene. The coronavirus outbreak is likely to contribute massively to the growth of the market in Europe with various governments, encouraging the habit of personal hygiene among consumers. Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and other European countries made it mandatory to wear face masks in public transport, which is expected to have a positive impact on the overall market.

The rising demand for disposable respirators in Brazil is anticipated to contribute to the industry growth in Latin America. The growth in the aging population and the increase in respiratory disorders are expected to witness rapid growth for the N95 mask market in the region. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for disposable masks in all public places, hospitals, research centers, pathology labs, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which shall drive the market in the Middle East & Africa region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Implementing Strategies to Maintain Dominant Market Position

Key industry players have upped investments in research & development activities to produce advanced quality products. Furthermore, leading companies have increased focus on strategic collaboration to bolster market presence. Innovation, growth, and recognition are expected to play an important role in meeting face mask demand and consumption on the global market in the years to come. The businesses put great emphasis on increasing the area of service to increase the market share and boost the company's revenues. Companies are dedicated to introducing new goods to suit the growing trends in consumers.

Some of the major participants in the global market include 3M, Honeywell International Inc., Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., ANSELL LTD, and others.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN PROTECTIVE FACE MASK MARKET:

• 3M (U.S.)


• Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.)


• COFRA S.r.l. (Italy)


• Uvex Group (Germany)


• MSA (U.S.)


• DuPont (U.S.)


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


• Cardinal Health (U.S.)


• Ansell Ltd. (Australia)


• Alpha ProTech (Canada)


• Moldex-Metric (U.S)


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


• RZ Mask (U.S.)


• Medicom (Canada)


• Makrite (Taiwan)


• SHIGEMATSU WORKS CO., LTD. (Japan)


• Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)


• Mallcom (India) Limited (India)


• Delta Plus Group (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2022 - 3M profits exceed expectations as N95 mask demand surges as a result of the omicron virus. 3M exceeded its N95 mask demand as omicron cases rise. The United States recorded high COVID-19 infections and hospitalization rates in December 2021, owing to the more transmissible omicron variant, which increased demand for 3M's respirators.


• January 2021 – Honeywell introduced a new reusable, three-dimensional knitted face mask with changeable filters for everyday usage.


• April 2020 – Mallcom (India) Limited launched PPE overall and shoe cover as an addition to the product range of disposable recyclable face masks for the medical industry. The set of PPE overall will be available in two variations along with the shoe cover.


• January 2020 – 3M tripled its monthly domestic production of N95 masks after entering into contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense worth over USD 200 million. It expanded the domestic production of N95 face masks to 35 million annually. The two DOD contracts, one worth USD 76 million and the other worth USD 126 million, allowed the company to raise its production by 39 million units. 3M's contributions would raise the amount by another USD 22 million.


• April 2020 - Cummins and DuPont collaborated to provide N95 respirator mask material. This collaboration helped to resolve the lack of N95 respirator masks as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads around the globe.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global protective face mask market report provides a detailed analysis of the PPE industry and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, products, and products. Also, it offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years. It 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