Medical Tape Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Paper, Fabric, Plastic, and Others), By Application (Wound Care, IV Set Placement, Post-Operative Care, and Others), By End-user (Clinics, Hospitals & ASCs, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global medical tape market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.30 billion in 2024 to USD 2.07 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

Medical tapes have increasing applications in wound care and wound supportive closure, patient monitoring, and wearable devices such as ostomy bags, electrode fixtures, and splint attachments. The selection of different types of tapes for various applications depends on the characteristics of these products, including porosity, water resistance, shear strength, and adhesive strength.

The demand for these tapes is being driven by multiple factors such as increasing surgical procedures across the globe, owing to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and growing applications in wound care & wound closure. Furthermore, the introduction of advancements in tape technology is anticipated to grow the market.

Amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, various hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers cancelled/postponed a large number of surgical procedures to safeguard the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and patients. For instance, according to a research article published by NCBI in 2021, in around 1,100 surgical centers across India from April to June, 90% drop was observed in the number of patients undergoing elective surgeries.

However, as hospitals and other healthcare institutions have opened up with COVID-19 mitigation national and international guidelines, patients have resumed their treatment or reappointed surgeries. The recommencement for healthcare services helped the market to bounce back in 2021 and 2022.

Medical Tape Market Trends

Recent Advancements in Medical Tapes to Boost Market Growth

The medical tape market trends have evolved from multipurpose specialty tape to be used as an all-in-one tape to tapes specifically indicated in certain conditions and for specific surfaces. One such development is the practice of medical tape conversion. This is a process of altering tape material to fit the needs of patient care and customize the usage for wound dressings. Tape conversion is an industry practice that has given rise to a better, specific tape technology along with customization of adhesives. Since every patient presents unique requirements and issues, tape conversion is essential. This process of tape conversion has given rise to additional tapes segment over standard tape utility.

Moreover, technological advancements, such as Geckskin, developed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an adhesive-less layer based on draping adhesion working principle as compared to viscoelasticity adhesion of traditional pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), are anticipated to provide alternative solutions to bolster the medical tape market growth. In addition, using hypoallergenic materials in medical tapes has become more prevalent, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions in patients. Integration of antimicrobial properties in medical tapes helps prevent infections and promote wound healing, fueling the product demand.

Medical Tape Market Growth Factors

Increasing Number of Hospitals and Surgeries is Accelerating Market Growth

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, especially in the U.S., the U.K., China, and India, is projected to increase the number of hospital admissions. This is expected to fuel the demand for medical tape and grow the market. For instance, according to data estimated by Statista in 2021, the total number of hospitals increased from 5,724 in 2010 to a staggering 6,090 in 2018. Additionally, there is a higher number of inpatient hospitalization, which is increasing the adoption of medical consumables. The subsequent rise in adoption of tapes is projected to fuel the growth of the market.

• For instance, according to data published by Canadian Institute for Health Information, in 2021, there were 3 million inpatient hospitalizations in Canada. The shift toward a sedentary lifestyle, rising stress levels, and obesity among the general population are some of the major factors responsible for increasing chronic diseases, thereby increasing hospital admissions. The rising number of hospital admissions is projected to increase the utilization of medical tapes, thereby driving the growth of the market.

Moreover, the increasing geriatric population globally is also contributing to the growth of the medical tape market, as elderly individuals are more susceptible to chronic diseases and require frequent medical care, which increases the demand for medical tapes. Furthermore, growing medical tourism in developed and developing countries for high-quality care at competitive prices is expected to drive the adoption of medical tapes in several procedures.

Also, major market players in developed and emerging countries are actively involved in the development of better tapes with an aim to provide better product offerings at an affordable cost. Hence, such initiatives are anticipated to drive the growth of the market during the study period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Skin Damage by Adhesives Coupled with Nosocomial Infections Due to Negligence to Hamper Market Growth

Despite the increasing demand for medical adhesive tapes throughout the world, certain factors restrict the market growth during the forecast period. One of those factors is medical adhesive related skin injury (MARSI), which is more common than it is expected to occur for wound management in these countries. For instance, in May 2021, during a one-day prevalence audit, 3M reported 8% of hospitalized infants and children affected by skin-stripping due to medical adhesive tapes. The cumulative incidence of long-term care patient suffering from skin injury caused due to medical adhesive tapes was reported to be 15.5%. Moreover, the prevalence of sepsis and other infection due to negligence during multiple uses of medical tape along with sharing of the same among clinicians is known to hamper the rising demand for tapes.

• For example, a study published by the American Journal of Infection Control in 2021 demonstrated negligently handled tape rolls along with questionable hygienic practices harbored pathogens. In addition, there are reported cases that have resulted in death due to associated contamination of tape and healthcare-associated infection (HAI). The drawback of infections through sharing practice of tapes is a restraint to the market.

Medical Tape Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Paper Segment Held Highest Market Share During Forecast Period

In terms of material, the market is segmented into paper tapes, fabric tapes, plastic tapes, and others. The paper segment is projected to hold a dominant share during the forecast period. Globally, the inexpensive cost of paper tapes compared to other material tapes and better patient compliance are factors attributed to the dominance of this segment. For instance, according to a research study published in NCBI, wounds closed by adhesive paper tapes produced lesser inflammatory, lower rates of wound infection, providing greater tensile strength along with better cosmetic results than sutured or stapled wounds. Moreover, medical paper tapes are inexpensive and convenient to close abdominal wounds among other wound care applications.

However, the plastic segment holds the second position in the material segment, owing to its waterproof nature long-term adhesive strength. In addition, plastic medical tapes are the perfect option for holding heavier dressings compared to paper tapes. They are non-sticky to medical gloves, making them easy to handle and propelling their demand. The fabric segment includes materials, such as cotton, silk, polyester, and nylon, which are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, owing to rising applications in wearable devices such as portable diagnostic devices to be worn over longer time among other applications. Moreover, others segment includes thermoplastics and foam, which are relatively specialized categories of tapes, indicated to use in specified conditions such as stress electrocardiography (ECG) among other procedures.

By Application Analysis

Wound Care Segment Held Highest Share Among Application Segment in 2023

In terms of application, the market is segmented into wound care, post-operative care, IV set placement, and others. Others segment includes tapes used in special applications such as ostomy procedures attachment of splints among other specific usage. Wound care segment held the largest share among applications. Increasing applications of medical tapes in wound care such as securing wound bandages and dressings along with increasing focus of medical tape manufacturers specializing tapes for various stages of wound dressing is responsible for to support the demand of medical tapes. This coupled with increasing incidence of acute as well as chronic wounds among patient population is anticipated to foster the growth of the wound care segment.

For instance, Global Biomedical Technologies, LLC launched its tape Comfort Release. The product launch was aimed at addressing pain free removal issues faced by patients undergoing wound care. The product caters to large patient population undergoing wound care.

The post-operative care segment holds the significant share among tape applications due to increasing applications in the preoperative stage and post-surgery as mentioned above. Further wound care segment is expected to grow at a comparatively moderate CAGR during the forecast period.

However, the IV set placement segment is projected to register a high CAGR during the forecast period.

According to an article published by MBK solutions, tapes have increasing applications in attaching wearable devices. These include portable cardiac monitors biofeedback devices among other devices. Moreover, the tapes also have applications in attaching tracking devices such as restless sleep among other common medical situations. Therefore, tapes of the others segment are anticipated to bolster the medical tape market growth.

By End-user Analysis

Hospitals & ASCs Segment Held Highest Share Among End-user Segment in 2023

On the basis of End-user, the market is segmented into hospitals & ASCs, clinics, and others (home care and long-term treatment centers). The hospitals & ASCs segment is anticipated to have a dominant share in the market during the forecast period. Its dominance is attributed to an increasing number of procedures and surgeons performing regular surgeries, consequently increasing the usage of tapes. The segment is also projected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period due to increasing number of hospitals in emerging countries such as China, Japan, and India.

On the other hand, clinics segments accounted for a comparatively lower market share in 2023. The lower number of elective surgeries, owing to the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system along with slow recovery of healthcare is a major factor leading to moderate growth of this segment in the global market.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America generated a revenue of USD 0.63 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to emerge as a dominant region in the market during the forecast period. The dominance is attributed to an increasing number of hospital admissions and the rising adoption of elective procedures among the population of this region. For instance, a survey conducted by American Hospital Association recorded 36,241,815 hospital admissions in 2021, with 34,078,100 accounted for community hospitals admissions. The rising number of hospital admissions is estimated to surge the demand for medical consumables, which is further projected to augment the growth of the market.

The market in Europe is anticipated to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. For instance, according to a report published by Eurostat, the European Union reported 4.3 million cataract surgeries conducted in 2018 led by Latvia, accounting for 1,656 per 100,000 inhabitants. The market is anticipated to grow over the forecast period, owing to a higher number of surgical procedures increasing the demand for medical consumables, thereby increasing the consumption of medical tape.

On the other hand, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing region in the market during the forecast period. The region is projected to register a substantial CAGR by the end of 2032 due to rapidly increasing number of surgeries along with subsequent high demand for tapes in the region. China, Japan, and India were found to perform a high number of surgeries in Asia, owing to the larger patient pool and are anticipated to boost the growth of the market. For instance, in February 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported 754,600 patients on a waiting list of elective surgeries to be conducted, which was 9.6% higher than the previous year. Also, 40% increase in a number of patients transferred was observed in 2020 compared to the previous year. The increasing patient pool and rising hospital admissions are anticipated to surge the demand for medical consumables and are expected to foster the market growth in the region. Moreover, the region will remain the largest market by a wide margin despite an ongoing economic slowdown.

Latin America along with the Middle East & Africa is anticipated to witness a moderate CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the developing healthcare infrastructure and rise in surgical procedures. An article published by Linked Foundation in 2021 reported an investment of USD 600 million focused on blended finance, missing middle support, technical assistance, and unbiased pipeline sourcing to move small, South American, women-focused health enterprises toward sustainability. The resultant development in healthcare infrastructure in the Latin America region is anticipated to surge the demand for medical consumables and is estimated to foster the key market growth.

List of Key Companies in Medical Tape Market

Cardinal Health, 3M, Beiersdorf, Smith and Nephew, and McKesson Corporation are Major Players Producing Medical Tapes

Cardinal Health, 3M, Beiersdorf, Smith and Nephew, and McKesson Corporation are leading suppliers globally. The presence of a strong and diversified product portfolio, along with a robust distribution channel, is the primary factor attributed to the dominance of these players in the global market. Along with the strong portfolio and network, the key players also emphasize on providing technologically advanced tapes such non-adhesive reusable tapes and cost-efficient range taping solutions in the market.

For instance, in April 2021, 3M announced the addition of the 2484 3M Single Coated Medical Film Tape with Hi-Tack Silicone Adhesive on Liner. The tape uses a new class of proprietary silicone adhesives focused on strength, flexibility, and comfort. The tape is breathable and enables durability of upto seven days while minimizing skin cell removal, making it the ideal candidate for applications on fragile skin. The development aims to diversify product portfolio for specialty tapes by product type and establishes brand presence in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Cardinal Health (Ohio, U.S.)


• 3M (Minnesota, U.S.)


• Beiersdorf (Hamburg, Germany)


• Smith and Nephew (London, U.K.)


• McKesson Corporation (Texas, U.S.)


• Medtronic PLC (Dublin, Ireland)


• Medline Industries (Illinois, U.S.)


• Avery Dennison Corporation (California, U.S.)


• Nichiban (Tokyo, Japan)


• Paul Hartmann AG (Heidenheim, Germany)


• Nitto Denko Corporation (Osaka, Japan)


• Scapa Group PLC (Ashton-under-Lyne, U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• November 2023 – H.B. Fuller Company announced the launch of Swiftmelt 1515-I, a new biocompatible adhesive for medical applications compliant in India and the Middle East & Africa. The product is for microporous medical tape applications.


• February 2023 – 3M announced the launch of Medical Tape 4578, an adhesive skin tape that can provide longer wear time for sensors, monitors, and other wearable medical devices.


• April 2022 – 3M announced the launch of Medical Tape 4576, a flexible, conformable, and adhesive skin tape to be used to secure medical devices to a patient’s skin for 21 days.


• September 2021 – Soest Medical Group (SMG) announced the acquisition of the reusable drape tape business from Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG. This acquisition comprises DuploMED 2806 and DuploMED VP6141 drape tapes for surgery.


• August 2021 – B&B Medical Technologies launched a new neonatal endotracheal tube securement product, Baby Tape Plus. The tape is an FDA listed Class I device and carries the CE mark. The development emphasizes the company’s focus on specialty tapes and establishing brand presence in the market's competitive landscape.


• March 2021–ATP Adhesive Systems Group announced the acquisition of BDK Industrial Products Ltd., a U.K.-based specialty adhesive tape converter. ATP Adhesive Systems Group is a leading water-based adhesive tapes manufacturer in Switzerland. The combination strengthens the market position of both companies and allows them to offer an even wider range of tailor-made solutions to their customers.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed market analysis, and focuses on key aspects such as insights into the current trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several key factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation