North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Hand Protection, Eye & Face Protection {Safety Spectacles, Safety Goggles, Welding Shields}, Hearing Protection {Ear Plugs, Cap Mounted Earmuffs, Hearing Bands}, Protective Clothing {Chemical Defending Garment}, Respiratory Protection {Air Purifying Respirators Supplied Air Respirators}, Protective Footwear, Fall Protection, Head Protection {Hard Hats, Helmet}), By End-use Industry (Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive, Oil & Gas), & Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market size was valued at USD 28.27 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 29.62 billion in 2024 to USD 45.03 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mainly used to protect users from safety hazards or health issues at their workplace. PPE is crucial in times of emergency and for ensuring the safety of workers. The 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.

The outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant impact on various industries, particularly affecting the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market. With the virus spreading worldwide, there was a sudden increase in the need for PPE to safeguard healthcare workers, first responders, and the general public. This surge in demand resulted in widespread shortages of critical products, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields. Manufacturers encountered immense pressure to ramp up production, leading many companies that were not previously involved in PPE to adapt their production lines to meet the demand. Governments globally implemented measures to stimulate domestic production and ensure a consistent supply of PPE, including invoking emergency powers and providing financial assistance to manufacturers. In addition to this, the pandemic accelerated innovation in the PPE market. Companies developed new products to provide improved protection, comfort, and reusability. For instance, there was a rise in the production of reusable respirators and masks with higher filtration efficiencies, as well as PPE with antimicrobial properties.

North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Trends

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

Protective clothing or textiles are important technical fabrics that are used principally for their functional properties. The importance of protective clothing in the workplace is growing every day. These products are used to protect users 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 have a range of properties, including lightweight, water & wind-resistance, high durability, and resistance to microorganisms, bacteria, and chemicals. They also provide thermal insulation, protection from the radar spectrum, air permeability, UV resistance, and fire & flame resistance.

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

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 claims to combine 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 are certified by the ISO. This finish aimed to protect employees in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, heavy industry, and armed forces from the transmission of COVID-19. In addition, in June 2021, Rudolf Group launched a new product with antiviral and antimicrobial features 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

Rising Demand for PPE from Healthcare Industry to Aid Market Growth

The increasing importance of personnel safety at healthcare facilities after the coronavirus pandemic is anticipated to fuel the growth of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market. The rising geriatric population base, along with the onset of coronavirus, monkey pox, and other virus cases has resulted in the PPE penetration in the hospital sector. The pandemic highlighted the importance of PPE in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, not only within healthcare settings, but also among the general public. This surge in demand put immense pressure on manufacturers and suppliers, leading to efforts to increase production capacity, improve distribution logistics, and seek alternative sources and raw materials for PPE production. Looking ahead, the demand for PPE in the U.S. healthcare industry is expected to remain high. This is due to continued vigilance against COVID-19, monkey pox, and other unanticipated viruses, increased awareness & preparedness for future pandemics, and a general trend toward higher standards of infection control in healthcare settings.

Product Demand from Food Industry to Drive 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 to 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 the production facilities. Therefore, continuous monitoring of poisonous, flammable, and explosive gases is required in food processing plants. Moreover, it is also necessary to provide breathing and personal protection equipment, as well as escape and rescue equipment in case of emergency. Workers who may come in 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 for 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 minimize contamination and spoiling, extend the shelf life of food and reducing 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 materials present on the human body and clothing.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

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

The COVID-19 outbreak led to an increased demand for personal protective equipment among healthcare workers to treat patients. More than 40% of medical workers have suffered serious skin injuries due 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 injuries are caused by 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. While the use of PPE products is critical to avoid infections, so is their proper disposal.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product

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

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

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

By End-use Industry

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

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

The healthcare segment held the prime part in the North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market share of the market in 2023. The demand for personal protective equipment is expected to grow as the coronavirus outbreak played a key role in increasing the importance of staff safety in healthcare facilities. The use of PPE products such as gloves, gowns, and masks surged in hospitals worldwide due to the growing geriatric population and increased number of coronavirus cases. The COVID-19 pandemic generated exceptional demand for PPE products in healthcare, such as face masks, gowns, gloves, goggles, coveralls, and face shields. This protective equipment was worn to reduce exposure to the infection. Manufacturers started focusing on increasing the production of PPE products in many regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East to meet the rising demand. In many western regions, 60-70% of the production plants are outsourced to Asian countries.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market covers countries, such as the U.S. and Canada.

In the U.S., the demand for personal protective equipment is driven by strict occupational safety regulations, a large industrial workforce, and increased awareness of workplace hazards. The healthcare sector’s need for infection control, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, will further fuel the market growth. In addition to this, technological advancements in PPE design enhance worker comfort and protection, prompting demand from various industries and driving the North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market growth in tandem.

In Canada, stringent health and safety standards, especially in the mining, construction, and oil & gas sectors, will drive the demand for PPE. The country’s cold weather also necessitates the use of specialized protective gear for outdoor workers. Growing awareness of worker safety rights and an increased focus on healthcare preparedness post-pandemic will further contribute to the rise in PPE demand across various end-use industries.

List of Key North America Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Companies

Key Players to Adopt Strategies to Maintain their Top Market Position

The market is characterized by fragmentation, with key players being 3M, Ansell Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., Bullard, and MSA Safety. Other key players include Supermax Corporation Berhad, Delta Plus Group, and KASK S.p.a, among others. These manufacturers are expanding their business to gain competency in the industry and alleviate threats from new entrants.

They are also fiercely competing with international and regional players with extensive distribution networks, regulatory know-how, and suppliers. In addition, they are signing contracts and engaging in acquisitions and strategic partnerships with other market leaders to expand their existing market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3M (U.S.)


• Ansell Ltd. (Australia)


• Bullard (U.S.)


• Delta Plus Group (France)


• Supermax Corporation Berhad (Malaysia)


• MSA Safety Incorporated (U.S.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• KASK S.p.a. (Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2024- MSA Safety introduced a new head protection product called the V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet. This product is part of MSA Safety's well-known V-Gard head protection series and combines the characteristics of the world's most popular industrial helmet system with new elements. These elements include the Mips brain protection system designed for industrial safety helmets.


• February 2024- Ansell Ltd. introduced a new highly textured glove called MICROFLEX Mega Texture 93-256 to the market. This orange-colored disposable nitrile glove provides a reliable grip and long-lasting protection for industrial workers. It is particularly well-suited for automotive shop employees needing a sturdy glove with tear resistance, high visibility, and excellent gripping capabilities.


• May 2024- Supermax Corporation Berhad completed the acquisition of Supermax Healthcare Canada Inc. By this acquisition, Supermax Healthcare Canada Inc. became a fully-owned subsidiary of Supermax. Such development strategies will help the company enhance its product portfolio in the PPE market.


• September 2023- KASK Company introduced the Primero series of safety helmets for the U.S. and Canadian markets after successfully launching them in the EU market. These new developments are expected to enhance the company's presence in the market.


• 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, thereby 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 the 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 for USD 60 million. This acquisition strengthened MSA Safety’s position in the fire service and PPE markets, expanding its business in the U.K. and key European markets.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects, such as leading companies, products, and end-use industries. Also, it offers insights into the latest 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 also includes historical data and forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the industry's latest dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation