DISPOSABLE FACE MASK MARKET ANALYSIS

The global disposable face mask market was valued at US$ 44.72 Bn in 2022 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 21.45 Bn by 2030 at a CAGR of -10.2% between 2023 and 2030. The global disposable face mask market is experiencing strong growth due to the rising pollution levels and the outbreak of COVID-19 across the globe. Moreover, high demand or adoption of disposable face masks and rise in burden of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population is expected to boost the growth of the market. However, factors such as increasing plastic waste and availability of substitute products are expected to hamper the market growth.

Global Disposable Face Mask Market: Regional Insights

Based on geography, the global disposable face mask market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

Among regions, North America is expected to gain highest share in the market during the forecast period owing to the rising pollution level, growing outpatient visits, growing geriatric population, and increasing awareness among people about the use of disposable face masks in the region. For instance, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2022, about 66 million tons of pollution were emitted into the atmosphere in the U.S. EPA is working to improve the air quality by designing and developing programs that will lead to significant reductions in air emissions and lead to improved health, longevity, and quality of life for all Americans.

Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to witness robust growth in the global disposable face mask market due to the rising air pollution, outbreak of COVID-19, growing geriatric population, increasing awareness among people, and high demand for disposable face masks. In January 2021, several European countries announced new mask recommendations & requirements, pushing aside fabric masks in favor of surgical masks or medical-grade masks. For instance, Germany introduced measures making medical masks mandatory in stores and on public transit; medical masks be worn whenever there is close or prolonged contact with other people.

Figure 1. Global Disposable Face Mask Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Global Disposable Face Mask Market Drivers:

Rising pollution levels to augment market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global disposable face mask market over the forecast period is the rising pollution levels around the world. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all of the global population (99%) is exposed to air pollution levels that put them at increased risk for diseases including heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. Every year, around 6.7 million people worldwide lose their lives due to exposure to ambient and household air pollution. This in turn is expected to increase the demand for disposable face mask worldwide.

Outbreak of COVID-19 to underpin market growth

Another factor driving the growth of the disposable face mask market is the outbreak of COVID-19 across the globe. For instance, the outbreak of COVID-19 (pandemic) led to a dramatic increase in the demand for disposable face masks across the globe, as these disposable face masks act as a major infection control measure to prevent the spread of the virus. In March 2020, WHO estimated that each month 89 million medical masks will be required for the COVID-19 response. Moreover, During Q1 2020, the United Nations (UN) delivered around 6.4 million gloves, 1.8 million surgical masks, and 1 million gowns to countries across the world.

Global Disposable Face Mask Market Opportunities:

Increasing demand or adoption of disposable face masks is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the global disposable face mask market. For instance, a disposable face mask is used by the population to cover and protect themselves from any virus and contaminants present in the environment that can cause infections. In June 2021, KARAM Industries announced the launch of IS certified 3 Ply surgical face mask. The mask provides complete protection to the users with quality, comfort, and affordability. The mask is designed to offer maximum protection to healthcare workers and consumers at large with comfort for prolonged usage.

Growing burden of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population across the world is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the global disposable face mask market. For instance, people with chronic diseases and the elderly (geriatric population), children, and pregnant women are more affected by air pollution. Air pollution is an all-cause mortality risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, among people aged 60 years and over, the greatest impacts on health and mortality levels are observed in individuals who already have chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Global Disposable Face Mask Market Trends:

Increasing awareness among people is a recent trend

With the increasing awareness among people about disposable face mask and the benefits of face mask, the demand for such mask is also increasing with a rapid pace, worldwide. Moreover, with the recent outbreak (COVID-19), there has been a high demand for disposable face masks among the general public. Increasing number of COVID-19 cases and rising pollution level is increasing the use of disposable masks as a protective barrier; lead to improved health, longevity, and quality of life. This trend is expected to continue over the forecast period.

High demand for non-woven face mask is another trend

A non-woven face mask protects the user's respiratory tract and filters the air the user breathes in, providing protection against a variety of disease that may arise due to virus transmission. The mask covers the entire face and protects it from the dust or microorganisms, which can damage the skin. Moreover, non-woven face masks are more effective in preventing the COVID-19 spread through airborne respiratory droplets than others. Thus, there is an increasing demand for non-woven face masks. This trend is also expected to continue over the forecast period.

Global Disposable Face Mask Market Restraints:

Increasing plastic waste to hamper the market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global disposable face mask market is the increasing plastic waste across the globe. The waste generated from using disposable masks is causing a significant environmental plastic pollution problem, with sales having increased 200 times since the start of the pandemic. Tens of thousands of tons of extra medical waste from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has put tremendous strain on health care waste management systems around the world, according to a new WHO report.

Availability of substitute products to hinder market growth

Another factor hampering the growth of the global disposable face mask market is the availability of substitute products, such as reusable face masks and respirators. Reusable face masks can be as effective, against COVID-19, as the single-use face masks if they are manufactured in accordance with WHO guidelines and national standards. The availability of fake product that consumers are unable to identify owing to a lack of information and the availability of substitute products, such as reusable face masks and respirators, is expected to hamper the market growth.

Figure 2. Global Disposable Face Mask Market Share (%), by Product, 2023

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Global Disposable Face Mask Market Segmentation:

The global disposable face mask market report is segmented into Product, Application, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Based on Product, the market is segmented into Non-Woven Masks, Dust Masks, and Protective Masks. Out of which, Non-Woven Masks Segment is expected to dominate the disposable face mask market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the increasing demand for non-woven masks across the globe.

Dust Masks Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the rising pollution levels across the world.

Based on Application, the market is segmented into Industrial and Personnel. Out of which, Industrial Segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the rapid industrialization worldwide.

Personnel Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 (global pandemic).

Based on Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into Online and Offline. Out of which, Online Segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the growing popularity of e-commerce.

Offline Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to increasing demand for disposable face masks.

Global Disposable Face Mask Market: Key Developments

In January 2022, Maskc announced the launch of the KF94 Face mask, consisting of four layers, such as, a non-woven external layer, two non-woven and meltblown central layers, and a soft inner layer that is gentle on the skin.

In November 2021, Ezzigroup Inc. announced the successful development of the Company's first ever compostable surgical grade face mask manufactured in Canada. These compostable surgical masks are ASTM F-2100 certified and approved by Health Canada.

In February 2021, BLACK+DECKER launched BXFM1012IN & BXFM10021N disposable face masks to offer superior protection for extended hours to consumers. The latest range is tested by DRDE for N 95 and IS 9473:2002 certified.

In August 2020, KARAM launched its 'Disposable Face Masks range' to offer protection against viruses, bacterial microorganisms, dust, pollen and smoke. KARAM introduced first-of-its-kind RF 01 - RFH 02+ Disposable KARAM Face Mask range to offer quality, comfort, and affordability to frontline industrial workers.

Global Disposable Face Mask Market: Key Companies Insights

The global disposable face mask market is highly competitive. This is attributed to the increasing demand for disposable face mask around the world, as a result, players in the market are focusing on launching novel products in the market.

Some of the key players in the global disposable face mask market are 3M Company, uvex group, Kimberly-Clark, The Gerson Company, Kowa Company Ltd., Moldex-Metric Inc., Bunzl PLC (SAS Safety Corp.), and Honeywell International Inc., among others.

*Definition: A face mask, or a medical face mask, is a personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare professionals and people worldwide that acts as a mechanical barrier that interferes with direct airflow in and out of respiratory orifices (i.e. nose and mouth).