A Detailed Analysis of the Disposable Face Mask Market Based on Heightened Awareness About Personal Hygiene Maintenance, and Surge in Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Report ID: PMRREP34012
Number of Pages: 181
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Industry: Consumer Goods
Published Date: February-2024
The global disposable face mask market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% and thereby increase from a value of US$3.7 Bn in 2023, to US$5 Bn by the end of 2030.
Attributes |
Key Insights |
Disposable Face Mask Market Size (2023E) |
US$3.7 Bn |
Projected Market Value (2030F) |
US$5.0 Bn |
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2023 to 2030) |
4.3% |
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2018 to 2022) |
4.1% |
Disposable face mask is part of personal protection equipment that has been used primarily in the healthcare system for the past few decades. The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the global pandemic that followed, pushed the sales of disposable face masks exponentially, making it a product used on a personal, household level. These disposable masks are usually made of 3-4 layers of fabric that restrict the flow of harmful particles.
Apart from healthcare, these masks are used regularly by workers in contact industries such as food and pharmaceutical production, construction, and sanitation where the chance of contamination of the product or harm to human health due to the processes is high. Post the global pandemic, social media and news outlets have played a huge role in maintaining the use of disposable masks as a regular habit.
The constant awareness campaigns regarding the benefits of using a face mask in public to be safe from other common diseases, negative environmental impacts such as air pollution, as well as safety from allergies have also helped in the market growth of face masks. Moreover, stringent rules in workplaces where using a mask is a mandate have also tightened in recent years. The rising number of medical practitioners post-COVID-19 has also boosted the demand for disposable masks from the healthcare sector.
Rising Awareness Regarding Poor Air Quality
The COVID-19 pandemic gave a first-hand demonstration to users regarding the benefits of using masks during social interactions. Users were educated about the positives of using a safety mask outdoors post-pandemic. The rising air pollution levels and degrading environmental scenarios have further helped in propagating the regular use of disposable masks. Users are now more concerned about safeguarding themselves from the ill effects of poor air quality.
According to studies by the OECD, air pollution is the leading environmental health risk in the world. As per studies by the UN, the change in global climatic conditions is the biggest propagator of the degradation of air quality. Previously, the lack of user experience was a roadblock to using disposable masks, which were readily available before COVID-19. However, the constant use during the pandemic has made wearing a mask second nature to users, helping in the continued usage for protection against other adverse factors.
Furthermore, social media interactions regarding the usage of disposable masks to counterattack the growing instances of allergies due to dust and airborne particles have also helped boost the market for disposable masks. Reports by the World Allergen Organization have stated that about 400 million people globally have allergies related to airborne factors, which is expected to worsen as global temperature increases, reducing air quality further.
Environmental Impact of Casual Discarding Disposable Masks
The disposable face mask market is confronted with specific limitations despite their considerable potential. The sustainability factor of products that are used regularly is noted to be a major factor in today’s consumer purchase behavior. Single-use products such as straws, and cutlery have seen a reduction in usage with countries taking strict measures leading up to permanent bans on such products. These factors could negatively impact the use of disposable face masks, especially on an individual level as users look for alternative, biodegradable, and sustainable solutions.
Expansion of Medical Tourism
Over the last few years, medical tourism and travel has seen significant growth. The increased medical costs in developed economies have led users in need of expert medical advice to travel internationally to experienced and cheaper options in developing countries. Countries such as Thailand, and Mexico are leading players in the field of medical tourism with millions of patients coming Y-o-Y for different treatments ranging from hair transplants to hip replacements, and stem cell therapy. The rise in these procedures will inherently help in the market growth of personal protection equipment, including disposable face masks.
Moreover, the increasing focus of the general population on their general physical fitness is also expected to help local healthcare practitioners. The rising older population, along with higher disposable income and increased accessibility to quality healthcare is also expected to boost the healthcare industry, paving the way for the growth of the disposable mask industry. According to WHO data, healthcare expenditure has seen an exponential rise in the last few years, and the trend is expected to continue as awareness amongst the population about preventive and continuous healthcare increases.
Innovation of Lucrative Alternatives
The increase in market players with innovative alternative products is expected to hinder the market growth of disposable masks. The rise in the usage of reusable masks and respirators that promise sustainability is a major contender for the disposable mask market. This, coupled with the increase of fake and low-quality masks, is expected to negatively impact the growth of the disposable masks market. The reluctance towards using single-use, non-biodegradable products is expected to further boost further research into alternatives that are more lucrative from an environmental viewpoint.
The disposable face mask market is anticipated to undergo substantial expansion and change. As the awareness regarding personal health and protection rises, the market is expected to undergo rapid transformation. The main catalyst for this paradigm shift is the social campaigns that aim to talk about the changes in the environment that are expected to affect consumers most adversely. Along with this, enhanced recognition of employers on the necessity of employee safety coupled with stringent rules by regulatory bodies regarding personal protection equipment will help in the emergence of new end-use segments that will help with market penetration.
The consumer shift towards sustainable and more efficient products as well as regulators' demands will drive manufacturers to invest more in R&D activities that will lead to the introduction of better products. Manufacturers' foray into sustainable materials and manufacturing processes along with collaboration with organisations to tackle the societal and environmental impacts of their products will also play a vital role in the growth of the disposable masks market.
Supply-side Dynamics
Several factors, including the rising awareness about face mask usage, worsening environmental conditions, and changing workplace rules all contribute to the dynamic and rapid expansion of the global disposable face mask market. 3M, Honeywell International Inc., Moldex-Metric, Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kowa American Corporation, and DACH are market leaders in the manufacturing sector. The countries of China, India, Germany, and the US are significant producers of various goods. China is renowned for its robust manufacturing sector, due to its availability of raw materials and labor supply. India, a major emerging production hub, is also expected to help support the rising demand.
Several corporations are allocating resources toward expanding their capacity to satisfy the increasing demand for disposable masks from various end-use segments. It is anticipated that these expansions will substantially alter the dynamics of the market, resulting in heightened competition, reduced prices, and an influx of innovative products. As players focus on producing sustainable and efficient products, personal preference of using masks as a daily need will help propagate better health and safety.
Which is the Spearheading Category by Product Type?
Protective Masks Continue to be the Top-selling Category
The disposable masks market is segmented into protective masks, dust masks, non-woven masks, and others, based on product type. The protective masks segment is expected to dominate market sales during the forecast period due to its extensive use in various end-use segments such as hospitals, production facilities, as well as sanitation.
The rise in stringent rules regarding workplace safety for workers has led to high adoption rates of protective masks into personal protection equipment. However, non-woven masks are expected to register the highest growth during the forecast period due to their better quality, fit, and performance. They are also waterproof, lightweight, and economically feasible.
Which is the Leading Application-wise Segment of the Market?
Industrial Application Reigns Supreme as Workplace Guidelines Mandate Use of Masks
The application segment is divided into industrial and personal use. Industrial use of disposable masks is dominating the market due to the wide number of end-users in the field. Apart from older markets such as healthcare and sanitation, focus on personal protection in different manufacturing industries such as food, and pharmaceuticals, where the chances of contamination are high, and in areas such as construction and sanitation is also expected to help market growth of disposable masks. Similarly, the rising awareness amongst the general population on the benefits of using masks in outdoor and public spaces is expected to aid the market growth of the personal use segment.
Which is the Largest Contributing Distribution Channel?
Online Distribution Channels Maintain Dominance
The distribution channel segment is bifurcated into online and offline channels. The offline channel is expected to dominate the market due to its tie-ups with end-users. The ease of availability at offline stores to purchase bulk and recurring orders for industrial uses is expected to help the segment's growth.
The online channels segment is expected to register a higher rate of growth due to the wide variety of options available for the user with all necessary information in a single space. With innovation in types and raw materials used for the production of various masks, online catalogs help consumers make informed decisions depending on their needs and budget.
Massive Manufacturing Establishments Uphold Asia Pacific’s Top Rank
Major Asian economies like China, and India are emerging as the globally significant manufacturing hubs based on the availability of abundant raw materials and labor at lucrative and competitive prices. Moreover, these countries are huge players in terms of disposable mask users due to the workforce engaged in production and healthcare activities.
As India, and China account for the maximum population, their healthcare segment is also highly saturated with the demand for personal protective equipment, including disposable masks. Government initiatives for improving healthcare as well as boosting the manufacturing industries play a double role in the market growth of disposable masks from both the demand and supply sides.
North America Receives a Strong Impetus
The North American region is expected to register the highest growth rate in the forecast period due to its increasing focus on personal health and protection. In 2022, the US spent 17.2% of its GDP on healthcare, which was 4.1% Y-o-Y rise. Similarly, an increase in medical tourism in countries such as Mexico is expected to augment the growth of the disposable mask market in the region. Growth of the manufacturing sector in the region is also expected to boost the demand for disposable masks.
Prominent organizations, including 3M, Honeywell International Inc., and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, are at the vanguard of this sector, providing inventive solutions by capitalizing on their technological prowess and vast experience in the safety and protective products industry. Organizations operating within this sector prioritize technological advancements, strategic alliances, and user experience improvement. These businesses make substantial R&D investments to create better-performing, comfortable, and economically feasible safety gear.
Additionally, they establish collaborations with end-use players to seamlessly incorporate their solutions into their workspaces, thereby catering to the increasing need for better personal protection equipment. Furthermore, to contend with the increasing market that is primarily motivated by concerns of sustainability and performance, they must distinguish their products through the implementation of better manufacturing processes and safer raw materials. To distinguish themselves in this highly competitive market, these businesses strive to differentiate their products. They achieve this using safer materials, comfortable designs, and added attributes such as water resistance.
New Product Launch
MASKC, an exclusive brand that designs and manufactures disposable masks, launched their new product, a Kf94 mask that consists of 4 layers of non-woven and melt-blown materials with adjustable nose clips and ear strings with a BFE of more than 94%.
Market Impact: This new product, while similar to existing products, helps in increasing competition due to the struggle to stay relevant. New releases with added benefits and accessibility, combined with factors such as pleasing aesthetics will help in the expansion of product variety, as the appearance of the masks is now considered a fashion statement by consumers.
Ezzigroup Inc., a personal protective equipment manufacturer from Toronto, Canada, has launched a compostable surgical mask that is ASTM F-2100 approved. The first of its kind from the country, the mask is made of PLA or cotton and wood pulp which is expected to compost in less than 90 days. They have linked with various wholesale and retail distributors for a global customer base.
Market Impact: The production of compostable disposable masks deals with a major setback for the market, which is its environmental impact. This would help bigger players to invest and conduct rigorous R&D to come up with competitive alternatives to maintain their market position.
Attribute |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2030 |
Historical Data Available for |
2018 to 2022 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Million for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Countries Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
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The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the projected period.
The disposable face mask market was valued at USD 3US$3.7 billion in 2023.
The US held the largest market share in 2023.
Some of the prominent players in the market are 3M, Honeywell International Inc., Moldex-Metric, Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kowa American Corporation, and DACH.
The industrial use segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.