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The European Disposable Surgical Drapes and Gowns Markets
Frost & Sullivan, Aug 2004
Disposable vs. Reusable - A Vital Debate for Market Growth
Dynamics between the disposable and reusable segments is a key factor affecting the growth in the disposable drapes and gowns market. The penetration of single-use surgical drapes and gowns varies significantly throughout Europe, and is much less than that in the United States where disposables account for over 80 per cent of the drapes/gowns utilised. Ingrained hospital practices support the continuing use of traditional textile reusable products in many European countries despite their inferiority to most single-use drapes and gowns available. Furthermore, there have been some innovations to create ‘high-tech’ reusable products with more effective barrier properties. While these products may have some limitations, they are a significant source of competition for the manufacturers of disposable products.
This study explores the European market for disposable surgical drapes and gowns in terms of revenues by geographic regions and market segments. The research reviews the principal market drivers and restraints and includes a detailed discussion on the technology for manufacturing non-woven material providing the total costs for drapes and gowns.
New European Standard and Infection Control Regulations to Affect Market
Increasing awareness on the need for better infection control, particularly with respect to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and hepatitis B, has increased the preference for drapes and gowns providing improved bacterial barriers. Due to their patient protecting properties, drapes and gowns are now considered to be medical devices that have to comply with the European Union Medical Device Directive (MDD) of 1993, notes the analyst of the research. This has led to the current development of a European standard for drapes and gowns, which is expected to have a major impact on the market for reusable and disposable surgical apparel.
Disposable Surgical Drapes and Gowns Gaining Increased Acceptance in the European Surgical Industry
Nonwoven fabrics with their excellent liquid resistance, tensile strength and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties are gaining market attention. Meanwhile, the use of traditional cotton and cotton-polyester mixed textiles is rapidly decreasing as these fabrics fail to meet the requirements of the new standard. The choice, then, is likely to be between single-use products and 'high-tech' reusable products. However, studies show that the microbial penetration resistance of single-use drapes and gowns is much superior to that of reusable drapes and gowns, both traditional and ‘high-tech’.
When total costs are considered, disposables tend to prove as less expensive than reusables that involve overheads, and logistics costs of sterilisation and laundering. In addition, the lower penetration levels make Europe an attractive investment destination for major multinationals in the surgical drapes and gowns markets.
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European Surgical Disposables Markets
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