Air Filter Media Market Report 2026

The air filter media market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.87 billion in 2025 to $5.17 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in conventional hvac filtration materials, reliance on basic cellulose and fiberglass media, increasing industrial air purification needs, expansion of manufacturing sector air quality standards, development of early nonwoven filtration technologies.

The air filter media market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for high-performance filtration solutions, increasing focus on indoor air quality, growing adoption of hepa and merv-rated media, expansion of air purifier and hvac markets, development of advanced synthetic and composite filtration materials. Major trends in the forecast period include development of sustainable high-efficiency filtration media, advancement of automated media production technologies, integration of IoT-enabled air quality monitoring solutions, adoption of AI-driven filtration performance optimization, expansion of digitally managed industrial filtration systems.

The decline in air quality worldwide is anticipated to drive the growth of the air filter media market during the forecast period. Air pollution leads to serious health issues, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as cancers. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s national ambient air quality standards, exposure to very fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is deemed safe as long as an individual inhales an average of 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air or less each day. For example, in 2024, the World Health Organization, a Switzerland-based intergovernmental organization, reported that low- and middle-income countries face 3.68 million premature deaths each year due to ambient air pollution, which is nearly eight times the 0.47 million deaths recorded in high-income countries. Consequently, the decline in global air quality has increased the demand for air filters or purifiers, thereby propelling the growth of the air filter media market during the forecast period.

Prominent entities within the air filter media market are intensifying their efforts toward introducing advanced high-performance filter media as a strategic approach to gain a competitive advantage. These high-performance filter media encompass cutting-edge materials engineered to efficiently filter air or liquid, offering superior efficacy, increased capacity, and enhanced durability. An illustrative instance of this trend is Ahlstrom Oyj, a Finland-based filtration company, which, in February 2023, unveiled a novel series of high-performance filter media tailored for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This newly introduced range of products is designed to significantly extend filter lifespans while concurrently mitigating environmental impact, thereby safeguarding occupants and equipment within enclosed environments. Covering a spectrum from ISO Coarse 85% to ISO ePM1 80% rating (ISO16890:2016), the product line encompasses both standard and high-permeability variants. Notably, all offerings within this range exhibit limited flow restriction, boast extended dust-holding capacities, and demonstrate excellent mechanical resilience, even when subjected to wet conditions. This strategic emphasis on high-performance filter media exemplifies a concerted effort among industry leaders to enhance filtration efficiency while ensuring sustained durability and environmental responsibility in diverse applications.

In July 2023, Micronics Engineered Filtration Group Inc., a US-based manufacturing and technology company, acquired Advanced Filtration Technologies Inc. from FLSmidth Cement A/S for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Micronics Engineered Filtration Group Inc. aims to substantially expand its portfolio of dry/baghouse filtration solutions, enhance its high-temperature technical felt and woven filter media capabilities, and strengthen its presence in industries such as cement, lime, mining, and power utilities. Advanced Filtration Technologies Inc. is a US-based manufacturer specializing in the production of air filter media.

Major companies operating in the air filter media market are Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Cummins Inc., Toray Industries Inc., Parker Hannifin Corporation, Berry Global Group, Freudenberg Group, Mann+Hummel, Donaldson Company Inc., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, American Air Filter Flanders, Filtration Group Corporation, Lydall Inc., Camfil Group, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Nederman Holding AB, Hollingsworth & Vose Private Lim Ited, Johns Manville, Clean & Science, Fibertex Nonwovens A/S, Flanders/CSC Corporation, Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc., Porvair Filtration Group, Koch Filter Corporation, The Cary Company, Airex Filter Corporation, Superior Felt And Filtration LLC., Permatron Corporation, AIM Nonwovens And Interiors Private Limited, Innovatec India Private Limited, Irema, Sandler LLC, Bayerische Wollfilzfabriken KG Envirotec, K&N Engineering Inc., A.L.Filter Ltd., Pure Air Filtration LLC, Blueair AB, Purafil Inc., Filtrair BV.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have impacted the air filter media market by raising costs for imported fibers, specialty polymers, filtration chemicals, and production machinery required for media manufacturing. Industrial manufacturing, HVAC, and transportation sectors in North America and Europe face higher production expenses due to reliance on international raw materials. However, tariffs are also accelerating local material sourcing, encouraging regional nonwoven manufacturing capacity, and fostering innovation in cost-efficient, sustainable filtration media.

The air filter media market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides air filter media market statistics, including air filter media industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a air filter media market share, detailed air filter media market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the air filter media industry. This air filter media market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Air filter media denotes the material employed as a filtering element in air filters, with different types of air filters chosen based on specific applications. This media is crafted through the use of short manmade, natural, or fiberglass fibers, which are processed into a paper-such as substance using paper-making equipment. The resulting air filter media serves a critical role in enhancing air quality by capturing and filtering particles in diverse environments and applications.

Primary air filter media types encompass nonwoven fabrics, fiberglass, and filter paper. Nonwoven fabrics are broadly described as sheet or web structures bonded together through mechanical, thermal, or chemical means. Fiberglass consists of glass fibers woven into a texture that captures air pockets. Air filter media is classified into various grades such as HEPA, MERV, and ULPA. The key applications of air filters span HVAC, air purifiers, face masks, APC, industrial manufacturing, and transportation, finding utility in industries such as food & beverage, metal and mining, chemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, and more.Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the air filter media market in 2025. This region is expected to continue to be the fastest growing region in the air filter media market share during the forecast period. The regions covered in the air filter media market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the air filter media market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The air filter media market consists of sales paper, cotton and foam. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.