Global Medical Non-Woven Disposable Market Overview, 2023-28

Healthcare personnel is susceptible to infectious droplets, aerosols, microorganisms and other infectious agents present in the environment that lead to high risk of transmitting diseases like hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs). To circumvent susceptibility of contamination or infections, healthcare personnel uses surgical masks, gloves, head gear, and shoe covers that are manufactured by textile industries which can be woven, non-woven and knitted. Non-woven surgical products have been adopted by most hospitals for use in surgical processes. Nonwoven fabric comprises of short fiber (staple) and long fibers (continuous long), bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Non-woven have limited-life, they may be single-use or durable fabric. The recent epidemic has created an unusually high need for healthcare disposables, and most regions are now facing difficulties. The manufacture of a variety of test kits and safety equipment must thus be sped up immediately. Applications for medical nonwoven disposable goods in the healthcare sector are numerous. The chosen option for functioning as a barrier between the patient and the doctor and offering enough protection is nonwoven materials. In emerging countries, where the healthcare industry is just getting started, the need for medical nonwoven disposable items is expected to expand. Nonwoven materials are often employed in medical and surgical procedures. In order to prevent post-operative, wound infections, healthcare professionals and patients alike utilize biodegradable goods. Nonwoven products are used for personal safety, home healthcare, and temperature control outside of operating rooms. The Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market is expanding as a result of different government initiatives, technological advancements, and upgrades.

According to the research report, “Global Medical Non-Woven Disposables Market Overview, 2023-28” the market is anticipated to cross USD 37.77 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 27.30 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with 5.68% CAGR by 2023-28. The total consumption of nonwovens in medical applications is growing at a rapid pace. Apart from drapes and gowns, companies in the medical nonwoven disposables market are gauging incremental opportunities by developing implantables, sutures, and blood filters from nonwovens. Moreover, the revenue of medical nonwovens for wound care applications is estimated to surge aggressively in the market landscape. On the other hand, high prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is driving the growth for the medical nonwoven disposables market. Companies in the market for medical nonwoven disposables are increasing their efficacy in drylaid, spunlaid, and melt-blown nonwovens. For instance, the Freudenberg Group - a leading supplier of housewares and cleaning products offers drylaid, wetlaid, and spunlaid nonwovens used in medical industry, automotive, and apparel construction. In emerging markets of Asia Pacific, doctors who are trained abroad and educated about the advantages of single-use solutions are helping in bolstering market growth. Further, due to the increasing global geriatric population, rising cases of hospital-acquired infections, and technological integration, the market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. However, environmental concerns regarding disposal and the increasing trend of non-invasive and robot-assisted surgeries may slow down the development of the market. Nonwoven materials can be manufactured to be sterile and free from contaminants. This is essential for surgical procedures, wound care, and other medical applications where maintaining a sterile environment is critical. Many nonwoven medical disposables are designed to be comfortable for patients and healthcare professionals. They are breathable, lightweight, and often feature moisture-wicking properties, which enhance comfort during extended wear.

Based on regions, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow with prominent CAGR by the end of the forecast period. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing their healthcare spending to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand access to healthcare services, and enhance patient care. This increased investment in healthcare facilities and services drives the demand for nonwoven medical disposables used in various medical procedures. Like many other parts of the world, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing demographic changes, including a rapidly aging population. With an aging population come an increased prevalence of chronic diseases and a higher demand for healthcare services, leading to a greater need for nonwoven medical disposables for wound care, incontinence management, and other applications. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of robust healthcare systems and adequate supplies of nonwoven medical disposables, especially personal protective equipment (PPE). Governments and healthcare institutions in the region are investing in stockpiling and improving their readiness for future health crises, further boosting demand. As healthcare infrastructure improves and access to healthcare services expands, there is a growing number of surgical procedures being performed in the Asia-Pacific region. Surgical gowns, drapes, and other disposable products are essential for maintaining a sterile environment during these procedures. Some countries in the Asia-Pacific region have become popular destinations for medical tourism due to their high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices. This has led to an increase in demand for nonwoven medical disposables, as medical tourists often require various disposable products during their treatments. The Asia-Pacific region is home to several countries with strong manufacturing capabilities, making it a hub for the production of nonwoven medical disposables. This competitive advantage allows for cost-effective production and a steady supply of these products to both domestic and international markets.

Based on the product type, wound care is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, and the need for wound management is widespread. Various types of wounds, including surgical incisions, burns, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and traumatic wounds, require specialized care and dressings. This high prevalence of wound care needs ensures a consistent demand for wound dressings. Wound dressings cater to a wide range of wound types, from minor cuts and abrasions to complex, chronic wounds. Nonwoven wound dressings can be designed and customized to address the specific needs of each wound type, offering versatility in treatment options. Nonwoven wound dressings are essential for maintaining a sterile environment over wounds, preventing infection, and promoting faster healing. The antimicrobial properties of some nonwoven materials further enhance their effectiveness in infection control. Nonwoven wound dressings support the principle of moist wound healing, which is considered the gold standard in wound care. They create an ideal moisture balance at the wound site, promoting the body's natural healing processes and minimizing scarring. Nonwoven wound dressings are typically soft, conformable, and gentle on the skin. They offer patient comfort during application and removal, reducing pain and discomfort associated with wound care. Nonwoven wound dressings adhere gently to the wound bed, minimizing trauma during dressing changes. This is particularly important for wounds that require frequent re-dressing. Nonwoven wound dressings come in various absorbency levels, allowing healthcare professionals to select the appropriate dressing for the amount of exudate (fluid) produced by the wound. Effective exudate management is crucial for wound healing. Nonwoven wound dressings incorporate advanced technologies, such as hydrogels, hydrocolloids, and foam dressings, which provide optimal, wound care solutions for different stages of wound healing and various wound conditions.

Based on the end users, home healthcare is experiencing growth in the nonwoven medical disposables market. As the global population ages, there is an increased demand for home healthcare services. Elderly individuals often have chronic health conditions that require ongoing care and management, including the use of nonwoven medical disposables like wound dressings, incontinence products, and disposable bed linens. Many patients prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a healthcare facility. Home healthcare allows individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life while still receiving necessary medical attention. Nonwoven medical disposables are essential for ensuring the cleanliness, hygiene, and comfort of patients in home settings. Advances in medical technology have made it possible to provide complex healthcare services at home. Devices such as remote monitoring equipment, wearable sensors, and telemedicine platforms have created opportunities for home-based care, further driving the demand for nonwoven disposables that are used in conjunction with these technologies. Home healthcare is often more cost-effective than hospital-based care. Using nonwoven medical disposables in home settings reduces the need for expensive hospital stays and minimizes the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Patients can receive high-quality care at a lower cost, making home healthcare an attractive option. In many healthcare systems, there is a push for shorter hospital stays, which encourages the transition to home-based care. Nonwoven medical disposables help ensure that patients can continue their recovery and treatment at home with the necessary supplies and support. The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is increasing. Patients with chronic conditions often require ongoing monitoring and care, and nonwoven disposables play a crucial role in managing these conditions at home.

Also, the concept of patient-centered care emphasizes tailoring healthcare services to individual patient needs and preferences. Home healthcare allows for a more personalized and patient-centric approach, with nonwoven medical disposables contributing to the comfort and well-being of patients. Many individuals wish to age in place and remain in their homes as they get older. Home healthcare services, supported by nonwoven disposables, enable seniors to maintain their independence and receive necessary care as they ages. Based on materials, acrylic nonwoven materials are known for their soft and plush texture. They provide a high level of comfort when used in medical disposables like wound dressings, adhesive tapes, and clothing items. This comfort is especially important for patients and individuals wearing these products for extended periods. Acrylic materials are often hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. This makes them suitable for use in wound dressings, bandages, and adhesive products where skin sensitivity is a concern. Acrylic nonwoven materials are good at wicking moisture away from the skin. They can keep the skin dry, which is essential for wound healing and managing conditions like incontinence. They are breathable, allowing air to pass through. This property helps maintain a comfortable temperature and reduces the risk of skin maceration (softening and breaking down due to excess moisture) in wound care applications. Acrylic nonwoven materials are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. This makes them suitable for products that need to withstand movement and friction, such as wound dressings and adhesive tapes. Acrylic materials can be easily modified and customized to meet specific requirements. Manufacturers can adjust the thickness, texture, and other properties to create nonwoven medical disposables tailored to the needs of healthcare providers and patients. Acrylic materials provide thermal insulation, which can be beneficial in products like disposable blankets and clothing items used in medical settings to help regulate body temperature. Acrylic materials tend to retain their color well, even after exposure to various environmental factors. This is important for products where color-coding or identification is essential. Acrylic materials are versatile and can be efficiently processed into nonwoven fabrics using various manufacturing techniques. This ease of processing makes them attractive for manufacturers looking to produce medical disposables cost-effectively.

Market Drivers

• Aging Population and Chronic Diseases: The world's aging population is increasing, leading to a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and conditions that require medical treatment and care. Nonwoven medical disposables such as wound dressings, incontinence products, and disposable bed linens play a crucial role in managing the healthcare needs of the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
• Infection Control and Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs): Healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings. Nonwoven medical disposables like surgical gowns, drapes, and sterile wraps are essential for maintaining aseptic conditions in operating rooms and preventing HAIs. The focus on infection control continues to drive demand for these products.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance: The nonwoven medical disposables market is highly regulated, with strict standards and quality requirements. Manufacturers must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, which can be challenging, particularly for smaller companies. Keeping up with evolving regulations and ensuring compliance adds complexity to the manufacturing process.
• Cost Pressures: While nonwoven medical disposables are crucial for healthcare, cost containment remains a challenge for both manufacturers and healthcare providers. Price competition can lead to margin pressure, especially in mature markets. Manufacturers need to balance cost-effective production with maintaining product quality and innovation.

Market Trends

• Sustainability Initiatives: Environmental sustainability is a growing trend in the nonwoven medical disposables market. Manufacturers are developing eco-friendly alternatives using biodegradable materials or recyclable nonwovens. Healthcare facilities are also exploring sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint.
• Personalized and Customized Products: Customization and personalization of nonwoven medical disposables are gaining traction. Tailored products, such as wound dressings designed for specific patient needs or custom-sized drapes for surgeries, improve patient comfort and outcomes. Advanced manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing, are enabling such customization.

Covid-19 Impacts

The novel coronavirus that emerged in 2019 is causing a surge in demand for disposable medical supplies around the world. Domestic nonwoven producers are ramping up production to meet the increased demand for masks, protective suits, and other nonwoven-intensive disposable medical supplies that can be used to prevent the spread of coronavirus. As a result of the crisis, the nonwovens industry has almost split into two distinct industries - disposable and long-lasting. The disposable nonwovens industry is experiencing high levels of utilization, as it offers products that are crucial for healthcare and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The longer this phase of the crisis lasts, the more disposable nonwovens are expected to be consumed. The long-lasting or durable nonwovens industry, on the other hand, is primarily made up of products that are heavily influenced by the global economy. The longer the economic crisis lasts, the lower will be the level of consumption of durable nonwovens. The two parts of the industry will, therefore, balance the impact of COVID-19 on the global nonwovens market as a whole.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the medical nonwoven disposables market key players include Medtronic, Kimberley Clark, Domtar, Molnlycke Health Care, Asahi Kasei, First Quality Enterprises, Ontex, Unicham, Cypress Medical, Berry Global Incorporated, Cardinal Health, and Georgia-Pacific LLC among others. Medical nonwoven disposables market competitors are always developing new and improved products by contributing significantly to R&D activities. Novel product innovation such as biodegradable and gender-specific diapers is expected to favorably impact the medical nonwoven disposables market growth.

Key Developments

• In May 2019, MONIT Corp, created a cookie-sized sensor with bluetooth technology that attaches outside a baby’s diaper. This sensor help parents keep a track of baby’s bowel movements and help prevent from diaper rash and urinary tract infections. MONIT Corp is set to partner with Kimberly Clark to bring Monit’s tech to Huggies.
• In April 2019, Unicharm Corporation, Asia’s largest hygiene products manufacturing company announced its acquisition with DSG International, a manufacturer of diapers and other absorbent products.
• In May 2019, Domtar announced that its personal care division has launched incontinence product in North America. Product has dry containment core to provide comfort to patient. Innovative product launches will help company to gain competitive advantage, thereby augmenting business revenue.
• In October 2018, Unicharm launched products within its adult and baby care segments. The company has launched baby diapers that avoids leakage and are available in various sizes. This strategy was aimed at

upgrading product pipeline that will enable company to garner higher market share.

• In May 2018, Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc launched world’s first latex antimicrobial examination glove and antimicrobial disposable products with d2p technology. This helps in prevention against bacterial infection..

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Nonwoven medical disposables market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Nonwoven medical disposables market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions covered in the report:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

By Product Type:

• Sterile Nonwoven Products
• Incontinence Hygiene Products
• Wound Dressings

By End User:

• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Ambulatory Centers
• Clinics
• Home Healthcare

By Material:

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Acetate
• Rayon
• Polyamides & Polyesters
• Acrylic

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from

secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Nonwoven medical disposables industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.