Global Medical Non-Woven Disposable Market Outlook, 2028

Nonwoven medical disposables are crucial products in the field of healthcare. Medical disposables have surpassed medical items made from woven fabrics in terms of popularity, providing a more hygienic alternative that effectively helps prevent contamination and infections. Nonwoven disposables can provide material with particular characteristics, such as absorbency, resilience, softness, strength, and elasticity. Medical nonwoven disposable products offer resistance to contamination and provide better hygiene conditions. The non-woven products are the face mask, surgical gown, nurse cap, surgeon cap and others. Nonwovens are of polyester, rayon and are blended to fulfill the desired need. These products are made of high-quality fabrics for complete safety and immunity of healthcare professionals. The market of medical nonwoven disposables is anticipated to grow with a significant rate in the coming years, owing to factors such as factors such as impact of hospital acquired infections (HAIs), rising demand of healthcare facilities, disposal of nonwovens and growing trend of less-invasive surgery are affecting the medical nonwovens disposables market. The global Medical Non-Woven Disposables market is primarily driven by an increase in the number of surgical procedures performed in hospitals, as well as an increase in the global geriatric population. Increasing bacterial infections and hospital-acquired infections have sparked a surge in the demand. Increasing regulations pertaining to patient safety are expected to propel the Medical Non-Woven Disposables market to significant growth during the forecast period. During the research period, the growing demand for surgical gear constructed with sophisticated materials is expected to provide profitable possibilities for market players. Furthermore, changing lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking lead the people towards chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and chronic cough. These chronic conditions will lead to onset of incontinence due to stressed urinary sphincter. Thus, drive the market through the forecast period. The developments in the technology of manufacturing nonwoven disposables are driving production. The increased adoption of nonwoven disposables across surgical units has driven the demand. In November 2021, Finland's Ahlstrom-Munksjö launched its high-performance sterilization nonwoven wraps under the globally recognized Reliance brand. The sterile barrier systems offer excellent bacterial barriers thanks to cellulosic fibers that create a tortuous path for excellent sterility maintenance of surgical instruments up to the point of use. The key market players' continuous engagement in developing innovative nonwoven products is expected to provide growth.

According to the research report, “Global Medical Non-Woven Disposables Market Outlook, 2028” 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. Nonwoven products are the typical class of textile materials designed from fibers that are bonded together to form a lucid structure. Medical nonwovens are either made up of natural fiber-like cotton, linen, or of synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyester, poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE), and others. The medical nonwoven disposables are commonly used in surgical processes, serving as a barrier to microorganisms and prevents from fluid, particulate, and microorganism that can lead to cross contamination. They are used in the form of composite and are sterile, soft, antibacterial, liquid repellent as well as liquid absorbent. These include products like disposable underwear, cotton pads, panty shields, disposable diapers, ultra-absorbent, super-absorbent, and biodegradable products. The market for medical nonwoven disposables is still being driven by the fear of contagious diseases like SARS and H1N1. Nonwovens help to keep costs down; therefore fighting infection has become one of the top priorities for healthcare providers. Furthermore, WHO guidelines produced under the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program are raising user awareness of the importance of personal cleanliness. This is clear because the revenue of the medical nonwoven disposables market's consumer & home healthcare end user segment is expected to rise at an exponential rate over the forecast period. In hospitals and nursing homes, nonwoven face masks and other medical nonwoven disposable goods are widely utilized. The rising frequency of hospital-acquired infections and the challenges that patients confront are driving the market for medical nonwoven disposables. The rise in healthcare spending, regulatory restrictions surrounding health and cleanliness, the ageing population, lower nonwoven product costs, expanding domestic goods and resistance to contamination are some of the reasons driving the worldwide medical nonwoven disposable market in the future. Moreover, the key players of nonwoven disposables are continuously involved in developing innovative medical disposable products such as DuPont’s Tyvek coveralls, Dynarex surgical mask with face shield, 3M N95 particulate mask, and McKesson surgical gloves that further contribute toward the medical nonwoven disposables market growth.

The North America region is anticipated to grow with prominent revenue share of more than 35% during the forecast period in global nonwoven medical disposables market.

Favorable demographic trends have positively influenced the demand for medical non-woven disposables. For instance, increasing geriatric population suffering from chronic incontinence disorders require medical non-woven disposables on a regular basis. Moreover, strong foothold of industry players in the U.S. will result in availability of superior quality non-woven disposable medical products that should surge the regional growth. Increasing birth rates will augment demand for disposable diapers in the region. Moreover, government organizations in the region fund projects and take initiatives to make people aware about the availability of medical nonwoven disposable products. The increased awareness regarding the hospital acquired infections among both the patients and the healthcare professionals has exponentially driven the demand for the various medical nonwoven disposable products in North America. Moreover, the presence of high geriatric population and the increased prevalence of urinary incontinence among them are augmenting the growth of the market. According to the obtained data, around 33 Million people in US are suffering from overactive bladder. Therefore, the rapidly growing geriatric population in US is expected to foster the demand for the medical nonwoven disposables in the upcoming years and hence, North America is expected to sustain is dominance in the market. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for PPE, including face masks, gowns, and gloves, all of which are essential nonwoven medical disposables. This surge in demand highlighted the critical role of these products in the region's healthcare infrastructure. North American manufacturers are at the forefront of technological innovations in nonwoven materials. They are constantly developing materials that offer enhanced performance, comfort, and breathability, which are crucial in healthcare applications.

Based on the end users, hospitals are leading the market with higher revenue generation in 2022 in global nonwoven medical disposables market.

The major market growth is attributed to the growing prevalence of various chronic diseases among the global population and rising number of hospitals admissions across the globe. Moreover, the surging adoption of surgeries among the patients is boosting the demand for the nonwoven disposables across the hospitals. The increased awareness among the health professionals regarding the hospital acquired infections has further fueled the demand for the medical nonwoven disposables across the globe. On the other hand, home healthcare is estimated to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. This is attributable to the surging demand for the disposable diapers among the geriatric population. The surging prevalence of urinary incontinence among the geriatric people is the primary factors that drive the growth of this segment. Urinary incontinence mostly effects the old age people aged 60 years or above. Furthermore, the ambulatory surgical centers segment is expected to witness significant market growth in the global medical nonwoven disposable market by 2028. During the projected timeframe, the growing burden of chronic diseases in both developing and developed economies is expected to drive the ambulatory surgical centers segment market. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in adults as well as in the geriatric population is increasing the demand for outpatient surgery centers, which provide superior healthcare treatment services at an affordable cost to patients. As a result, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to augment the segment growth.

Based on the material, polypropylene (PP) material holds a leading position in the global nonwoven medical disposables market in 2022.

Polypropylene is inherently hydrophobic, which means it repels water and other liquids. This property is highly advantageous in medical nonwoven disposables as it provides an effective barrier against bodily fluids, pathogens, and other contaminants. PP-based products like surgical gowns and drapes act as a protective shield for healthcare professionals and patients. Polypropylene has excellent tensile strength, making it durable and resistant to tears and punctures. This durability is crucial in applications such as surgical drapes, where the material must withstand handling and manipulation during medical procedures. PP nonwovens are lightweight and breathable, offering comfort to patients and healthcare professionals. This is especially important for products like face masks and wound dressings, which need to be worn for extended periods. Polypropylene is a cost-effective material, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers and healthcare facilities looking to manage costs without compromising quality. Its affordability contributes to the widespread use of PP-based nonwoven disposables. PP is known for its hypoallergenic properties, which are crucial in medical settings where patient allergies must be considered. Additionally, it is resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth, ensuring a hygienic environment. Also, polypropylene can be easily sterilized using various methods, including gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, and autoclaving. This makes it suitable for use in sterile medical environments where infection control is paramount. Polypropylene can be recycled, and many healthcare facilities and manufacturers are working towards more sustainable practices. Some PP-based products are designed with recyclability in mind, aligning with the growing focus on eco-friendly options in the market.

Market Drivers

• Growing Healthcare Expenditure: Increasing healthcare expenditure worldwide, especially in emerging economies, is a significant driver for the nonwoven medical disposables market. As more countries invest in improving healthcare infrastructure and services, the demand for disposable medical products like nonwoven surgical gowns, drapes, masks, and wound dressings is expected to rise.
• Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of nonwoven medical disposables in infection control and prevention. This heightened awareness has led to increased stockpiling and demand for disposable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and gowns. Pandemic preparedness is likely to remain a driver for the market as governments and healthcare institutions prioritize their readiness for future health crises.

Market Challenges

• Environmental Concerns: One of the most significant challenges for the nonwoven medical disposables market is the environmental impact of single-use products. Nonwoven disposables are typically made from synthetic materials that are not easily biodegradable, leading to concerns about plastic waste and pollution. Regulatory pressures and consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives pose a challenge for manufacturers in this sector.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains for medical disposables. Manufacturers faced disruptions in the supply of raw materials, transportation, and labor shortages. These challenges led to shortages of critical medical supplies and increased production costs. The industry must address these vulnerabilities to ensure a stable supply of nonwoven medical disposables.

Market Trends

• Technological Advancements: Nonwoven medical disposables are evolving with advancements in materials and manufacturing technologies. Innovations such as antimicrobial nonwovens, breathable materials, and smart textiles embedded with sensors for patient monitoring are gaining traction. These technologies enhance the performance and functionality of medical disposables.
• Rise of Telemedicine: The increasing adoption of telemedicine and remote healthcare services is influencing the nonwoven medical disposables market. With more healthcare consultations happening virtually, there is a growing need for home-based medical disposables like wound care dressings, adhesive tapes, and remote monitoring devices. Manufacturers are adapting to cater to this evolving demand.
• E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Sales: The rise of e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer sales channels is changing the distribution landscape for nonwoven medical disposables. Patients and healthcare professionals can now purchase these products online, leading to increased convenience and accessibility.

Covid-19 Impacts

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and disruptions in logistics and transportation led to delays in the procurement of raw materials and the distribution of finished products. This resulted in shortages of critical medical disposables and increased lead times for orders. The focus on infection control and prevention led to changes in the product mix within the nonwoven medical disposables market. While the demand for traditional items like surgical gowns and masks increased, there was also a surge in demand for specialized products like N95 respirators and face shields. Manufacturers had to adapt to these shifting demands. With the urgency to meet the rising demand for PPE, there were concerns about the quality and authenticity of some nonwoven medical disposables. Regulatory authorities worldwide stepped up scrutiny to ensure that products met safety and quality standards. This scrutiny put additional pressure on manufacturers to maintain quality control and compliance. To meet increased demand while implementing safety measures for their workforce, manufacturers faced rising production costs. Costs related to raw materials, labor, and safety protocols increased, which in some cases led to price hikes for medical disposables. One of the most immediate effects of the pandemic was the surge in demand for PPE, which includes nonwoven products like masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields. Healthcare facilities, frontline workers, and the general public required these items to protect against the virus. Manufacturers of nonwoven medical disposables had to ramp up production to meet the heightened demand, often running at full capacity.

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 November 2022, The Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, launched by Lady Arya Ali to eradicate period poverty in Guyana, received sanitary pads valued at USD 50,000 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Girls in low-income nations will receive adequate menstrual hygiene and reproductive health education as a result of this effort.
• In May 2022, Winning Medical introduced their innovative CMC dressing, Antibiosis Series Products, bordered silicone foam dressing with super absorbent fibers (SAF), and transparent film dressing in France. This consists of non-woven fabric, gelling fiber, and polyester reinforcing thread.
• April 2021- PFNonwovens (Czech Republic) announced investment into the new technology in Znojmo, the Czech Republic, to make premium, aperture, and 3D pattern fabrics, which will expand its product portfolio in hygiene and medical applications
• May 2020- Berry Global, Inc. (U.S.) announced a capital investment in South America's meltblown nonwoven fabric capacity. This investment has expanded company's global presence and has solidified its position as the world's leading nonwovens manufacturer. This line is Berry's first meltblown asset in South America, based on its Meltex technology. It continues to meet the demand for health and wellness products. More than 400 metric tonnes of Meltex meltblown nonwoven material will be delivered to the region, allowing for the production of more than 500 million surgical-grade masks per year..

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 & Countries covered in the report:

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle East & Africa (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South 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.