The global disposable face mask market size is estimated to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of -27.6% from 2022 to 2030. Factors including the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing pollution levels, rapid industrialization, and rising awareness among consumers regarding the protection of health significantly drive market growth. The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus led to an exponential increase in market demand as it serves to be a crucial infection control measure to curb the virus spread.
The protective mask segment held the largest market share of over 36.4% in 2021. These masks offer protection against transmissible pathogens, germs, and airborne infections. It is also used as a protective measure against viruses and germs while performing surgery. Additionally, it is used by workers in various chemical manufacturing arenas including paints, varnishes, and others to get rid of hazardous chemicals from entering the body.
Industrial applications dominated the global market in 2021 with a revenue share of 45.6%. The rising awareness among various industries around the world about the implication of using face masks to safeguard laborers from hazardous particles drives segmental growth. The adoption of disposable face masks is escalating in emerging countries including China and India, owing to the flourishing industrial sector and ever-rising pollution levels. The usage of disposable face masks at various chemical companies, construction sites, mining sites, and by workers of paints and varnish manufacturing plants is propelling the segment’s growth. These masks are also prevalently adopted as surgical masks, wherein they offer protection against viruses and germs.
The online distribution channel is anticipated to expand at the fastest pace in the global marketfrom 2022 to 2030. The e-commerce portals in the present times operate as a significant selling medium owing to the value-added services that they offer. Moreover, the increasing popularity of online shopping portals including Amazon, eBay, and others are significantly contributing to the market demand for the product.
The Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share in the global market, accounting for over 27.08% in 2021. The manufacturers operating in the region are profiting from the existence of a large population base, especially in countries including India and China. Furthermore, the increasing number of hospitals and healthcare services in the region is opportunistic for market growth. The flourishing industrial sector, paired with the stringent government regulations for protecting the health of workers are the key factors anticipated to fuel the market growth in the region. Furthermore, rising disposable income in emerging economies and increasing urbanization are projected to be opportunistic for the growth of the market.
The disposable face mask industry is highly fragmented as an enormous number of players compete on the basis of product differentiation and pricing. The players in the market focus on creating disposable masks that provide users with benefits including air filtration, better ventilation, and water-resistance capabilities. The increasing demand for high-filtration efficiency masks is expected to open up new growth opportunities for the players. For instance, in January 2022, Maskc introduced a four-layered mask — KF94 Face Mask, for efficient filtration of air. These layers comprise a soft inner layer that is gentle on the skin, two non-woven and melt-blown middle layers, and a non-woven external layer.
Research Support Specialist, USA