FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market

Market Overview

The global FFP2 grade protective masks market size was valued at USD 1,791.15 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 2,826.66 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period (2023–2031). Prominent aspects that drive the FFP2 grade protective masks market growth are the increasing number of patients suffering from coronavirus, leading to huge demand from care providers and the general public. With an increasing incidence rate of infectious and contagious diseases, the demand for personal protection products, such as face masks, is increasing at a propelling rate.

FFP is an acronym for "filtering face piece." FFP masks, certified by the European Union, offer protection against particulates such as dust. It is also known as a respirator or respiratory protection device. Respirators can prevent exposure to health risks such as pollen, smoke, mist, disinfectants, and anesthetic gases. A respirator is a piece of PPE that prevents the user from inhaling aerosols, vapors, and gases.

The minimum filtration rate of FFP2 masks is 94%, and the maximum leakage rate is 8%. FFP2 and N95 are similar respiratory mask varieties. These protective masks protect both the individual wearing them and the people in their surroundings. Healthcare professionals and consumers for virus protection primarily utilize them.

Market Dynamics

FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market Drivers

Surging Initiatives by Key Players

An increase in the number of initiatives implemented by market participants following various strategies also contributes to the expansion of the market. The development of healthcare infrastructures and the emergence of new medical device industries can contribute to the growth of the FFP2 grade protection masks market. The manufacturers of FFP2 Grade Protective Masks and other industry participants are emphasizing nation-specific strategies because it is well known that economic and social conditions in various markets and countries vary substantially.

Furthermore, the key players are expanding their production capacity in response to the pandemic, thereby driving FFP2 grade protective masks market growth. For instance, the 3M Company increased production of N95 face masks in March 2020 to meet demand. This enabled the business to satisfy the increased demand for masks. Similarly, Honeywell International, Inc. expanded the production of face masks in May 2020 by establishing a production line in the United Kingdom.

Growing COVID-19 Cases and other Respiratory Diseases

The FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increased emphasis on lowering the transmission rate and the rising public awareness of preserving personal hygiene. The increase in the prevalence of respiratory diseases and the expansion of R&D initiatives by large institutions contribute to the market's growth.

There is an expanding pollution-related concern for people's health in the modern world. Pollution exerts a significant impact on the natural environment. The significant increase in infectious and contagious disease prevalence is also flourishing due to the rising pollution. Nowadays, people require products for personal protection, such as face shields. The need for FFP2-grade protective masks for patients and medical staff has increased due to the pandemic, boosting market growth.

FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market Restraint

Increased Demand Disrupts Global Production and Supply

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, initially originating in China and afterward spreading worldwide, including the United States, brought significant focus to the interdependence of the US economy on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains. Due to China's role as a global supplier of personal protective equipment, medical devices, antibiotics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, decreased exports from China have caused critical medical supply shortages in the United States.

Early in February 2020, the Chinese government nationalized the manufacture and distribution of medical supplies in China, directing all production for domestic use, and ordered the bureaucracy and Chinese industry to procure supplies from the international market. Breathing appliances and gas masks having mechanical parts or replacement filters, including parts and accessories, had a 4% (USD 10,002,578) share of imports from China. The US and other countries' significant dependence on raw materials and intermediate goods for the final production of medical equipment and disposables is anticipated to hamper the market amid the trade wars.

FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market Opportunities

Growing Demand from Potential Industries

FFP2 masks are mainly utilized in construction, agriculture, and healthcare professionals. The main application of respirators has been the utility in the healthcare sector to contain the pandemic. The other uses of FFP2 masks are in industrial settings. In terms of diagnosed cases, COPD is the second-most common lung disease in the UK, after asthma. Around 2% of the whole population live with diagnosed COPD. According to the CDC, work-related asthma is the most prevalent occupational lung disease and is likely underrecognized in the clinical setting. Approximately 17% of adult-onset asthma cases can be attributed to occupational exposures.

Work-related asthma can be acquired from one of the possible occupational categories, which include animal health, cleaning services, cosmetology, farming and food production, industrial, manufacturing, or construction, and the healthcare sector. Enzymes, latex, pollen, anesthetic agents, acids, bleach, hair dyes, aerosolized medications, metal salts, wood dust, and other agents can cause respiratory problems, which respirators can prevent. Therefore, the increasing demand from the industries mentioned above worldwide is expected to create opportunities for market growth over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global FFP2 grade protective masks market share is bifurcated into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.52% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific held the highest market share due to the presence of critical market participants and the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2020, there were over 744,006 cases of coronavirus in India and around 83,572 cases in China. These huge numbers of coronavirus cases propelled the demand for face masks as it is a first-line measure to prevent individuals from contracting the virus. On the other hand, the COVID-19 outbreak has increased production capacity and encouraged new market entrants. For instance, the New York Times reports that Taiwan donated over 12 million face masks to countries severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, China's policy to combat the virus has seen it manufacture 200 million face masks a day in March 2020, more than 20 times the amount it made at the start of February 2020. In Singapore, which used to discourage citizens from wearing masks, made it compulsory to wear one outside or risk a fine of Singapore dollar 300 (USD 210). The high demand for respirators on a national level and legal norms are attracting demand all over the globe. These factors drive the market for FFP2-grade protective masks in Asia-Pacific.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.41% over the forecast period. Europe is estimated to be the second-largest share due to the huge cases of COVID-19 in Italy and Spain and rising initiatives among market players and governments to increase the production of face masks. For instance, in May 2020, Honeywell increased face mask manufacturing in Europe with a new manufacturing line in the UK. Likewise, the UK government and Honeywell signed an agreement for 70 million face masks to support the UK's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Draegerwerk also expanded existing production sites in Sweden and Germany and built a new factory in France to expand production capacity for face masks in Europe.

On March 31, 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to increase the manufacturing of respirators and face masks. Macron stated that consumption of face masks in France increased from four million per week to over forty million and that the state's pre-crisis stockpile of 140 million masks was inadequate. Four French face mask factories increased their combined output from 3.3 million per week before the onset of the crisis to 10 million per week, and production by new players such as auto parts manufacturer Faurecia, tire manufacturer Michelin, and retailer Intermarché increased total output to 15 million per week. Such factors are driving the European regional FFP2 grade protective masks market growth.

The Americas held the third-largest share due to the existence of key market players, a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and significant per capita healthcare spending. The coronavirus outbreak and the huge population affected by this pandemic drive the market for FFP2-grade protective masks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were approximately 2,932,596 coronavirus cases in the US on July 7, 2020.

The Middle East and Africa FFP2-grade protective masks market is expected to grow modestly over the projected period. Due to factors such as the developing healthcare infrastructure, the rising incidence of respiratory diseases, and the burgeoning medical device industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the Middle East will lead to market expansion.

Segmental Analysis

The global FFP2 grade protective masks market is segmented by type and application.

Based on type, the global market is segmented into flat-fold type and cup style. 

The flat-fold type segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.36% over the forecast period. The large share of flat-fold design is owing to its benefits, such as saving space and individual packaging. This design also allows the mask to be stored and transported quickly and easily. The masks have a flexible nose clip and soft foam nosepiece for custom fitting and also reduce heat buildup within for greater worker acceptance. Moreover, these FFP2 fold flat disposable masks are made to cover the mouth, nose, and chin and have folding respirators that adapt to different face shapes. They are easy and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.

The cup style demonstrated a substantial portion of the market. These masks have good air permeability and a large breathing chamber. They usually have heat-molded elastic for strong fitting. They can be used for various applications such as grinding and polishing, glass itching and pharmaceuticals, and in ceramic and coal industries.

Based on application, the global market is segmented into individual and medical institutions. 

The individual segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.41% during the forecast period. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a regulation mandating that people wear face masks during all interpersonal encounters due to the global impact of the coronavirus epidemic.

Medical institutions held a large portion of the market. Staff members in a medical facility were supposed to wear a medical mask while entering a room where patients suspected or confirmed to have 2019-CoV infection are hospitalized and when providing care to a suspected or confirmed case. They were also advised to use disposable masks when contacting many COVID-19 patients.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- China Pharma Holdings, Inc., a NYSE American-listed company with a fully integrated specialty pharmaceuticals subsidiary in China, announced the launch of N95 medical protective masks ("N95 mask").
• December 2022- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention division, authorized Optrel's N95 masks as the first with a transparent window in front of the mouth (CDC). There are other face masks with see-through apertures, but this one is special because it is an N95.