Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Protective Clothing, Face Protection, Eye Protection, Respiratory Protection, Hand Protection), By End-User (Hospital, Home Healthcare, Outpatient/Primary Care Facilities, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global healthcare personal protective equipment market size was valued at USD 20.34 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach USD 57.32 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period 2023–2031.

Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment constitutes all the personal protective equipment used in the healthcare sector that primarily consists of coveralls, gowns, scrubs, head covers, hand sleeves, shoe covers, surgical masks, respirators, and hand gloves. Most of the PPE, such as coveralls, gowns, scrubs, and aprons, are made of polypropylene, while medical N95 respirator consists of multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, often made from polypropylene. The global healthcare PPE market studies PPE components through segments such as product and end user. Basically, the product segment includes face protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, and others. In addition, the face protection segment is sub-segmented into coveralls, gowns, and others, while respiratory protection PPE components consist of surgical masks and respirators, among others. Hand protection PPE components include disposable gloves as well as durable gloves.

Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to safeguard the health of health professionals and includes various forms of surgical masks, hand gloves, hand sleeves, head covers, N-95 respirators, coveralls, gowns, and face shields used in hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinical labs. These special equipment create a barrier between the personnel and germs often found in medical environments. The barrier blocks the transmission of contaminants from blood, body fluids, or respiratory secretions. Though it is mainly used by doctors, nurses, and cleanroom workers, it is also worn by patients to control the spread of germs at the source.

Market Dynamics

Global Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment Market Drivers

As per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other agencies, every healthcare employer must provide adequate means of protection for the personnel from the biological hazards in the healthcare setting. Thus, the stringent regulatory framework globally for occupational safety is anticipated to boost the personal protective equipment market in the healthcare sector.

In addition, In an effort to provide health facilities to the growing population, each country is ensuring the expansion of the healthcare infrastructure expansion. The public and private sectors are investing in constructing new hospitals and primary healthcare centers. Most countries around the world are increasing their share of GDP on healthcare expenditure to provide better facilities to their citizens. Moreover, according to a new report from the World Bank and WHO, at least half of the world's population cannot obtain essential health services. Such factors drive the growth of the global healthcare PPE market.

Global Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment Market Restraints

The majority of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare, such as disposable surgical masks, exam gloves, coveralls, gowns, hand sleeves, aprons, and shoe covers, is composed of plastics such as polypropylene. When personal protective equipment is discarded in public areas, it clogs sidewalk drains and enters waterways. In addition, the structure of PPE is hazardous to marine life because it degrades and transforms into microplastics over time. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the correct procedure for disposing of healthcare PPE. Failure to dispose of PPE in a systematic manner is likely to increase plastic pollution and strict regulations regarding the use of PPE in the healthcare sector. Consequently, unregulated waste disposal can increase the risk of infection, particularly during epidemics and pandemics. This factor is likely to hinder the global market for medical PPE.

Global Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment Market Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for the use of sustainable materials in an effort to reduce the burden on the environment. Hence, apparel makers and biologists are likely to collaborate on developing materials made from bio-based materials. The development of healthcare PPEs from bio-based materials will cancel out the environmental impact of current PPE. Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), a U.S.-based safety products manufacturer, developed the V-Gard GREEN Hard Hat, which is made from 95% bio-based materials. It is made from Green High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a renewable resource, a biopolymer made from sugarcane-based ethanol. MSA claims that 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide are captured from the environment for every ton of GHDPE produced. After its life cycle, it can be disposed of organically. Similarly, Japan-based Bioworks Co. Ltd. has designed a washable and reusable antibacterial face mask made of biomass-based yarn, also termed PLA (Poly Lactic Acid). It is made of biomass resources such as corn starch and biodegrades in industrial compost environments.

Increasing the efficiency of the healthcare PPE will directly result in more safety of the healthcare personnel. Hence, innovating PPE technology has the potential to disrupt the global healthcare PPE market in a positive way. For instance, a team of researchers from IIT Guwahati has developed an affordable antimicrobial (antiviral/antibacterial) spray-based coating for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and 3D printed Ear Guards for the comfortable use of face masks by healthcare workers. It consists of a metal nanoparticle cocktail, such as copper, silver, and other active ingredients coated on the surface that scavenges on the microbes. Thus, the coating has the potential to reduce the risk of secondary infection by limiting the transmission of the microbes.

Regional Analysis

The global market for Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment has been segmented based on geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America consists of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In the U.S., The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Public Health Institute of the United States have put forth proper guidelines for the efficient use of PPE in healthcare settings. Similarly, healthcare employees must adhere to the regulations set in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), United States Department of Labor. Furthermore, in Mexico, the New Mexico Environment Department, the state government agency responsible for protecting and restoring the environment of the state of New Mexico, has classified healthcare workers based on the risk they carry out. The use of PPE in the healthcare setting varies according to the risk category.

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on issues with significant fiscal policy implications, the United States spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world, and the federal government accounts for a significant portion of this expenditure. In 2017, healthcare expenditures totaled $3.5 trillion, or 18% of GDP; by 2028, they are projected to decrease to $2.9 trillion, or 9.7% of the economy. Health expenditures as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) are increasing in Canada and Mexico. These upward trends indicate an expansion in the healthcare industry, thereby fostering the expansion of the healthcare PPE market.

Europe mainly consists of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, among other European countries. Most European countries have issued their own guidelines for the health and safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) and other healthcare providers. The guidelines help in ensuring the efficient use of PPEs and reducing the chances of wastage. The aging population and an increase in demand for value-based healthcare systems are some of the factors that fuel the growth of the healthcare system in Europe. Due to COVID-19, countries have advised the general public to cover their face while going into public spaces. In addition, healthcare spending trends of the countries in the European region are going upward annually. In Germany, for instance, the spending on healthcare in 2018 was 11.7% of Germany's GDP, which was 11.6% in 2017. In addition, health insurance is mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents of Germany, and health insurances are attractive for young people with a good income, as insurers may offer them contracts with more extensive ranges of services and lower premiums. People with health insurance are more likely to visit hospitals for diagnosis, treatment, and further follow-ups.

Asia-Pacific consists of countries such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. In China, the guidelines for the use of healthcare PPE are issued by the National Health Commission (NHC). While in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), a government body focusing on health policies, has laid out the regulations and guidelines regarding the safety of healthcare safety & health. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), a South Korean Ministry of Welfare and Health sub-division, drafts the guidelines for healthcare PPEs. In Australia, the Australian Department of Health has issued advisories for the correct use of PPEs for healthcare professionals as well as the general public during pandemics.

Each of these countries has its own health policies, insurance methods, and healthcare reforms. Moreover, the health expenditure as a share of GDP is different for these countries. Japan spent an estimated ¥337,000 per capita on healthcare in 2018, ¥4,000 more than the previous year. All Japanese citizens must join the health insurance scheme according to employment status, accommodation, and age. In the case of the late-stage medical care scheme for the Elderly, the insured contributes 10% of the total cost, 50% is financed by government subsidies, and 40% is subsidized by the contribution of the working generation. Hence, a subsidized health system increases the number of patients. In Singapore, the Government Health Expenditure was $9,764.3 and $9,307.0 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Post-2015, all Singapore residents are automatically covered under MediShield Life, a basic health insurance plan that pays for large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments, such as dialysis and chemotherapy for cancer. Such health reforms indirectly increase the demand for healthcare systems, including healthcare PPEs.

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) consists of Brazil, South Africa, the Middle East, and the rest of LAMEA. In Brazil, primary healthcare remains one of the main pillars of the public health system. However, there have been a number of world-class research hospitals in Brazil. Healthcare is divided into private health insurance, prepaid group practice, medical cooperatives, and company health plans. Similarly, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the parts of LAMEA are focusing on investments in the development of healthcare systems. An increase in per capita expenditure on healthcare, a rise in population, particularly the aged groups, and easy availability of insurance covers are some factors driving the demand for better healthcare facilities. This indirectly demands an increase in the quantity and quality of healthcare PPEs.

Segmental Analysis

The Global Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment Market is segmented based on Product and End-User.

The market is segmented by Product into protective clothing, face protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, and hand protection.

Protective clothing refers to the clothing worn by personnel in medical environments as a layer of protection against infections. It is used in blocking the passage of microorganisms, particulate matter, and fluid withstands disinfection treatment, and is durable, wear-resistant, tear-resistant, and puncture-proof. Medical protective clothing or coveralls, aprons, and isolation gowns are the main types of protective clothing. The quality of the protective clothing plays a major role in infection control and, thereby, disease control. It is worn by patients, nurses, doctors, public health personnel, and hospital janitors. The producers of protective clothing have to follow stringent quality control of the protective clothing. Protective clothing such as coveralls, gowns, and scrubs are common PPE in the hospital sector. However, improving the comfort of protective clothing and other features replace old protective clothing. Expansion of the global healthcare sector is presently driving the growth of the healthcare PPE market. Such factors increase the demand for protective clothing.

Face protection PPE includes face shields and beard covers. Face shields are made from a combination of PE and polycarbonate to make them transparent. They provide better coverage of the face, as compared to masks, thus reducing the risk of self-contamination. They are durable and can be cleaned and reused repeatedly. In addition, face shields do not impede facial nonverbal communication, can be worn concurrently with other face/eye protective equipment, and do not impact vocalization. They can be worn along with other PPEs, such as face masks, for added protection. Furthermore, face shields are easy to design and produce and are reusable; hence, shortages of face shields are rare. Beard covers are generally made from propylene. They prevent facial hair contamination. Face shields are an integral part of universal masking. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, several hospitals have implemented pre-existing infection prevention measures with universal masking of all personnel in hospitals. Moreover, people have started using face shields as a guard outside hospitals or other medical establishments. As face shields provide additional protection against viruses, U.S. epidemiologist Michael Edmond has advised people to wear a face shield while going outside. All these factors are expected to boost the growth of the market.

Eye protection in the healthcare sector is mainly achieved by using goggles designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Infectious agents enter the eye either directly through blood splashes, respiratory droplets, or indirectly by touching eyes with contaminated fingers. Goggles provide a barrier to infectious materials entering the eye and are often used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, or respirators. Leading PPE manufacturers are designing goggles that allow indirect airflow properties to reduce fogging and more flexibility in size for better fit and comfort. Further, anti-fog coatings help in reducing the fog, offering protection from splashes, sprays, and respiratory droplets. According to OSHA, goggles or glasses with solid side shields are to be worn along with other face protection PPE whenever there is a chance of contamination. Such improvements in the design of eye protection PPE and standards set by government organizations are the major factors that drive the demand for eye protection PPEs.

Respiratory protection is used to protect the individual from the inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace. It mainly consists of half-face masks, full-face masks, and respirators. Face masks, particularly surgical face masks, provide sufficient protection to the wearer when they are in direct contact with a person. However, respiration becomes necessary when interacting with a person who is infected. Moreover, respiratory masks are considered PPE by both the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while surgical face masks are classified as medical devices. Respiratory protection PPE, such as face masks, is one of the primary personal protective equipment used by medical and non-medical personnel to protect against respiratory droplets or air-borne germs. The demand for surgical masks has sky-rocketed post2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many U.S. as well as European companies, have entered the face mask market. Even leading players in the face mask market have increased their production capacities by expanding their manufacturing plants.

Hand protection PPE consists of various types of gloves and hand sleeves. The efficacy of gloves in preventing contamination of healthcare workers’ hands and helping to reduce the transmission of pathogens in healthcare has been confirmed in several clinical studies. Gloves should therefore be used during all patient-care activities that may involve exposure to blood and all other body fluid (including contact with mucous membranes and non-intact skin), during contact precautions, and during outbreak situations. The use of gloves is dependent on the policies or standards set by local health authorities or government health & safety agencies. As a result, standards set by these agencies set the pace for demand for hand protection PPE. Hand protection PPE is one of the primary forms of protection and is used by doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and cleanroom workers. The use of hand protection PPEs increases exponentially during a disease outbreak.

The market is segmented by End-user into Hospitals, Home Healthcare,  Outpatient/Primary Care Facilities, and Others.

PPEs are used in the hospital sector by doctors, nurses, patients, cleanroom workers, visitors, and others working in the medical environment. Hospitals include both rural as well as urban hospitals and non-intensive as well as intensive care units (ICUs). Hospitals are full of infectious bacteria and germs, hence to safeguard the health of asymptomatic personnel, it is important to use suitable PPE. The hospital staff, patients, and visitors should use PPE when there is contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Presently, the aging population, medical insurance, rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases, and increase in disposable income, specifically in developing countries, drive the growth of the global hospital sector. However, an event such as a disease outbreak increases the number of patients and visitors, thereby increasing the consumption of disposable PPEs such as masks, gloves, and coveralls. Moreover, there has been an increase in the number of hospitals globally to ensure the proper health of all people. In fact, there are more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S. alone. There is scope for investing in hospitals in parts of Asia and Africa. This is expected to increase the demand for healthcare PPEs.

Home healthcare involves taking care of the patient’s health at their home healthcare professionals. Home healthcare is suitable where each member of a family is employed and, at the same time, has to care for someone who might be disabled or aged. In a general in-home service, the patients receive assistance with daily living activities and support with diet and nutrition. Moreover, patients remain in their comfort zones, thereby increasing the chances of a better outcome. Another sector included in the home healthcare industry is the Hospice service. Hospice is the provision of individual care to patients facing a life-limiting illness and their families. Hospice care is typically associated with cancer patients and elderly patients, but it now accommodates other illnesses and age groups. Late-stage heart, lung, or kidney diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia are eligible for hospice care.

Primary care is the initial and basic healthcare diagnosis system that acts as the continuing focal point for all needed healthcare services. Apart from primary diagnosis and treatment, it includes disease prevention, health maintenance, and patient education. Primary care is often performed in collaboration with other health professionals by referrals. A robust primary healthcare facility helps in controlling disease outbreaks during epidemics or pandemics. Strong primary healthcare can address up to 90% of a population’s health needs by providing access to comprehensive and high-quality services throughout a patient’s life. Health systems with strong primary care are better equipped during disease outbreaks. They provide greater financial protection and access to economically vulnerable groups. Primary healthcare service is still developing in many countries. As more countries face an increasing burden of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, strong primary healthcare is more important than ever to provide populations with continuous and coordinated care throughout their lives. There are various privately-held investments going into the primary healthcare sector. ChenMed is one of the growing numbers of companies using intensive, team-based primary care to improve patient outcomes and the overall patient experience while reducing healthcare costs. From its 53 clinics across the U.S., it serves most of its patients under a fixed monthly subscription. Similar investments are happening in Europe and Asia-Pacific, thereby increasing the number of primary healthcare facilities. Conclusively, the introduction of private players in the primary healthcare economy will propel the growth of the healthcare PPE market globally.

Impact of covid-19

The novel coronavirus has created havoc in the import-export activities, compelling organizations, agencies, and ports to issue protective measures. Although in some countries loading, discharging, and other formalities are being carried out as usual, however, most of the countries are witnessing restrictions in movement, and few ship agents are permitted to check and approve documentation. The Sanitary Authorities and the Coast Guards are assigned to check if the vessel and the crew came from a coronavirus-affected country.

Medical authorities are examining crew to check if they suffer from the disease. They are required to wear masks and gloves at all times to avoid any contact. In South America, the government has permitted certain ships and ports to operate, provided they submit specific pre-arrival information. Cargo and crew from the U.S., U.K., China, South Korea, Japan, Chile, and Brazil are subject to health inspection by coats guards. In the case of a suspected case, the ships are quarantined at the disposal of health authorities.

Recent Developments

• In March 2019, Ansell launched MICROFLEX MidKnight XTRA; a nitrile exam glove tested against fentanyl and gastric acid to simulate real-world overdose situations. The new product expanded its product offerings.
• In October 2018, Ansell acquired Digitcare Corporation, a leading glove supplier to the U.S. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Specialty Acute markets. The acquisition strengthened its position in the healthcare PPE market for EMS professionals.
• In February 2018, Ansell launched GAMMEX PI Glove-in-Glove System, the first-to-market, pre-donned double-gloving system that helps promote safer operating rooms by enabling faster and easier double-gloving. The new offering helped Ansell to enhance its portfolio for the healthcare industry.
• In November 2017, Ansell acquired gammaSUPPLIES, a company that specializes in validated sterile RABS/Isolator long gloves. The acquisition helped Ansell to enhance its product offerings for the Life Science sector.
• In November 2017, Ansell launched GAMMEX PI Hybrid surgical glove. The new glove combines non-latex polymers to deliver the latex-like comfort of polyisoprene (PI) with the strength and durability of neoprene. The new hybrid glove helped Ansell to diversify its product offerings and reinforce its position in the gloves market.