HEPA Filters Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Air purifiers, HVAC systems, Cleanroom filter, Automotive filter, Gas turbine filter), By End User (Household, Commercial and Industrial, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Commercial buildings, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global HEPA filters market size was valued at USD 3,274.31 million in 2023. It is projected to reach USD 4,816.96 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

HEPA, a type of pleated mechanical air filter, is specialized to remove at least 99.97% of dust, bacteria, pollen, and airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). The utilization of HEPA filters helps control the emission of harmful gases in the commercial or residential spaces. The focus on infrastructure development and industrialization around the globe are positively influencing the demand for these filters, driving the HEPA filters market.

Market Dynamics

Global HEPA Filters Market Drivers

The HEPA filters market is expected to observe significant growth during the forecast period, against a backdrop of a favorable regulatory scenario and high adoption in the pharmaceutical industry.

Stringent Government Regulations

Many international standards and classes exist for such high-efficiency filters, one of which is Osborn. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global federation of national standards bodies. ISO 29463 establishes a procedure for the determination of efficiency of all filters and provides a standardized classification of such air filters with their efficiency and different applications. The installation of HEPA filters across the commercial and residential spaces and the up-gradation of filtration systems for their multifaceted applications further propel the demand.

Utility of HEPA Filters in Pharmaceutical Industry

Air filtration and healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) levels are vital functions for the pharmaceutical industry. Improper filtration rate in the pharmaceutical industry equals high energy costs. HEPA installation has significant importance in terms of maintenance and cost. For maintaining the facility in pharmaceutical work stations, optimal filtration systems such as HEPA filters save both money and time. A thorough audit of HEPA filters is the preliminary step that the American Air Filter (AAF) takes in order to offer professional guidance and analysis of the cost-saving and risk reduction.

Further, there are high chances of leakage from such air filters. The cost associated with a single filter leak is approx. USD 30,000–50,000. To avoid this, Camfil introduced the new Camfil Megalam Energuard HEPA filters, especially for the pharmaceutical industry. The new product consists of a unique media that decreases the chances of filter leaks and room cross-contamination, which prevents extra spending for product failure.

Standardization of HEPA filters in Hospitals amid the COVID-19 Outbreak

As the prevalence of the COVID-19 is rising worldwide, there are high chances of patients being admitted to hospitals. As COVID-19 is highly infectious, the demand for critical care units in hospitals is rising, in turn increasing the demand for HEPA filters as these specialized filters obstruct the transmission of microbes from one compartment to another.

Currently, the demand for hospital beds and intensive care units is rising in the U.S. An estimated 792,417 hospital beds are required, among which 97,776 are within ICUs. The rising demand for hospital beds and intensive care units is surging the demand for HEPA filter installation in hospitals. With high cases of infected patients, there is a need for the laboratory testing of samples. As per standardization, the installation of HEPA filters is mandatory as they maintain flow patterns and prevent cross-contamination in the airflow.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the HEPA filters market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and South Africa, Europe, and South America. Among all, North America leads the global market.

North America Dominates the Global Market, with Manufacturing Accounting for Lion’s Share of HEPA Filter Consumption. North America is expected to dominate the global market, with established manufacturing plants in developed countries adopting air filters. The rising trend of Industry 4.0 and innovations in technology have transformed the manufacturing sector, and the rapid change in the manufacturing business models and processes will create new market opportunities in developed regions. The Canadian manufacturing sector is largely driven by two industries: food and beverage (approx. 16% of the total manufacturing and 32% of non-durable goods manufacturing) and transpiration equipment (approx. 15% of total manufacturing and 29% of durable goods manufacturing). 

Asia-Pacific to Observe Significant Growth, with Rapid Industrialization & Adoption of Latest Technologies. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to account for the highest production growth rate. In the region, China and India are expected to register high demand for HEPA filters due to rapid industrialization. The regional market is currently exhibiting a shift toward the adoption of the latest technologies. Manufacturers are adopting various technologies to comply with different regulatory, energy, and green building standards across the region, such as the Australian Minimum Energy Performance standards or Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Labelling Standards.

The food industry was one of the largest shareholding industries in terms of revenue in 2017.It is one of the fastest-growing industries in Asia-Pacific, which can be attributed to the high availability of raw materials and a prominent production base. Moreover, changing consumer preference toward healthy foods has translated into the need for upgrading existing infrastructure within a facility, which is accelerating the demand for HEPA filters.

Europe Expected to ObserveSluggish Growth due to a Low Commercialization Rate. Increasing regulatory standards and regulations for HEPA filters drive the Europe market. The EU imposes certain regulations such as the energy-related products directive, also known as ‘Ecodesign Directive,’ which provides a general framework for the environmentally compatible design of energy used products for HEPA filters. Additionally, the growing demand for improved energy-efficient devices drives the regional market for HEPA filters. Factors such as higher efficiency level through wireless controls and sensors and government support also bolster the regional market.

Segmental Analysis

HVAC Systems Segment by Type to Account for the Most Significant Demand in Coming Years, with the Rising Trend of Smart Buildings Driving Adoption

The HVAC systems segment is expected to grow at a significant rate on account of these systems’energy management functionalities. Government initiatives promoting the installation of HVAC systems provide impetus to the segment’s growth. The use of a smart HVAC system enables 5–15% energy savings, as per a study conducted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

The increasing demand for air purification and utilization of energy-efficient filtration systems to save costs bolsters the demand for HVAC systems and, in turn, HEPA filters. Climate change, increasing demand for renewable energy sources, and extensive government support in the form of subsidiaries and monetary benefits are propelling the demand for heating equipment.

Currently, there is a high focus on smart commercial buildings and R&D activities targeting optimal energy savings and sustainability, which present opportunities for the installation of HEPA filters in residential spaces. In smart HEPA systems used in smart construction projects, sensors that collect data related to environmental conditions are integrated form a building automation system. The utilization of HEPA filters helps modernize residential spaces or workplaces by providing optimized energy performance.

Government regulations promoting smart homes and incentives for the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems in new construction projects are expected to drive the segment’s growth. For instance, the Canadian government is promoting smart buildings that are more efficient and reduce GHG emissions to protect the environment and its resources.

Cleanrooms Filters Segment by Type to Observe Fast Growth in Coming Years, Driven by Widespread Adoption in Manufacturing Processes

The increasing demand for cleanroom filters in manufacturing units across industries is one of the key factors driving the demand for HEPA filters. The adoption of cleanrooms filter helps ensure the sterility of the final product and the overall manufacturing process, as these filters are 99% or more efficient in removing particles bigger than 0.3 microns from the air supply in the room. Apart from removing small particles, cleanroom filters also help straighten airflow in unidirectional cleanrooms. Cleanroom filters have transitioned from being conventional constructive to modular flexible cleanrooms filters.

Commercial Segment by End-User to Observe Significant Growth in Coming Years, Primarily Led by the Healthcare Sub-Segment

The commercial segment by end-user is anticipated to register a significant growth rate during the forecast period. In the healthcare sector, quality matters the most, as patients in hospitals can release infectious contaminants, adversely affecting indoor air quality. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have instructed the manufacturers to test all hospital air filters. Other than hospitals, one or two HEPA filters are placed in biological safety cabinets, which are tested and certified annually under the ‘National Sanitation Foundation International Standard Number 49: Class II (Laminar Flow Biohazard Cabinetry (NSF 49).’

Impact of covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted organ donation. As per the Kidney organization, people with kidney disease and transplant recipients are at a higher risk for developing severe complications from COVID-19. The coronavirus majorly hits Europe. To address the issue, the governments in Europe have introduced protective screening measures for potential recipients of organs. Transplant patients take immunosuppressive medications. Thus, viruses such as cold and flu can lead to infection.

As stated by the American Society of Transplantation, ‘The risk of acquiring COVID-19 from organ donation is low. Donors are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure history. Donors diagnosed for COVID-19 infection are asked to postpone donation for 14 to 28 days after returning.’

Recent Developments

• On September 25, 2019, Camfil USA, one of the manufacturers of air filtration systems announced the launch of Camfil Megalam Energuard HEPA filter, for the life science industry