Reusable Face Mask Market

Market Overview

The global reusable face mask market size was valued at USD 2,447.18 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 16,118.83 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 23.3% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Reusable face masks are face covers that reduce human interaction with airborne contaminants. Masks aid in keeping the respiratory system healthy by blocking airborne contaminants that could harm a person if inhaled. It consists of reusable respirators that may be changed out with filter cartridges and a silicon face mask coupled with a plastic filter shield. The mask can be cleaned with hot water, and filters can be changed every 7 to 10 days or sooner if the danger is high. Reusable face masks also lessen the risk of contamination because, unlike disposable models, they do not restrict airflow and don't need to be adjusted. They are frequently used in industrial, medicinal, and personal applications and are typically produced from materials like paper or fabric.

Highlights

• Cotton dominates the material segment
• Personal use dominates the application segment
• Offline dominates the distribution channel segment
• Asia-Pacific is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Reusable Face Mask Market Drivers

Rising Global Production Capacity

The COVID-19 pandemic created a robust demand for all varieties of face masks. Numerous market players have increased their production to meet the growing demand for reusable face masks because the product supply is far outpacing global demand. Leading fashion apparel producers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior have been concentrating on producing medical-grade and consumer-grade face masks due to the ongoing, emerging need for the product. For instance, Finland fashion firm R-Collection has been engaged in the production of face masks to help in the fight against coronavirus. Similarly, the company's head of design, Lilli Norio, claims that buyers choose masks that seem dynamic and stylish and do not necessarily have to be offered in the conventional white hue. The fashion industry's abrupt switch to making face masks has garnered the praise and attention of consumers worldwide and is expected to impact the market positively.

Growing Insistence on the Use of Face Masks

The coronavirus outbreak has led to the growing insistence of healthcare organizations and governments on making face masks mandatory for the general public. For instance, after Austria made it compulsory for shoppers to use face masks in supermarkets in March 2020, a sizable number of regional officials in Germany urged the federal government to follow suit and introduce a similar rule country-wide. In December 2020, 38 states in the U.S. had mandated face coverings for individuals in public, and many states have also mandated the use of face masks in indoor spaces.

Similarly, as per the state-of-emergency declaration on December 3rd, 2020, people in Delaware must wear face coverings at private indoor gatherings and in all public settings. With disposable face masks being principally intended for use among healthcare and frontline workers, the growing insistence on face masks worldwide is likely to encourage prospective manufacturers to exploit the business opportunities in the reusable face mask space.

Global Reusable Face Mask Market Restraint

Growing Prevalence of Low-Quality/Counterfeit Reusable Face Masks

The rising prevalence of substandard reusable face masks continues to impede market growth. The market for reusable face masks is currently flooded with variants that are marketed at relatively lower prices but may not be capable of providing the appropriate level of respiratory protection to wearers. This is primarily because these masks are frequently produced in filthy sweatshops utilizing inferior fabric and other materials.

Duplicate face masks are made of non-durable, low-quality, and non-replaceable materials. The rising popularity of e-commerce for distributing reusable face masks is expected to further spur the sale of counterfeit or poor-quality products in the foreseeable future, as scammers will likely prefer this channel to sell their products worldwide.

Global Reusable Face Mask Market Opportunities

Design Innovation

Design innovation offers a lucrative space that manufacturers can target to achieve a more substantial brand reputation. Regarding function, reusable face masks offer much scope for product differentiation regarding the masks' design, size, color, and shape. Noticing a rising demand for reusable face masks with innovative designs, several manufacturers have been focusing on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these products.

For instance, in April 2020, Under Armour, a U.S.-based athletic wear company, unveiled a new line of innovative masks that feature a single piece of fabric and do not require any sewing. The 'no-sew' design will likely gain traction in the near term as it helps cut down on both time and cost of manufacturing. Pure Essence Greeting and Undify are just two examples of the growing number of small and medium-sized businesses capitalizing on the personalization trend by including logos and text customizations on their products. Such factors create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global reusable face mask market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global reusable face mask market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 23.11% during the forecast period. The rising coronavirus cases have driven the demand for face masks since the first quarter of 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), using a face mask can reduce the chances of virus transmission to a great extent. In addition, governments and many health organizations have been appealing to most of the nations in Asia to use face masks diligently owing to the large population in the region. As a result, reusable face masks are being used by people in public places—indoors and outdoors—to reduce the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the high concentration of manufacturers launching products in this space in countries such as China and India has increased demand for face masks in the region. The growing popularity of reusable face masks as a fashionable accessory that also offers protection from harmful particles and viruses has spurred the demand for reusable face masks in the region.

North America is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 25.0% over the forecast period. Reusable face masks are abundantly used by the general public and people working in industrial and medical sectors across the region. The utilization of masks to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus from an infected individual to the environment is becoming more widely accepted. According to a simulation by the University of California, 80% of the population wearing masks could do more to minimize the spread of COVID-19 than any strict lockdown measure. These masks act as a barrier and help lower the chances of infection by other people or the outside environment. The widespread impact of the novel coronavirus in the region has been driving the demand for reusable face masks. Many small- and medium-sized manufacturers have also penetrated the market to cater to the rising demand for these masks. Additionally, the increasing government spending coupled with the ease in the documentation of the manufacturing of face masks with immediate effect will immensely help this market's growth across the region.

In Europe, the rapid spread of coronavirus and the increasing number of cases drove the demand for all types of protective face masks, including reusable ones. In September 2020, Europe had reported more than 45 million COVID-19 cases. Therefore, face masks are increasingly popular due to their ability to lower the risk of contracting a virus from another person. In addition, the high concentration of manufacturers launching products in this space has also contributed to the rise in demand for reusable face masks in the region. For instance, in March 2020, R-Collection, a Finland-based fashion firm, became involved in producing various types of face masks for healthcare professionals and the general public. The growing participation of regional players is expected to favor market growth.

In Central and South America, rising consumer awareness of airborne infections and diseases has created a steady demand for the product. Several types of reusable face masks are available in the market based on their assigned protection factor, which determines the mask's risk of contamination and permeability. Factors like an increase in pollution and flu diseases and the recent coronavirus outbreak have enhanced the usage of reusable face masks by the general public in the region.

Segmental Analysis

The global reusable face mask market is segmented by material, application, and distribution channel.

Based on material, the global market is segmented into cotton, nylon, and others. 

The cotton segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.1% during the forecast period. Based on various filtering experiments, woven 100% cotton has outperformed most synthetic materials as a fabric type. While synthetic fibers are comparatively smoother at a microscopic level, cotton fibers help create additional barriers to incoming and outgoing particles, making them the preferred material for the manufacturing of reusable face masks. Reusable cotton cloth face masks are recommended as a shield to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling in the air when a person wearing a mask coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Nylon is preferred over other materials for face masks because it is long-lasting, robust, and tightly webbed. Adding a nylon layer to a mask helps it fit better and prevents air entry. Reusable face masks have functions similar to single-use ones, forcing air to pass through the mask and acting as a filter. This removes water droplets that can carry viruses and bacteria. However, it is recommended that these masks be washed after each use to reduce the chances of infection. Nylon masks are not used in places such as hospitals since they do not offer enough protection against the host of pathogens that hospital staff is exposed to.

Based on application, the global market is divided into commercial and personal segments. 

The personal segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 23.21% over the forecast period. With increasing incidences of airborne diseases and the rising pollution level, consumers are looking for products to prevent contracting infections and developing other cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Reusable face masks are worn to prevent the spread of infections and for precautionary measures. Big companies, local manufacturers, small-sized companies, and startups have been using COVID-19 to expand their product lines for essential items like face masks. They have recalibrated their manufacturing facilities to produce them.

Face masks are part of personal protective equipment, which, if used correctly, protect the users from contracting seasonal influenza and other aerosols/droplets/airborne infections. Masks should be mandatorily used by all healthcare professionals and factory personnel working in an infected environment. The type of face mask to be used is related to the particular risk profile of the category of personnel and their work. Prospective manufacturers are likely to focus on material innovations in the future to secure a foothold in the market for commercial applications.

Based on the distribution channel, the global market is bifurcated into offline and online channels. 

The offline segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 23.2% over the forecast period. Offline distribution channels hold a considerable share in the reusable face masks market as consumer outlets such as hypermarkets, pharmacies, drug stores, and convenience stores offer multiple brands under one roof. Stores such as specialty retailers primarily focus on high customer satisfaction. Consumers who purchase goods offline have a better understanding of the product's quality and design, and being able to physically inspect the products impacts their choices. In addition, reusable face masks offered by various local and international brands are among the many goods sold at supermarkets and hypermarkets. Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer relatively lower prices than retail stores and local shops, as they buy products in bulk and at a discounted cost.

The internet has made it possible for consumers to shop whenever it is convenient for them using laptops, tablets, mobile phones, or desktop computers, thanks to developing technologies. This has redefined customer experience and helped product manufacturers reach a wider consumer base. E-commerce has changed people's shopping habits substantially, providing advantages such as doorstep delivery, heavy discounts, and the availability of many items on one site. Young people and millennials are rapidly starting their e-commerce websites in several attractive areas due to the increased popularity of online shopping among these demographics.

Recent Developments

• December 2022- Optrel's N95 masks were authorized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention division, with a clear window in front of the mouth. (CDC). There are existing face masks with transparent windows, but this one is unique because it is an N95.
• June 2022- Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd., a leading manufacturer of products designed to protect people, products, and environments, such as disposable protective apparel and building products, announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a USD 2.0 million expansion of the Company's existing share repurchase program.