Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Hygiene Products, Medical Supplies), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global medical nonwoven disposables market size was estimated at USD 22.2 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% from 2023 to 2030. The growing prevalence of incontinence coupled with increasing the prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) is expected to drive the growth of the market for medical nonwoven disposables during the forecast period. The disposable products made out of nonwoven are apt for eliminating transmission and potential cross-contamination, owing to their high bacterial filtration efficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly positive impact on the medical nonwoven disposables industry. The demand for medical nonwoven disposables, including surgical masks, gowns, and drapes experienced a significant surge due to the increasing focus on infection prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of these products became imperative in healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers, to protect healthcare workers and patients from viral transmission. However, this increasing demand posed challenges to the supply chain, leading to shortages and disruptions in the production and distribution of medical nonwoven disposables. The increased emphasis on personal protective equipment (PPE) strained the global supply of raw materials, particularly meltblown polypropylene, a critical component in the manufacturing of face masks.

The increasing incidence of nosocomial infections among the global population is expected to increase the demand for medical nonwoven disposables. Additionally, the growing global geriatric population and the increasing prevalence of dementia among them are expected to boost the market growth. According to the World Health Organization, around 10 million new cases of dementia are registered worldwide each year. In addition, the increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence worldwide is expected to increase the demand for medical disposable nonwoven products. According to the World Incontinence Forum, urinary incontinence affects the lives of around 400 million people worldwide. Furthermore, according to the WHO, urinary incontinence is common in geriatric people aged 60 and older. The increasing occurrence and high prevalence of urinary incontinence are expected to boost the growth of the market.

The advancements in production technology for non-woven disposable products play a crucial role in regulating their manufacturing activities. The increasing adoption of disposable nonwovens in surgical wards has resulted in a growing demand for these products. Disposable nonwovens serve as a preventive measure against cross-contamination by effectively limiting the transmission of microorganisms, particles, and fluids during surgical procedures. The sterile, antibacterial, soft, and absorbent properties of disposable nonwoven fabrics make them an ideal solution for mitigating nosocomial infections in healthcare settings.

Product Insights

Based on product, the medical supplies segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2022 and is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Nonwoven disposable medical supply products are extensively employed in healthcare facilities due to their superior effectiveness in preventing the infiltration of harmful microbes and organisms, as well as minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Moreover, their waterproof properties guarantee enhanced safety for healthcare workers. These inherent characteristics and advantages have established the sterile nonwovens segment as the predominant sector within the global disposable medical nonwovens market.

The increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence and contagious in-hospital infections is expected to propel the growth of this segment in the forthcoming years. As reusable materials continue to evolve, patients and healthcare providers are increasingly adopting disposable drapes as they are stronger, more reliable, and impervious to bacteria. Therefore, manufacturers of disposable medical nonwovens are undertaking R&D activities to manufacture products that are lightweight and promote speed healing.

For instance, polypropylene is a versatile plastic that is estimated to cause very minimal harm to the environment. Healthcare garments, masks, filters, and other products are made of non-woven polypropylene fabric or polypropylene thermoplastic polymer. The introduction of innovative materials such as polypropylene for the manufacture of nonwoven disposable medical supplies is estimated to boost the growth of this segment over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 36.6% in 2022. This is attributed to the increasing prevalence of healthcare systems & facilities and higher disposable income & public health awareness in developing countries. There is a growing recognition and prioritization of infection prevention and control measures within healthcare facilities in the region. Medical nonwoven disposables such as surgical masks, gowns, and drapes play a vital role in mitigating the risk of infectious agent transmission.

The heightened emphasis on infection prevention has increased the demand for these products in the region. Additionally, the growing geriatric population in North America has contributed to an increased need for healthcare services, including various surgical procedures. Therefore, there has been a significant rise in the requirement for a larger quantity of medical nonwoven disposables to ensure sterile conditions and prevent infections.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 14.2% over the forecast period. There has been a notable emphasis on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical services in several countries such as India, China, and Japan across the Asia Pacific region. This focus has led to a significant increase in the number of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers resulting in an increasing demand for medical nonwoven disposables, which are essential for maintaining effective infection prevention and control measures. Furthermore, there has been a growing awareness regarding healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the severity of infection control practices in the region.

This increased awareness has resulted in increased adoption of medical nonwoven disposables. Additionally, governments, regulatory bodies, and healthcare organizations have implemented stringent guidelines and standards to minimize the risk of HAIs, thereby further stimulating the demand for these products. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the subsequent surge in surgical procedures in the region have significantly contributed to the demand for medical nonwoven disposables. These products play a vital role in ensuring sterile conditions during surgical interventions, thereby reducing the incidence of infections and post-operative complications. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The rise in competition is leading to rapid technological advancements and companies are constantly working toward the improvement of their products with a major focus on research and development. The market players are indulging themselves in the constant development of new and better medical nonwoven disposables. The introduction of novel products such as biodegradable and gender-specific diapers is expected to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, the introduction of the superabsorbent Core-Lokt technology by Kimberly-Clark and the TENA Identifi technology by SCA to provide greater efficacy and comfort to patients suffering from incontinence.

Furthermore, the availability of odor-neutralized undergarments, panty shields, and new enhanced absorbents render better protection and comfort, thereby gradually becoming the preference of the patients. The companies thus are developing products such as Wings hook & loop 3D by Covidien to provide super absorbency and have a breathable top sheet for added protection and odor control. Some prominent players in the global medical nonwoven disposables market include:

• Domtar Corporation

• Medtronic

• KCWW

• Mölnlycke Health Care AB

• First Quality Enterprises, Inc.

• Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA

• Medline Industries, LP

• Unicharm Corporation

• Ahlstrom

• Freudenberg Performance Materials

• Georgia-Pacific

• MRK Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

• Polymer Group, Inc.

• Asahi Kasei Corporation

• Cypress Medical Products LLC

• Abena A/S

Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market Report Scope

Global Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global medical nonwoven disposables market report based on product, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hygiene Products

    • Disposable Incontinence Pads & Ostomy Liners

    • Disposable Panty Shields

    • Disposable Underwear

    • Disposable Diapers

    • Ultra-absorbent Disposable Diapers

    • Super-absorbent Disposable Diapers

    • Gender-specific Disposable Diapers

    • Biodegradable Disposable Diapers

    • Regular Disposable Diapers

  • Medical Supplies

    • Disposable Surgical Masks

    • Disposable Surgical Drapes

    • Disposable Surgical Caps

    • Disposable Surgical Gowns

    • Disposable Sterile Nonwoven Swabs

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait