Disposable Face Mask Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Protective, Dust, Non-woven), By Application (Industrial, Personal), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global disposable face mask market size was valued at USD 38.9 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -27.6% from 2022 to 2030. The growing importance of protection against pollutants and harmful viruses in developing economies including China, India, and Brazil on account of the growing industrial sector is expected to upsurge the need for disposable face masks to avoid any possible infection. On account of COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 caused a dramatic increase in the demand for disposable face masks globally. The use of these disposable face masks serves to be a prime infection control measure to contain the virus spread. 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 89.0 million medical masks were required each month in response to COVID-19. It is also projected that the industry must increase manufacturing by 40.0%. The use of these disposable face masks by people with particular allergies is expected to be a key factor driving the market. Respiratory masks are available in various shapes and sizes that make them suitable for every individual. These products do not merely protect the users from dust but also from minute floating air particles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is constantly emphasizing, especially medical personnel to use disposable face masks since they are invariably exposed to viruses, bacteria, and other sorts of pathogens.

Furthermore, the use of this product as a surgical mask to protect one from the viruses and other pathogens that can cause infections is projected to upscale the demand for disposable face masks in the near future. The main purpose of these masks is to avoid one from getting in contact with airborne germs, dusts, and other infection-carrying pathogens. The rise in cases of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs), the growing elderly population, and the development of healthcare facilities In emerging economies are fueling the market growth. Though these masks are designed to offer protection, it is recommended to select one which won’t cause any allergies.

This can be based on the fact that different manufacturers use different types of material, which could have the potential to cause allergic reactions. Due to the growing negative impacts of pollution, using a disposable face mask is the first line of defense to protect against smoke and dust. 3M Company offers a variety of NIOSH-approved filtering respirators for numerous tasks, where the chances of suffering from infection are more.

Application Insights

The industrial application segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 45.6% in 2021. Rising awareness among the industrialists regarding the significance of using masks to protect laborers from particles is driving the segment. The use of disposable face masks is increasing in emerging economies including China and India due to the growing industrial sector and ever-increasing pollution levels. The use of disposable face masks at construction sites, mining sites, chemical companies, and by the workers of paints and varnishes is fueling the segment growth. These products are also popularly used as surgical masks, wherein they are used to avoid viruses and other germs from entering the body.

Meanwhile, the personal application segment led the growth of the market on account of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Additionally, the growth of the segment is attributed to increasing consciousness among users to tackle the rising levels of pollution and the presence of harmful pathogens in the air. Growing awareness regarding the side effects on health is prompting new users, thereby driving the demand for these products.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 76.8% in 2021. Disposable face masks are majorly sold through offline channels including retailers, distributors, hyper/supermarkets, convenience stores, brand outlets, and direct selling. Several brands are opting to market and sell their product through pharmacies and drug stores as these stores showcase a wide range of disposable face masks. Moreover, visiting these stores personally helps consumers compare different products in terms of quality and material used.

The online segment is expected to expand at the highest pace in the market for disposable face masks from 2022 to 2030. The emergence of e-commerce portals as a key selling medium on account of providing value-added services including free-home delivery, Cash-On-Delivery (COD), and coupon benefits is expected to remain a prominent market trend. Additionally, the growing popularity of online shopping platforms such as Amazon.com, eBay Inc., and others are contributing significantly to the distribution of the product.

Product Insights

The protective mask segment dominated the disposable face masks market and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 36.4% in 2021. This product is used as a protection against contagious pathogens, disease-carrying germs, and airborne infections. It is also used as a protectant while performing surgery in order to avoid entering viruses and germs. Furthermore, it is used by workers of paints, varnishes, and other chemical manufacturing companies to stop harmful chemicals from entering the body.

Dust masks are usually used while traveling at construction or mining sites to protect the respiratory systems. They can be worn for shorter periods of time, offering temporary protection, while some of them are designed for use over extended time periods. The non-woven mask segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of -26.5% from 2022 to 2030. These masks are currently trending in the market since they offer better ventilation, filtration, and insulation. These are waterproof, lightweight, high production speed, and low priced.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific dominated the market for disposable face masks and accounted for a revenue share of more than 27.08% in 2021. Manufacturers operating in the region are benefiting from the presence of a large population base, most specifically in countries such as India and China. Also, the increasing number of healthcare services and hospitals in the region is contributing to significant growth. The growing industrial sector, as well as government rules and regulations to protect workers’ health, are the key factors expected to propel the market growth in this region. Furthermore, urbanization and rising disposable income in China and India are expected to raise the product demand over the next few years.

In North America, the market for disposable face masks is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of -27.3% from 2022 to 2030. Demand for the product is increasing in this region due to the rise in pollution levels, which is attributed to the release of harmful gases into the air. The high spending power of the working-class population and the government providing masks at a very minimal rate to protect people are other significant factors driving the market in North America. Moreover, rising public awareness associated with personal health and hygiene is the aspect attributing to the region's growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The industry is highly competitive as players are competing in terms of product variation and pricing. Key players are focusing on inventing disposable masks that will provide users with benefits such as better ventilation, filtration, and water-proof. Growing demand for innovative, high filtration efficiency, and application-specific masks among consumers is expected to open up new avenues for the key players over the coming years. 

• In January 2022, Maskc launched KF94 Face mask that is made up of four layers, a non-woven external layer, two non-woven and melt-blown central layers, and a soft inner layer that is gentle on the skin.

• In November 2021, Health Canada approved Ezzigroup Inc.'s compostable surgical grade face mask manufactured in Canada. These compostable masks are ASTM F-2100 certified and are available for distribution in Canada and the United States under their EzziMed brand. 

Some of the prominent players in the disposable face masks market include:

• 3M

• Honeywell International Inc

• Moldex-Metric, Inc.

• Kimberly-Clark

• Uvex

• KOWA

• SAS Safety Corp.

• The Gerson Company

• DACH

• Te Yin

Disposable Face Mask Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report 

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 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global disposable face mask market report on the basis of product, application, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Protective

  • Dust

  • Non-woven

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Industrial

  • Personal

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 -2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa