Industry Trends

Europe Protective Face Masks Market Share was valued at USD 170.6 million in 2019 and is expected to witness -11.3% CAGR from 2020 to 2026.

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Protective face masks are worn by medical professionals during examinations and surgical procedures. They maintain an aseptic barrier during procedures, preventing the transmission of infections. The growing COVID-19 cases across the continent will drive product demand and foster the regional industry expansion.

Authority guidelines on usage of masks to combat the COVID pandemic will drive the regional market growth. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency (EMA), have prescribed the usage of protective face masks to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. The rising number of COVID-19 positive cases will drive product demand. Furthermore, strict social distancing measures and government mandates on mask usage will spur the regional industry.

An overall rise in number of surgeries in the region will have a positive impact on the regional market expansion. Rising burden of chronic disease will drive the number of surgeries. The burden of chronic disease has been rising due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, coupled with consumption of junk food and excessive alcohol intake. These factors have increased the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, growing geriatric population in the region will be instrumental in driving the number of surgeries. These factors will boost the demand for protective face masks from healthcare providers, propelling the regional market growth.

Europe Market Share, By Product

By product, the protective face masks market is segmented into procedure masks, surgical masks, N95 respirators, and face shields. Face shields segment is estimated to exceed USD 27 million by 2026. Use of face shields to prolong the usability of limited number of face masks will drive the market expansion. Furthermore, face shields add an extra layer of protection in conjunction with masks. This improved security offered by face shields will drive the demand, boosting the regional industry expansion.

Europe Market Size, By Distribution Channel

E-commerce segment held a significant market share in 2019 and will have witness growth of 350% between 2019 and 2020. Growing social distancing measures coupled with the increased demand for face masks will encourage the people to opt for contactless online deliveries. Furthermore, a growing preference for online shopping will be instrumental in augmenting the segment expansion. Also, discounted rates at e-commerce sites will be another factor in increasing customer preference for the segment.

Europe Market Growth, By End-use

The end-use segment consists of hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centres, long term care centres, research institutes, and individuals. The individual segment held nearly USD 22.2 million in 2019 and is poised to show substantial growth during the forecast period. Rising number of COVID-19 cases, coupled with an increased awareness regarding the benefits of masks will drive the product demand. Furthermore, government mandates and guidelines for usage of masks in every situations will have a positive impact on segment growth.

Europe Market Value, By Country

Spain protective face masks market will witness growth of more than 354% between 2019 and 2020. The local market is expected to show a high rate of growth. Spain registered a total of 232,128 cases of COVID-19 patients as of 29^th April 2020 with second highest number of COVID deaths in Europe during the pandemic. This will drive the demand for protective masks in the country as people look to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. Furthermore, the growing geriatric population in the country will have a positive impact on the local industry expansion.

Competitive Market Share

Some of the major industry players involved in Europe protective face masks market include 3M, Honeywell, Fisher Scientific, DACH Schutzbekleidung GmbH & Co. KG, Akzenta GmbH & Co. KG, Dentsply Sirona, and Henry Schein. Market players are focusing on ramping up their production capacity in order to meet the growing demand for protective masks in the region. Additionally, new market players are initiating the production of face masks to meet the momentous demand. For instance, in March 2020, Lamborghini, an Italian car manufacturer announced that they will be manufacturing surgical masks and medical shields to cater to the growing demand.

Europe Protective Face Masks Market Background

Protective face masks are an essential equipment for healthcare providers. The masks are used to maintain sterility, they act as a barrier and prevent the transmission of pathogens. First used in the late 19^th century, the early face masks were made of cotton or linen. Now, face masks are made of polymers and non-woven fabric, usually polypropylene. With the growing number of COVID-19 infections and absence of any vaccine or treatment, people are taking various precautionary measures to minimize the infection spread. This has a significant impact over the industry. However, there is a need for appropriate guidelines for judicious use of face masks to ensure adequate supply to healthcare personnel and patients.