In 2019, the global market for healthcare workwear was valued at approximately US$ 2,365.96 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 4,747.36 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2020 to 2027.
Healthcare workwear serves a critical role in safeguarding medical personnel from various pathogens. The market offers a wide range of protective clothing, including coveralls, gowns, safety glasses or face shields, masks, gloves, lab coats, scrubs, shoes, and boot covers, which collectively protect nearly every part of the body. Medical professionals select their workwear based on the specific demands of their roles. For instance, safety glasses and face shields are designed to shield the eyes from unexpected splashes of bodily fluids like blood, vomit, and excrement. Masks are essential for covering the mouth and nose, thereby preventing the release of microorganisms into sterile environments. Items such as masks, gowns, and face shields are vital in curbing the transmission of viruses and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff.
The healthcare workwear market is categorized by product type into coveralls, gowns, and other items. In 2019, the gowns segment dominated the market, holding the largest share. Gowns utilized by healthcare professionals are primarily divided into surgical gowns, surgical isolation gowns, and nonsurgical gowns. Surgical gowns are specifically designed for use during surgical procedures to prevent the transfer of body fluids, microorganisms, and particulate matter between healthcare providers and patients. The increasing number of surgical procedures globally is a significant factor driving the growth of the gowns segment in the market.
Geographically, the healthcare workwear market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Europe accounted for the largest share of the global healthcare workwear market in 2019. The rise in surgical procedures in this region contributes to its leading position in the market. For instance, Eurostat reported that approximately 1.4 million cesarean sections were performed in the EU in 2017. Additionally, the aging population in Europe is expected to grow in the coming years. According to a report from the European Commission, the old-age dependency ratio is projected to rise from 29.6% in 2016 to over 50.0% by 2070. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is also driving the number of surgeries performed in the region. The European Chronic Disease Alliance indicates that chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, along with chronic respiratory diseases, are the leading causes of mortality in Europe, accounting for 77% of the total disease burden and 86% of all deaths. Organizations like the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) are working to establish evidence-based guidelines to improve medical care for women with cervical cancer in Europe. These initiatives, along with the increasing number of surgeries for disorders related to female reproductive organs, are expected to further stimulate growth in the healthcare workwear market in the years ahead.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread across the globe. By September 2020, countries such as the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom were among the hardest hit in terms of confirmed cases and fatalities. Given that the novel coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, it has become imperative for healthcare professionals to utilize high-quality workwear to protect themselves from infection. This urgent need has significantly increased the demand for healthcare workwear, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves, and masks.
Key players in the global healthcare workwear market include 3M, Alpha Pro Tech, Ansell Limited, Cardinal Health, Derekduck Industry Corp., O&M Halyard, International Enviroguard, Tronex International, Inc., KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION, and Surgeine Healthcare (India) Pvt. Ltd.
The overall size of the global healthcare workwear market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. The participants typically included industry professionals such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the healthcare workwear sector.