Healthcare Fabrics Market – By Raw Material (Polypropylene, Cotton, Polyester), Fabric Type (Non-woven Fabric, Woven Fabric), Application (Hygiene Products, Dressing Products, Clothing), End-use (Hospitals, Clinics) – Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)

Healthcare Fabrics Market Size

Healthcare Fabrics Market size was valued at around USD 21.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 6.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Healthcare fabrics refer to textiles specifically designed and engineered for use in healthcare settings. These fabrics are chosen for their ability to meet the unique demands of medical environments including considerations for hygiene, durability, comfort, and safety. Healthcare fabrics can be used in various applications within healthcare facilities such as patient bedding, privacy curtains, upholstery, surgical gowns, masks, and other medical apparel.

The growing need for better and more convenient wound dressing materials is a significant driver for the healthcare fabrics market. Due to the surge in accidental and sports related injuries there is a growing demand for these dressings. For instance, according to the National Safety Council, in 2023, football and cricket players suffered 500% more knee and ankle injuries, whereas 400% more people are suffering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Thus, healthcare fabrics that are soft, flexible, and non-irritating can improve patient comfort and compliance with treatment regimens leading to better outcomes.
 

Furthermore, rising adoption of menstrual hygiene management, advancement in infection control surveillance solutions, rising healthcare expenditure globally, government initiatives and funding, and increasing education & awareness, are the advancing factors nurturing the growth of the market.

Healthcare Fabrics Market Trends

The increasing awareness regarding hygiene products is a significant driver for the market. Heightened awareness about the importance of hygiene in healthcare settings drives the demand for fabrics with antimicrobial and fluid-repellent properties.
 

• Patients and healthcare providers alike recognize the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Fabrics used in patient bedding, apparel, and other healthcare applications are designed to meet stringent hygiene standards to protect patients from potential harm.
   
• Hygiene programs in healthcare facilities prioritize infection control measures to prevent the spread of pathogens and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), further increasing the adoption of healthcare fabrics. For instance, WASH United gGmbH, in 2023, the MH Day awareness reached an astonishing 705,000,000 people all over the world. It raised awareness and pushed back taboos and stigma like never before. Millions more were reached via print media and through hundreds of menstrual hygiene day events that took place all over the world.
   
• The increasing awareness regarding hygiene products underscores the importance of using high-quality fabrics in healthcare settings to maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Consequently, this awareness drives demand for healthcare fabrics that offer superior performance in infection prevention and hygiene management, contributing to the growth of the market.
   

Healthcare Fabrics Market Analysis

Based on raw material, the market is segmented into polypropylene, cotton, polyester, viscose, polyamide, and other raw materials. The polypropylene segment is estimated to account for USD 9.9 billion by 2032.
 

• Polypropylene is known for its excellent barrier properties including resistance to moisture, chemicals, and bacteria. These properties make it an ideal material for healthcare fabrics used in applications where maintaining a sterile environment is critical such as surgical gowns, drapes, and wound care.
   
• It is hydrophobic in nature. This characteristic is advantageous in healthcare fabrics as it helps prevent the absorption of fluids, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting infection control. Healthcare fabrics made from polypropylene are often used in surgical settings and other high-risk environments where fluid resistance is essential.
   
• Recent technological advancements in the raw material has escalated the utilization of polypropylene. For instance, innovations in fiber design and fabric construction have resulted in polypropylene fabrics that are more breathable and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
   
• Thus, by optimizing pore size, fabric structure, and surface treatments, manufacturers create polypropylene-based textiles that offer enhanced breathability and airflow while still providing adequate protection and performance in healthcare applications.
   

Based on fabric type, the healthcare fabrics market is divided into non-woven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, and other fabric types. The non-woven fabric segment accounted for USD 7.4 billion in 2023.
 

• Non-woven fabrics are commonly used in disposable and single-use medical products due to their cost-effectiveness, convenience, and ease of disposal. For instance, products such as disposable surgical gowns, caps, shoe covers, and sterilization wraps are often made from non-woven materials, eliminating the need for laundering and sterilization, and reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
   
• These fabrics can be engineered to be soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear, making them suitable for patient bedding, apparel, and personal care products. Therefore, increasing number of hospital beds is a significant factor for the intake of these fabrics.
   
• For instance, according to National Institutes of Health, in 2022, hospitals across China had approximately 7.66 million beds for patients, representing an increase of almost 3% from the previous year.
   
• Additionally, non-woven fabrics offer flexibility in terms of design and performance characteristics, allowing manufacturers to tailor the properties of the fabric to meet specific application requirements.
   
• Thus, such aforementioned factors are expected to augment the segmental growth.
   

Based on application, the healthcare fabrics market is segmented into hygiene products, dressing products, clothing, blanket & bedding, privacy curtains, upholstery, and other applications. The hygiene products segment held a market share of 26.7% in the year 2023.
 

• Hygiene products are essential for maintaining cleanliness, preventing the spread of infections, and promoting patient safety in healthcare settings. Healthcare facilities rely on hygiene products made from specialized fabrics to create a hygienic environment for patients, healthcare workers, and visitors.
   
• These products such as sanitary napkins are widely used across different age groups and demographics, making them a staple product in the healthcare industry. They cater to the needs of menstruating individuals of all ages, from adolescents to adults, across various socio-economic backgrounds, thus leading the notable growth in the market.
   
• Further, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, in 2024, the usage of sanitary napkins has increased from 42% to 64%. Also, the surge in women intimate care products create a substantial demand for the hygiene products.
   
• Soft and breathable fabrics enhance the patient experience, promoting relaxation and facilitating the healing process. Disposable hygiene products offer convenience and ease of use while preserving patient privacy and dignity. Thus, leading to the growth of the market.
   

Based on end-use, the healthcare fabrics market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, homecare settings, long-term facilities, ambulatory surgical centres, and other end-users. The hospitals segment held a market size of USD 6.7 billion in the year 2023.
 

• Hospitals are major consumers of healthcare fabrics due to the large volume of textiles used in various medical applications within their facilities.
   
• These settings prioritize patient care and safety, driving the demand for high-quality healthcare fabrics. Fabrics used in hospitals must meet stringent standards for hygiene, comfort, durability, and performance to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. Thus, hospitals invest in premium fabrics that offer superior protection, comfort, and functionality to support their commitment to quality care.
   
• Hospitals must comply with strict regulatory requirements and standards governing the use of fabrics in healthcare settings. For instance, regulatory agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and accrediting bodies like The Joint Commission set standards for hygiene, infection control, and patient safety that hospitals must meet. Compliance with these regulations drives hospitals to invest in healthcare fabrics that meet the necessary standards for safety, quality, and performance.
   
• The healthcare industry is experiencing continuous growth and expansion due to factors such as population growth, aging demographics, advancements in medical technology, and increasing healthcare needs. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, hospitals require a steady supply of healthcare fabrics to support their operations and provide quality care to patients.
   

U.S. healthcare fabrics market is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 6.6% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• The increasing number of hospitals in the U.S. serves as a significant driver for the market. With the proliferation of specialized healthcare services and treatment modalities, hospitals require specific types of fabrics tailored to their unique needs.
   
• For instance, according to the Definitive Healthcare, in 2023, there are 7,335 active U.S. hospitals. Furthermore, as hospitals expand their geographical footprint to serve a larger patient population, they require additional textiles to outfit new facilities and satellite locations of U.S.
   

Germany healthcare fabrics market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• Infection prevention and control are top priorities in German healthcare facilities, particularly concerns about healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and infectious disease outbreaks.
   
• German hospitals prioritize the use of healthcare fabrics with antimicrobial properties, fluid-repellent coatings, and barrier films to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, reduce the transmission of pathogens, and protect patients and healthcare workers from infections.
   

Japan healthcare fabrics market is expected to grow significantly over the years.
 

• Japan has a highly advanced healthcare system with a strong emphasis on quality care, patient safety, and technological innovation.
   
• The country boasts a network of modern hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities that prioritize the use of high-quality healthcare fabrics to support patient care, infection control, and medical procedures.
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UAE healthcare fabrics market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• UAE is at the forefront of technological innovation and research in various industries, including healthcare. The country invests in advanced healthcare textiles with enhanced properties such as antimicrobial efficacy, fluid resistance, breathability, and comfort. These innovations contribute to the UAE's substantial share in the market.
   

Healthcare Fabrics Market Share

The healthcare fabrics industry is highly competitive, marked by several players striving for market dominance. Providers offer comprehensive fabrics with improved efficiency and affordability. This includes advancements in raw material, fabric type, design, water repellent properties, and customization. Competition is driven by factors such as the quality, reliability, performance, cost, and compliance with regulatory standards. Strategic partnerships with companies and healthcare networks play a crucial role in market positioning.
 

Healthcare Fabrics Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the healthcare fabrics industry include:

• 3M Company
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
• Cardinal Health, Inc.
• Freudenberg Group
• Halyard Health, Inc.
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Molnlycke Health Care AB
• Smith & Nephew plc
• Standard Textile Co., Inc
   

Healthcare Fabrics Industry News:

• In April 2023, Freudenberg Group launched an elastic variant fabric of its flexible superabsorbers for modern wound dressings. These superabsorbers increase the comfort level for patients as well as enabling longer wear time, thus reducing the frequency of dressing changes. Thus, it expanded the product portfolio of the company.
   
• In December 2021, Cardinal Health, Inc., launched Telfa island dressings for “convenient all-in-one dressings” available in a variety of sizes. The soft, non-woven backing conforms around wounds and seals on all four sides. This strategy escalated the wound fabric portfolio of the company and helped to generate the sales.
   

The healthcare fabrics market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Raw Material

• Polypropylene
• Cotton
• Polyester
• Viscose
• Polyamide
• Other raw materials

Market, By Fabric Type

• Non-woven fabric
• Woven fabric
• Knitted fabric
• Other fabric types

Market, By Application

• Hygiene products
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Baby diapers
  • Adult diapers
• Dressing products
• Clothing
• Blanket & bedding
• Privacy curtains
• Upholstery
• Other applications

Market, By End-use

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Homecare settings
• Long-term facilities
• Ambulatory surgical centres
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa