Pleated Filters Market Size - By Product Type {Air Filter, (Medium Efficiency Filter, HEPA Filter), Oil Filter, Food & Beverage Filter and Others}, By Medium Material, By Application & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Pleated Filters Market Size

Pleated Filters Market size was valued at USD 10.4 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.9% between 2024 and 2032, driven by a surging demand for clean air and water. Key industries such as HVAC, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment are leading this demand. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), concerns about air quality, especially in urban centers, have led to increased adoption of pleated filters due to their superior filtration capabilities and extended lifespan over traditional flat filters.
 

Furthermore, government regulations championing clean air standards, especially in industrial and commercial domains, are propelling the market. This momentum is bolstered by a heightened public awareness regarding the health ramifications of pollution and tainted air, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
 

Technological innovations in filter materials and production techniques are fueling the expansion of the pleated filters market. The emergence of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, alongside other cutting-edge filtration technologies, is broadening the application spectrum of pleated filters. The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) notes that these filters are now finding roles in specialized settings like medical facilities and laboratories.
 

Moreover, as energy-efficient HVAC systems gain traction in residential, commercial, and industrial realms, the demand for pleated filters is on the rise, given their dual advantage of enhancing air quality and upholding system efficiency, as highlighted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
 

One of the primary challenges in the market is the high costs associated with advanced filtration materials. Although pleated filters are known for their superior filtration efficiency, the incorporation of cutting-edge materials such as HEPA or nanofibers drives up production costs.
 

According to the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS), these advanced materials can increase production costs by up to 30%. This price hike can deter cost-sensitive customers, especially in fiercely competitive markets. Moreover, the upfront investment required to install pleated filters in expansive HVAC systems or industrial settings poses a hurdle for many businesses, particularly in financially constrained regions.
 

Pleated Filters Market Trends

One prominent trend is the pleated filters industry is the heightened focus on eco-friendly and sustainable filtration solutions. As environmental consciousness grows, manufacturers are responding by creating pleated filters from biodegradable or recyclable materials, aligning with the demand for greener products. This movement is especially pronounced in sectors like HVAC and water filtration, where companies prioritize waste reduction and operational sustainability. According to the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS), there has been a 25% increase in the adoption of sustainable filtration materials over the past five years.
 

Pleated Filters Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into air filter, oil filter, food & beverage filter and others. The air filter which is further segmented into medium efficiency filter and heap filter, dominated the market in 2023, generating a revenue exceeding USD 4.8 billion, and is expected to reach USD 8.9 billion by 2032. Air filters play a vital role in ensuring indoor air quality, with Medium Efficiency Filters and HEPA Filters taking center stage.
 

Medium Efficiency Filters, widely adopted in both residential and commercial spaces, effectively capture larger particles like dust and pollen. With a moderate MERV rating, they present a budget-friendly option for standard air purification. According to the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), these filters are suitable for environments where air quality requirements are not as stringent.
 

On the other hand, HEPA Filters stand out for their exceptional performance in settings demanding top-tier air purity, such as hospitals and clean rooms. They excel by eliminating a minimum of 99.97% of particles, even those as tiny as 0.3 microns. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) confirms that HEPA Filters are essential in critical applications to meet rigorous air quality standards. While HEPA Filters entail higher costs and more intensive maintenance, their prevalent use in critical sectors underscores their pivotal role in achieving stringent air quality benchmarks.
 

Based on medium material, the pleated filters market is classified into activated carbon, fiberglass and microfiber. Fiberglass material dominated the market in 2023, with revenue exceeding USD 5.1 billion, and is expected to reach USD 9.7 billion by 2032. Due to its exceptional balance of performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness, fiberglass material leads the market. According to the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA), fiberglass pleated filters efficiently capture a broad spectrum of airborne particles, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores, all while ensuring optimal airflow.
 

The lightweight and flexible nature of fiberglass permits a higher pleat count in a compact filter size, thereby enhancing the surface area and prolonging the filter's lifespan. Furthermore, producing fiberglass filters is relatively cheaper than crafting advanced materials like HEPA media. This cost-effectiveness, combined with their efficient filtration capabilities, has firmly established fiberglass as the predominant choice in the pleated filter market for both residential and commercial uses, as supported by data from the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS).
 

Asia Pacific pleated filters market emerged as the dominant region, generating a substantial revenue of USD 3.5 billion, and is expected to reach USD 7.1 billion by 2032, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and heightened awareness of air quality. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), countries like China and India have seen significant economic growth, driving a rising demand for advanced HVAC systems. These systems, crucial for maintaining air quality in residential and commercial buildings, heavily depend on pleated filters.
 

Furthermore, stringent government regulations on air and water quality in the region bolster the adoption of high-efficiency filtration solutions. The Asia-Pacific region's robust manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing further solidify its position as a dominant hub for both the production and consumption of pleated filters, as reported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
 

North America: The U.S. dominated the market with revenue of around USD 900 million in 2023 and with a CAGR of 6.7% for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. Due to its advanced infrastructure, stringent regulatory standards, and high demand for air quality solutions, the U.S. leads the North American pleated filter market. Both the residential and commercial sectors in the U.S. increasingly turn to pleated filters, valuing their superior performance and efficiency, especially with a well-established HVAC industry and a rising focus on indoor air quality. The U.S. boasts robust manufacturing and distribution networks, ensuring both widespread availability and continuous innovation of pleated filters.
 

Furthermore, government regulations mandating high air filtration standards in settings like healthcare and industrial facilities bolster the adoption of pleated filters, reinforcing the U.S.'s dominant market position. The National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) reports that compliance with these regulations has increased by 15% annually, highlighting the growing emphasis on air quality.
 

Europe: The Germany dominated the market with revenue of around USD 1 billion in 2023 and with a CAGR of 8.3% for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. Germany's robust industrial foundation, cutting-edge technology, and strict environmental regulations position it as the leader in the European pleated filters market. According to the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), Germany's industrial sector remains a powerhouse, contributing significantly to the demand for advanced filtration solutions.
 

As a top European economy, Germany's diverse sectors, from automotive and manufacturing to HVAC systems, showcase a pronounced demand for efficient air filtration solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and quality, German manufacturers lead the charge in crafting high-performance pleated filters.
 

Asia Pacific: China spearheaded the market with revenue of around USD 1 billion in 2023 and is growing at a CAGR of 8.9% for the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. China leads the Asia-Pacific pleated filter market, propelled by swift industrialization, vast manufacturing capabilities, and a heightened emphasis on environmental and public health. Recognized as a global manufacturing powerhouse, China boasts a strong production infrastructure, facilitating both cost-effective and large-scale pleated filter production.
 

With a rapidly urbanizing population and expanding industries, there's a pronounced demand for advanced air filtration solutions to combat air quality challenges. Moreover, the Chinese government has enacted stringent environmental regulations, urging industries to embrace superior filtration technologies. This blend of manufacturing strength, market demand, and regulatory impetus solidifies China's dominance in the Asia-Pacific pleated filter arena.
 

Pleated Filters Market Share

The global pleated filters industry is moderately fragmented, with prominent players, such as Donaldson Company, Inc., Parker-Hannifin Corporation, 3M, Atlas Copco, Camfil AB holding a market share of 30-35%. These companies dominate the market due to their extensive research and development capabilities, strong global distribution networks and strategic partnerships within the industry.
 

Pleated Filters Market Companies

Major players operating in the market include:

• 3M Company
• Absolent Group
• Atlas Copco
• Camfil AB
• Clarcor Air Filtration
• Delta Filtration
• Donaldson Company, Inc.
• Freudenberg and Company
• General Motors Company
• Honeywell International Inc
• Koch Filter Corporation
• Midwesco Filter Resources Inc
• Parker-Hannifin Corporation
• Siemens AG    
• The Strainite Companies
   

Pleated Filters Industry News

• In March 2023, Parker-Hannifin Corporation unveiled a new pleated filter product line as part of its environmental and industrial filtration solutions. The new filters were designed to meet stringent environmental regulations and improve performance in various industrial applications.
   
• In October 2022, Donaldson Company, Inc. announced the launch of a new line of pleated filters designed for high-efficiency applications in industrial environments. The new filters are aimed at improving air quality and operational efficiency in manufacturing and processing plants. This expansion highlights Donaldson's continued innovation and commitment to advancing filtration technology.
   
• In November 2022, Atlas Copco acquired Aircel, LLC, a U.S.-based producer of air treatment and purification systems, to expand its market presence and expedite commercial development in North America.
   

The pleated filters market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Air Filter
  • Medium Efficiency Filter
  • HEPA Filter 
• Oil Filter
• Food & Beverage Filter
• Others

Market, By Medium Material

• Activated Carbon
• Fiberglass
• Microfiber

Market, By Application

• Food & Beverage
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Residential
• Utilities
• Others

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA