Report Overview

India's surgical mask market is being driven by rapid advances in nonwovens production technology, the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing focus toward preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and improvements in healthcare infrastructure & services.

India Surgical Masks market- Industry Trends & Forecast Report 2028

India surgical masks market was worth USD 89.0 million in 2021 and it is further projected to reach USD 174.8 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.2% during 2022-2028 (forecast period). The fundamental factors driving the growth of India surgical mask market are quick advancements in nonwovens production technology, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing focus toward preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic and long-term diseases, along with increased investments in MedTech and advanced infrastructure are driving the market. Further, the rising demand for advanced healthcare services is expected to drive up healthcare spending in India, thus propelling the market forward.

 Surgical Masks Overview

A surgical mask is an FDA-approved medical apparatus that healthcare workers widely use in hospitals, clinics, outpatient departments, and diagnostic centers, among other places. The primary purpose of these masks is to prevent cross-contamination between patients and doctors. It serves as a barrier to keep doctors from inhaling hazardous microorganisms released by patients in the form of aerosols, liquids, and splashes. They also aid in the preservation of sterility in operating rooms. As required by ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) certification, surgical masks are divided into four categories based on the level of protection they give. The level 3 surgical masks offer heavy protection against exposure to aerosol, spray, or liquid, while the minimum protection surgical masks are designed for short surgical operations that do not involve liquids, aerosols, or spray.

Indian Surgical Masks Market Trends

Growth Drivers

Antimicrobial Fibers Are Fuelling the Growth of India Surgical Masks Market.

Traditionally, hospital surgical masks are only meant for one-time use. Recent advancements and developments of efficient decontamination and antimicrobial masks have made them universally useful and extremely comfortable. Traditionally, hospital surgical masks are only meant for one-time use. Recent advancements and developments of efficient decontamination and antimicrobial masks have made them extremely useful and comfortable.  Furthermore, the integrated use of antimicrobial fibers and technology in the manufacturing of surgical mask is also expected to create useful positive opportunities in the market. India surgical mask market growth is expected to be fueled by increasing production of reusable nonwoven merchandise including antimicrobial fibers and improved comfort over the forecast period.

Increasing Need for Improved Safety Standards Contributes to Market Growth

India surgical mask market has grown in response to the growing demand for higher safety standards since the success rate of surgeries is primarily dependent on the level of safety and precautions taken during procedures. Surgical masks are used during surgical procedures as a barrier to prevent cross-contamination by microorganisms. To reduce cross-contamination of pathogens, surgeons and other medical professionals use surgical masks during surgical procedures and also while interacting with patients.  According to government regulations, the patient undergoing treatment must also be protected from infectious pathogens that others may release in the operating room. All of these factors contribute to the growth of the India surgical mask market.

Restraints                         

Environmental Hazard Impeding the Growth of India Surgical Masks Market

Surgical masks contain absorbent chemicals and are disposed of into nature after use. Majority of these masks are made with the help of superabsorbent polymers, such as polyacrylate, which are non-biodegradable and are very harmful for the natural habitats. Moreover, such masks contain more than 90% non-biodegradable items with superabsorbent polymers and non-woven plastic components. The disposal of these masks has thus become a serious issue and is posing a significant environmental hazard, which directly hampers growth of the surgical masks market in India.

Impact of COVID-19 on the India Surgical Masks market

The COVID-19 has created a number of issues for the surgical mask market in India. When COVID-19 cases surged around the world, demand for surgical masks in India increased exponentially. As the COVID-19 cases surged around the world, India surgical mask market registered an exponential surge in the demand for surgical masks. The COVID-19 outbreak in some countries triggered a shortage of surgical masks, but India registered a surplus in surgical masks. In April 2020, the textile industry assured the Indian government that they have adequate stocks of personal protection equipment (PPE) suits, N-95 masks, and 2/3 ply surgical masks. Within the next three months, the country registered a surplus of surgical masks in the country and asked the government to allow surgical mask exports to manage the inventory. The cases of COVID-19 are surging once again in the country due to the Omicron variant and the demand for surgical masks is expected to go up again in the near future to prevent another severe wave of the COVID-19 in the country.

Indian Surgical Masks Market– By Product Type

Based on products, India surgical mask market is categorized into basic surgical mask, anti-fog surgical mask, fluid/splash-resistant surgical mask, N95 mask, and others. The basic surgical mask segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2021, and is anticipated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period owing to the prevalence of infectious diseases and large number of surgical procedures performed annually.

Indian Surgical Masks market- By Distribution Channel

In terms of distribution channels, India surgical masks market is classified into direct-to-hospitals, drug stores, online stores and others. Direct channels are used for selling products from manufacturer to the end-users with the help of intermediaries. Surgical masks in India are supplied via different channels, including hospitals & clinics, drug stores, and online stores. Online stores are the fastest-growing distributors of surgical masks, followed by drug stores and hospitals. E-commerce-based distribution of surgical masks is expected to significantly drive the market during the forecast period, as it provides ease in placing bulk orders and delivers surgical masks directly to the customer's doorstep.

Competitive Landscape

India surgical masks market is characterized by the presence of many local, regional, and global vendors. The market is highly competitive as all market players are in intense competition to gain a greater share of the market. The key players are MBL Impex Private Limited., Smilepad Hygiene India Pvt. Ltd., Salus Products, Z Plus Disposable, Thea-Tex Healthcare (India) Pvt. Ltd., VENUS Safety & Health Pvt. Ltd., 3M Company, Cartel Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Kwalitex Healthcare Private Limited, Magnum Health and Safety Private Limited, Mediblue Health Care Private Limited, Medline Industries Inc., Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd.,Good health Inc., Shree Medicare Products, Gaurav SanjivaniTechnicals, Jullundur Enterprises and other prominent players.

Recent Development

• On 25 January 2022, Control Print received USFDA approval for the distribution of 3 Ply surgical masks. This is the fourth Indian mask manufacturer since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 to receive the USFDA 510(k) approval. The 510(k) certification endows The Mask Lab, a venture by Control Print, the marketing authorization needed to supply the US healthcare and business community, including the public, with the 3 Ply surgical masks to protect from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate material.

Scope of the Report:

By Product Type

• Basic Surgical Mask
• Anti-fog Surgical Mask
• Fluid Resistant Surgical Mask
• Face Mask
• N95 Mask
• Others

By Distribution Channels  

• Direct to Hospitals
• Drug Stores
• Online Stores
• Others