Disposable Medical Gowns Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The global sales of disposable medical gowns is estimated to be worth USD 3,478.3 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 7,169.0 million by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period between 2024 and 2034. The revenue generated by disposable medical gowns in 2023 was USD 3,235.7 million.

The risk of cross-contamination is affecting the overall safety and success involved in treating the patient. The use of disposable medical gowns has been one of the most important resolutions to this critical issue, leading to increased demand and market growth. The most promising feature of disposable gowns is their role in minimizing the transfer risk of microorganisms between patients and healthcare workers.

This factor has initiated the widespread adoption of disposable gowns across various healthcare profiles. During cross-contamination infectious viruses and other infectious substances, is transferred from surface to surface thus contaminating the working area. In the medical field and healthcare settings, this can happen in various ways, one of them being clothing or equipment that has been contaminated.

Global Disposable Medical Gowns Industry Assessment

Attributes Key Insights
Historical Size, 2023 USD 3,235.7 million
Estimated Size, 2024 USD 3,478.3 million
Projected Size, 2034 USD 7,169.0 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) 7.5%

Medical gowns are essential in offering a barrier to maintain a distance between infectious substances and the personnel who should handle these contaminated substances.

Disposable surgical gowns are made to be used once and are disposed of subsequently. This single factor essentially eliminates the risk of cross-contamination. They are then immediately disposed of and do not encourage the risk of carrying these microorganisms from surgeons to the other patient or surroundings.

However, in the case of cloth gowns, they are supposed to be cleaned with a regular laundry process - an atmosphere that may not entirely eliminate all the pathogens and can result in accidental transfer in case the proper cleaning protocols were not followed. In emergency situations or outbreak scenarios, such a sudden demand can constrain the healthcare resources.

The single-use approach is especially important in situations involving highly infectious diseases, where even a small lapse in hygiene can lead to serious outbreaks. As awareness of infection control grows and healthcare standards become more stringent, the demand for reliable protective solutions like disposable medical gowns continues to rise, making cross-contamination concerns a key driver in the market’s growth.

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Semi Annual Market Update

The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global disposable medical gowns market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 8.6%, followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 8.2% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.

Particular Value CAGR
H1 8.6% (2023 to 2033)
H2 8.2% (2023 to 2033)
H1 7.5% (2024 to 2034)
H2 7.1% (2024 to 2034)

Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 7.5% in the first half and decrease moderately to 7.1% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of -110.00 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed a consistency of -110.00 BPS.

Key Industry Highlights

Innovations in Fabric Materials for Disposable Medical Gowns Are Transforming the Disposable Medical Gowns Market

The advancements in fabric materials for disposable medical gowns is playing pivotal role in driving the market forward. Advances in material sciences have led to the development of lightweight, breathable, and protective fabrics that enhance the functionality and comfort of these gowns ultimately making them a major safety gear for healthcare providers.

In the field of disposable medical gowns, one of the primary innovations is the lightweight, breathable material that has come to be used in their production. Conventional gowns, which are made from a little heavier fabric, could cause much discomfort to the health care worker, especially where it involves procedures that are long term.

Material such as polypropylene offer adequate protection and as well are significantly lightweight. Breathable fabrics also help in temperature regulation, reducing heat stress for healthcare professionals who are required to wear gowns for extended periods.

Advancements in fabric materials has led to the manufacturing of light weight, well-ventilated, and highly effective in preventing the transition of pathogens. For example, some gowns are treated with antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on the fabric surface.

Fabric treatments have also strengthened the resistance properties to fluids of the gowns. Extensive barrier characteristics ensure that body fluids do not pass through the gown and, therefore protect the healthcare workers and their patients from potential infection.

Furthermore, disposable gowns exhibit cost-effectiveness as the factor that will drive their adoption. The absence of laundering and sterilization costs, required for reusable gowns, would boost this market.

As The Surgical Landscape Continues to Evolve, The Need for Effective Infection Control Is Prioritized

One of the key factors driving up demand for disposable medical gowns globally is the rise in surgical procedures. Demand for surgical intervention has been increasing worldwide due to the modernization of health care systems and the further increase in the prevalence of various medical conditions, both of which effect corresponding demand for effective infection control measures disposable gowns provide.

Disposable gowns are better than reusable gowns for surgeons and medical staff for several reasons. A disposable garment, when thrown out after use, highly reduces cross-contamination. On the other side, reusable gowns are used many times and, after use, might not provide the same protection in later use. The disposable gowns maintain barrier effectiveness at all times during the intended purpose.

According to the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery 2030, around 313 million surgeries are performed each year across the globe. Such a number may indicate not only the volume of surgical procedures but also their significance in modern healthcare.

Surgical site infections are acquired during the operation and have serious complications threatening the safety of a patient by prolonging hospitalization, increasing healthcare costs, and sometimes even resulting in the death of a patient. The improvement and changes over time in surgically linked scenarios boost the demand for the proper controlling of associated infections. In fact, disposable gowns provide a reliable solution to continue reducing infection risks.

There Is a Positive Impact of Pandemic On Disposable Medical Gowns Leading Towards Its High Adoption

Healthcare sector is majorly impacted due to pandemic. Due to which the disposable medical gown market has seen significant positive influence because of the pandemic. When the hospitals and healthcare centers were sometimes unprepared to handle such unprecedented challenges caused by the pandemic, there was a need for PPE items, out of which one was disposable medical gowns.

Because of the pandemic, infection control measures in health have dramatically become much more potent and have had a limelight in healthcare settings. With the rapid spread of COVID-19, healthcare providers and workers began to halt pathogen transmission by any source to safeguard patients and staff from probable virus exposure.

Additionally, disposable medical gowns were introduced acting as an important means of defense for the frontline against pathogen transmission. There is now a demand for these items that has never been seen before. A set of positive consequences of the pandemic facilitated their demand, which restructured infection control and safety in healthcare institutions.

The infection control concerns related to the extensive spread of pandemics made healthcare facilities focus on their inventory management and purchasing activities; hence, healthcare providers began to rely more on disposable gowns with the view to maintaining a continuous supply of PPEs.

All these factors are expected to have positive long-term impacts on the disposable medical gowns market. In fact, after the pandemic, there would probably remain a heightened focus on infection control and safety, and therefore a sustaining demand for disposable gowns continues to grow.

Maintaining Environment Friendly Standards Is Rising as a Challenge for Manufacturers of Disposables Medical Gowns

Disposable medical gowns are effectively preventing infections and other such diseases. However, the main drawback to this is an environmental one. The main issue arising from these disposable gowns-being used on a large scale-is the waste produced.

This problem is especially agitated when considering the kind of materials used during its manufacturing, the amount of trash generated, and further long-term ecological impacts resulting from incorrect disposal. The discarded is again combined with accumulation of plastic waste in the landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems exploiting the natural environments.

Disposable medical gowns are mainly manufactured from synthetic materials, mainly polypropylene-a form of plastic produced from fossil fuels. Though it had been particularly selected for being cost-effective, durable, and protective, it remained a significant environmental hazard. Unlike the biodegradable ones, polypropylene does not decompose in the environment because of its long molecules in structure.

Governments and organizations are calling for reductions in single-use plastic materials and friendly alternatives. This is evidenced by increased pressure; hence, the tightening of regulations guiding waste management and the use of non-biodegradable materials.

For the disposable medical gowns market, these developments shape a pivotal restraint, where the manufacturers may face increased costs and also regulatory challenges toward attaining new environmental standards.

Sabyasachi Ghosh
Sabyasachi Ghosh

Principal Consultant

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2019 to 2023 Global Disposable Medical Gowns Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The global disposable medical gowns industry recorded a CAGR of 5.5% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of disposable medical gowns industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 3,235.7 million in 2023 from USD 2,438.5 million in 2019.

The disposable medical gowns market has accelerated at a rapid rate over the last few decades with growing awareness of infection control, particularly in healthcare. The drive for this industry began with the dawn of HAIs and the consequent increasing need for strict hygiene policies. Disposable gowns started to be used more and more as all healthcare facilities strove to minimize cross-contamination and render greater patient safety.

That was brought to the limelight in the high tide time of COVID-19, during which time there was a huge demand for PPE items across the globe. Lately, the production capacities have been stretched with the demand for this protective wear, known commonly as disposable gowns, underpinning their highly imperative role in averting infection.

Advanced technologies like SmartGown™ EDGE Breathable Surgical Gown with ASSIST™, which uses advanced breathable fabric technology that allows air to circulate, reducing heat and moisture build-up. This helps keep the wearer comfortable during long procedures while maintaining a high level of barrier protection against fluids and pathogens. The gown features ASSIST™ Instrument Pockets, a specialized design innovation that provides easy access to surgical instruments.

These pockets are strategically placed to help surgeons and medical staff keep essential tools within reach, improving workflow efficiency and reducing the need for external assistance during procedures. Additionally, incorporation of such advanced technologies with fuel the market growth.

Market Concentration

Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with a market revenue of above USD 100 million capturing significant market share of 46.7% in global market. With the growing demand for eco-friendly products, these manufacturers are recognizing and developing biodegradable and recyclable gowns. This ensures their products meet the highest safety standards. Prominent companies in tier 1 include Cardinal Health, 3M and Angelica.

Tier 2 companies include mid-size players with revenue of USD 50 to 100 million having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market and holds around 27.5% market share. Tier 2 manufacturers often target niche markets or specific healthcare segments, such as smaller clinics or emerging markets, where they can compete more effectively against larger players.

To enhance market reach and product offerings, Tier 2 manufacturers often collaborate with distributors or local partners, helping them to penetrate new markets and expand their distribution networks. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Standard Textile Company and Medline Industries Inc.

Finally, Tier 3 companies, such as Aspen Surgical Products, Aramark and Priontex. They specialize in specific products and cater to niche markets, adding diversity to the industry. Overall, while Tier 1 companies are the primary drivers of the market, Tier 2 and 3 companies also make significant contributions, ensuring the disposable medical gowns sales remains dynamic and competitive.

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Country-wise Insights

The section below covers the industry analysis for the disposable medical gowns market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided. The United States is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a higher market share through 2034. In East Asia, China is projected to witness a CAGR of 7.5% by 2034.

Countries Value CAGR (2024 to 2034)
China 7.5%
India 8.5%
USA 2.3%
South Korea 5.9%
Canada 4.1%
Spain 4.4%
Germany 2.3%
France 3.8%

China's Manufacturing Capability Has Made It a Pivotal Player in The Disposable Medical Gowns Market.

China disposable medical gowns market is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 7.5% between 2024 and 2034. Currently, it holds the highest share in the East Asian market, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.

China leads the landscape of the disposable medical gown market for several key reasons. In these companies, strong manufacturing infrastructures to produce on a large scale and competitively priced products are among the factors that make China a big supplier of disposable medical gowns to the world market. Chinese manufacturers have modern production facilities, abundance in raw material, and high-skilled labor forces, which help in quality production.

From a supply-chain and market perspective, this was made possible by China's huge capacity to scale up production quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With much government support in readjustment for the quick gains in the market place, it therefore solidified the country's further pioneering in this global market. Only by the large-scale supply chains they have established and strategic export policies have Chinese manufacturers managed to deliver disposable medical gowns worldwide.

A Strong Emphasis On Infection Control Standards Is a Critical Factor Driving the USA Leadership

USA disposable medical gowns is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 2.3% between 2024 and 2034. Currently, it holds the highest share in the North American market, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.

The critical factor that keeps the leadership of the USA in the disposable medical gown market is a strong emphasis on standards related to infection control. Control of infection through the United States continues being paramount in health settings and plays a huge role in managing patient safety and public health by preventing occurrences of HAIs.

HAIs are the infections acquired by a patient during his stay in a healthcare facility for some other ailment; the after-effects of which may be severe and horrible: extended admissions, extra cost for medication, and even death. In the USA, health facilities have strict infection control, with regulation bodies like CDC and FDA undertaking the fight against the incidence of HAIs through high-quality, pathogenic-effective barrier disposable medical gowns.

India’s Initiatives towards Manufacturing is Propelling the Disposable Medical Gowns forward.

India’s Disposable Medical Gowns is poised to exhibit a CAGR of 8.5% between 2024 and 2034. Currently, it holds the highest share in the Asia Pacific market, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.

The requirement for disposable medical gowns has further increased with the Indian government initiatives in improving access and standards of health care, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Make in India" initiatives and promoting self-reliance in medical manufacturing would facilitate domestic and foreign manufacturers in setting up or expanding their capacity in India. Growing importance given to quality and conformance to international standards, coupled with the ease of availability of raw materials, helps to augment manufacturing potential in the Indian context.

As global manufacturers eye opportunities to diversify supply chains and enter new markets, India is a bright spot due to its combination of growing demand, supportive policies, and favorable conditions of production for disposable medical gowns.

Category-wise Insights

The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By Product, the surgical segment holds the highest market share of 83.5% in 2024.

Continuous Improvements in Gown Technology Ensure That the Surgical Segment Remains the Leading Category

By Product Surgical
Value Share (2024) 83.5%

Surgical gowns are intentionally designed to provide significant and crucial levels of protection between health workers and patients, especially when performing procedures that require easy access and include higher risks of infection. They are commonly made of moderate material with highly effective strength barriers against blood, body fluids, and other microorganisms directed at an aseptic environment, which minimizes health care-acquired infections.

Globally, the number of surgical procedures that take place is growing; besides, even the sensitivity of infection control is increasing within healthcare settings. Surgical gowns always need to be up to the mark so that the health authorities set stringent standards and norms that continue the domination of the sector.

High demand for efficacious contamination control in operating theaters and other improvements in the gown technology support that surgical segment is the largest category within the disposable medical gowns marketplace.

The Sales of Average-Type Gowns Is Driven by Their Practicality and Cost-Effectiveness in Meeting Routine Healthcare Needs.

By Usability Average-Type
Value Share (2034) 56.5%

The average-type segment dominates the disposable medical gowns market primarily due to its balance of cost, functionality, and widespread applicability. Average-type disposable medical gowns are designed to provide adequate protection and comfort at a lower cost. This makes them a practical option for a broad range of healthcare settings.

These gowns typically offer standard barrier protection against fluids and microorganisms, which meets the essential requirements for everyday use in medical environments. They are produced using cost-effective materials that provide sufficient durability and comfort while being affordable for large-scale procurement. This balance of affordability and functionality makes them a preferred option for many healthcare facilities that need to manage expenses without compromising on essential safety standards.

Moreover, average-type gowns are often designed for easy disposal and minimal impact on hospital workflows, making them convenient for high-volume use. The high volume of average-type gowns in use across various medical settings underscores their dominance in the market, driven by their practicality and cost-effectiveness in meeting routine healthcare needs.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are imperatively employing strategic ways to compete and capture business shares, increasing product differentiation through innovation in product features, strategic collaboration with healthcare providers for product distribution, and looking for strategic partners who can support them in widening their product portfolios for global market reach. These gowns, designed for infection control and saved healthcare workers from being diseases.

Recent Industry Developments in Disposable Medical Gowns:

  • In May 2024, Medline and 3M collaborated to standardize surgical warming gowns
  • In August 2024, Medline, a market-leading manufacturer and supplier of medical supplies and solutions announced the successful closing of its acquisition of the global surgical solutions business of Ecolab Inc., including the industry-leading Microtek™ product lines. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Medline's growth strategy and commitment to delivering innovative solutions to its customers.
  • In November 2023, Cardinal Health announced the USA launch of its SmartGown™ EDGE Breathable Surgical Gown with ASSIST™ Instrument Pockets, which is created to provide surgical teams safe and convenient instrument access in the operating room. The gown is designed to hold one recommended instrument per pocket during surgical procedures, helping to provide handling efficiency and enabling clinical teams to focus on delivering safe patient care.

Key Players of Disposable Medical Gowns

  • Cardinal Health
  • 3M
  • Angelica
  • Standard Textile Company
  • Medline Industries Inc.
  • Aspen Surgical Products
  • Aramark
  • Priontex

Key Segments of Disposable Medical Gowns

By Usability:

In terms of usability, the industry is divided into low-type, average-type and premium-type.

By Product:

In terms of product, the industry is segregated into surgical, non-surgical and patient.

By Risk:

In terms of device, the industry is segregated into low, moderate and high.

By Regions:

Key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia & Pacific, East Asia and Middle East and Africa (MEA) have been covered in the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the future of global disposable medical gowns market?

The global disposable medical gowns market is projected to witness CAGR of 7.5% between 2024 and 2034.

What was the worth of the global disposable medical gowns market in 2023?

The global disposable medical gowns industry stood at USD 3,235.7 million in 2023.

What will the worth of global disposable medical gowns Market by 2034 end?

The global disposable medical gowns market is anticipated to reach USD 7,169.0 million by 2034 end.

Which country to showcase the highest CAGR during forecast period?

India is set to record the highest CAGR of 8.5% in the assessment period.

Who are the key manufacturer of disposable medical gowns?

The key players operating in the global disposable medical gowns market include Cardinal Health, 3M, Angelica, Standard Textile Co, Medline Industries Inc, Aspen Surgical Products, Aramark and Priontex.

Table of Content
1. Executive Summary
2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition
3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-Economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments
4. Global Market Demand (Value in USD) and Volume (Units) Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections
5. Global Market - Pricing Analysis
6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
    6.1. By Usability
    6.2. By Product
    6.3. By Risk
    6.4. By Region
7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Usability
    7.1. Low-Type
    7.2. Average-Type
    7.3. Premium-Type
8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Product
    8.1. Surgical
    8.2. Non-Surgical
    8.3. Patient
9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Risk
    9.1. Low
    9.2. Moderate
    9.3. High
10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region
    10.1. North America
    10.2. Latin America
    10.3. East Asia
    10.4. South Asia & Pacific
    10.5. Western Europe
    10.6. Eastern Europe
    10.7. Middle East & Africa
11. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
12. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
13. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
14. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
15. South Asia & Pacific Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
16. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
17. Middle East and Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
18. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 By Usability, By Product and by Risk for 30 Countries
19. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard
20. Company Profile
    20.1. Apple Inc.
    20.2. Cardinal Health
    20.3. 3M
    20.4. Angelica
    20.5. Standard Textile Company
    20.6. Medline Industries Inc.
    20.7. Aspen Surgical Products
    20.8. Aramark
    20.9. Priontex
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