Mortuary bag business will grow definitely from 2025 to 2035 owing to increasing needs from hospitals, forensic institutions, military troops, and disaster aid organizations. Market size will be approximately USD 447.1 million in the year 2025 and would reach USD 721.2 million by the year 2035 with an annual growth rate of 4.9% during the prediction period.
There are various drivers of the market revolution. More fatalities as a result of accidents, infectious disease spread, and criminal investigation are some of the most stressed factors for mounting demand for successful post-mortem treatment of corpses. Mortuary bags play a major role in hospitals, forensic crime laboratories, and disaster response areas in sanitary and dignified handling of corpses.
For instance, when there was the COVID-19 pandemic, suddenly everyone needed quality-mortuary bags that were bio-sealed with the capability to withstand contaminations. Even the emergency services and the military division are using these products encompass to deal with casualties on a proper scale in war-torn countries and disaster zones.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025E) | USD 447.1 million |
| Market Value (2035F) | USD 721.2 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.9% |
The business is classified under different sub-categories based on the materials, size, and utilities. PVC, polyethylene, and vinyl bags are utilized most frequently. Most ideal are PVC mortuary bags as they are sturdy and waterproof for long-distance transit. Polyethylene bags are lightweight and cost-effective and most ideal for morgues and hospitals for short-term body storage.
Vinyl bags provide double protection of leak-proofing, most commonly used in forensic autopsies where fluid integrity is best served. There are certain mortuary bag requirements in most sectors such as heavy-duty bags utilized in war-related military activities or biodegradable bags utilized in environmentally friendly funeral rites.
These are mostly met by rescue squads and hospitals where speedy, safe, and hygienic dead body evacuations are quite literally the top requirement. Crime investigation departments and forensic departments also play a critical role in the market as evidence protection requires high-quality mortuary bags with proof seal and tamper functionality.
There is the largest share of the mortuary bag market in the North American continent with the USA and Canada leading as they create demand due to extensive mortality caused by accidents, crimes, and mortality in hospitals. The presence of well-equipped health centres and forensic complexes creates demand for high-quality, biohazard-resistant mortuary bags.
The United States Department of Defence recently increased orders of heavy-duty mortuary bags to aid military field casualty management and emergency response operations. Moreover, disaster readiness programmes and rigid healthcare codes in the region lead manufacturers to move towards new, leak-resistance, and green alternatives. More focus on infection prevention measures has also prompted hospitals to utilize superior quality mortuary bags for safe incineration.
Europe is also a region with a robust market, and countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are experiencing strong demand. Germany's forensic science and crime investigation market is a robust driver of the production of specialized mortuary bags with body transport safety for legal applications.
The UK has also seen rising government spending on disaster readiness, such as mortuary bags in mass casualty disaster response efforts. Italy's robust healthcare facilities and mortuaries also propel market demand, i.e., for green, high-strength mortuary bags to fulfil European Union sustainability requirements. Businesses in the country are manufacturing body bags that are biodegradable as a measure of reducing plastic wastes of traditional mortuary supplies.
Asia-Pacific would also witness highest growth in mortuary bag business due to increased hospitalization, increasing road accidents, and increased awareness of infection control. They are the main consumers, the biggest among which is China by market size. India, a growing country with a booming health care sector, also witnesses increasing demand for economic yet durable mortuary bags.
Frequencies of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes have also generated needs for mass casualty solutions in managing mass casualties. Japan's aging population means a higher demand for efficient post-mortem management, and this called for developing mortuary bag material and seal technology. Regional regulators are cracking down on the disposal of biohazards, and the companies responded with highly sophisticated containment systems to offer compliance and protection.
Challenge
Environmental and Biohazard Concerns
The conventional plastic-type mortuaries create more environmental waste and pollution. Disposal is also a serious environmental concern, particularly in mass casualty crashes. Biohazard contamination is also one of the serious challenges for forensic centres and hospitals.
Infection spread through poor sealing of mortuary bags needs more regulation and quality control. Governments worldwide are making stricter biohazard containment and disposal regulations for manufacturers that force them to innovate their products and employ safer materials that adhere to international standards for global health.
Opportunity
Future-Proofed and Eco-Friendly Containment Solutions
Increased focus on eco-friendly solutions is one of the main opportunities for the mortuary bag industry. Companies are heavily investing in biodegradable body bags that naturally decompose without any toxic residue. Improved materials such as reinforced polyethylene and bio-sealed multi-layer bags also ensure leakage and pathogen transmission prevention.
Mortuary bags are also being RFID-tagged, and this will allow tracking of dead bodies in real-time for forensic and emergency response. These developments hit the sweet spot between environment and performance and get rid of the waste in an ethical and clean way.
Between 2020 and 2024, mortuary bag demand was unprecedented due to global health pandemics, large-scale casualty events, and extensive forensic investigations. The COVID-19 pandemic widened the demand for quality, biohazard-resistant mortuary bags that saw extensive reorders by hospitals and medical facilities to restock.
Disinvestment in disaster preparedness and emergency response equipment caused increased use of strengthened and leak-resistant mortuary bags. Technology and sustainability will shape the future of the market from 2025 to 2035. Reusable and biodegradable mortuary bags will increasingly become mainstream, with regulators imposing stricter environmental regulations.
Forensic and crime investigation agencies will drive demand for premium containment products with enhanced security features such as tamper-evident sealing and tracking incorporated into the product. Disaster relief areas will increasingly invest in bulk-capacity mortuary bags used in mass casualty events.
In summary, the mortuary bag industry will progress towards directions emphasizing safety, sanitation, sustainability, and technology in order to be able to keep up with growing global demand for efficient post-mortem care systems.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis 2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Governments made the disposal of medical waste more strict, and demand for biodegradable mortuary bags grew. |
| Technological Advancements | Companies evolved with strengthened, leak-proof mortuary bags to satisfy infection control requirements. Antimicrobial coatings became more popular. |
| Healthcare & Disaster Response | High pandemic- and natural disaster-related mortality rates boosted demand for strong and affordable mortuary bags. |
| Material Innovations | Polyethylene and PVC-based mortuary bags were the market leaders despite increased environmental awareness. |
| Funeral Industry Trends | Classic black mortuary bags were still the usual option for mortuaries and hospitals. The options for customizing were restricted. |
| Environmental Sustainability | Recycling schemes came into being, yet the majority of mortuary bags continued to be part of landfill waste owing to non-biodegradable components. |
| Production & Supply Chain Dynamics | Raw material shortage caused supply chain disruptions, and price instability resulted in regional imbalances in manufacturing. |
| Market Growth Drivers | The demand increased because of growing healthcare infrastructure, an uptick in death rates, and increased infection control awareness. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Stringent environmental policy forces the uptake of green material, premature attainment of compostable and non-polluting mortuary bags. |
| Technological Advancements | Smart mortuary bags with RFID monitoring optimize traceability. |
| Healthcare & Disaster Response | Specialized polymer chemistry optimizes ruggedness with absolute biodegradability. |
| Material Innovations | Preparedness policies force the utilisation of large-capacity mortuary bags with superior sealing in order to prevent contamination. |
| Funeral Industry Trends | Appeal of new biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and water-dispersible products redefines business dynamics, committing to sustainability at no compromise of performance. |
| Environmental Sustainability | Demand for color-coded and customized mortuary bags grows, allowing differentiation to meet religious and cultural needs. Reusable bags also become the norm. |
| Production & Supply Chain Dynamics | The principles of the circular economy dominate the innovation process, with producers making fully compostable bags that degrade within a few months of time, ending dependence on landfills. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Green sourcing and supplier diversification reduce cost volatility and contribute to the stability of production. Local production facilities minimize imports. |
The USA mortuary bag market has been developing steadily with a rising aging population and heightened preparedness for mass casualty events. Demand for infection-proof and environmentally friendly mortuary bags has promoted innovation on both the production and material sides. Funeral homes and hospitals are switching to biodegradable, strengthened, and leak-proof products in order to stay ahead of rigorous environmental regulations.
Over the next few years, technology will advance body storage and transportation. Mortuary bags will become standard RFID-tagged to improve stock control and traceability in relief camps and hospitals. Antimicrobial treatment will provide safer storage and transport with improved exposure to biohazard-related issues.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 4.9% |
The UK mortuary bag market is increasing faster with most of its support from the funeral service cost and greater care for the environment. The provisions of the stringent Environmental Protection Act are forcing the producers to use mortuary bags that are biodegradable and non-toxic. Mortuaries and hospitals are turning green, and good environmentally friendly purchasing policies are taking the lead.
Personalization is also becoming popular, with color-coded bags designed according to religious and cultural traditions becoming the norm. Expenditure on smart tracking systems is also helping hospitals store bodies effectively, reducing administrative barriers, and adhering to regulatory requirements.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 4.5% |
EU mortuary bag sector is being driven by environmental regulation and funeral industry trend adjustments. Germany, France, and Italy are at the fore in driving the removal of PVC bags and towards biodegradable bags. Increased adoption of environmentally friendly funeral rituals and compostable merchandise innovation is driving green mortuary bag demand at a quicker pace.
In addition, the greater emphasis of the healthcare industry on infection control has led to more tightly-sealed antimicrobial mortuary bags. The transition is in line with the EU's circular economy policies that minimize medical waste while not compromising on the maximum possible standards of safety.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 4.7% |
The market for Japanese mortuary bags is expanding with the nation's rapid aging and shrinking population as well as with its rapid interest in readiness for disasters. Natural disasters, especially recurring ones, have led to investments in sophisticated mortuary products like secure, waterproof, and fire-resistant bags.
RFID tracking technology becomes more common, and hospital and forensic laboratory supply chains are optimized. Japanese environmental management starts to introduce biodegradable products in line with environmental policy to track green funeral practice.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.6% |
South Korea is witnessing growing demand for mortuary bags due to greater spending on medical facilities and above emergency capacity. South Korea's aging population and stringent biohazard regulation have driven development of extremely tough and resistance-to-contamination mortuary bags.
Apart from this, material science has also seen the development of technologies through which biodegradable and water-soluble mortuary bags can be manufactured that inflict minimum damage on the environment. Government policies being green also do a great deal for the market, striking an optimum balance between innovation and regulation.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 4.8% |
PVC mortuary bags are in highest demand in the market because they are considerably resistant, fluid-proof, and price-effective. PVC bags are utilized by hospitals and morgues to treat dead bodies in situations of infectious diseases since they are able to cover the body safely from any form of contamination.
They are also very price-effective and therefore economically suitable to be utilized in government hospitals and emergency departments. The use of PVC mortuary bags is also promoted by disaster management authorities, particularly in the zones of high risk of natural calamities, where mass recovery of bodies is carried out and encompasses efficient containment media.
Polyethylene mortuary bags are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare facility due to their lightweight makeup and ease of storage. Polyethylene mortuary bags are commonly utilized for short-term storage and then for transporting them to morgues or crematoriums.
Polyethylene mortuary bags are simply easy to work with because they are flexible, and that is the most important requirement in hospitals since mortality rates here are high among patients. Biodegradable characteristic of polyethylene is also with practice in using green methods of medical waste disposal, specifically where more rigid environmental regulations are adopted such as in the advanced areas.
Nylon and polyester mortuary bags are used in luxury application where it will experience harsh condition and be able to withstand. Nylon and polyester mortuary bags are utilized by military and forensic soldiers in body recovery in compromised conditions of terrain and harsh weather.
Nylon and polyester mortuary bags resist tearing more effectively with the enhanced tensile strength compared to PVC or polyethylene. High costs of nylon and polyester mortuary bags restrict applications to specialty applications such as air transportation of deceased armed forces members and forensic examination that demands long-term preservation.
Hospitals possess the largest end-user market for mortuary bags because of the need for a quick and sanitary handling of deceased patients. Emergency departments, intensive care units, and pathology laboratories generally utilize mortuary bags in the handling of deaths from infectious disease, surgical complications, or trauma cases. The COVID-19 pandemic also boosted the use of mortuary bags in hospitals, further, again prioritizing efficient containment solutions within the healthcare setting.
Morgues are the key to the mortuary bag market because they demand high-quality, tough containment products that can be used for extended storage. Forensic labs and medical examiners count on tough mortuary bags to allow them to handle post-mortem correctly.
Disaster relief groups and humanitarian groups also drive market growth, especially in the mass casualty event regions. Natural catastrophes, pandemics, and conflicts call for large-scale orders of mortuary bags to carry out safe handling and transport of the dead in calamities.
The market for mortuary bags follows a competitive market structure with global industry giants and local manufacturers fueling the industry's growth. Industry leaders have enormous market shares on the strength of product innovation, high-quality materials, and adherence to rigorous health and safety standards.
Companies emphasize strong, leak-resistant designs specific to hospitals, forensic labs, and disaster relief organizations. Established brands and new companies make up the market, with both of them driving material technology and sustainability innovation.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Mopec | 12-17% |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | 10-14% |
| EMSRUN | 8-12% |
| HYGECO International | 5-9% |
| American Bag Company | 3-7% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 45-55% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Mopec | Manufactures high-quality mortuary and autopsy products, including heavy-duty body bags for medical examiners and funeral homes. Focuses on biohazard-safe materials. |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Supplies body bags with advanced sealing technology for infection control and forensic investigations. Develops products with improved puncture resistance. |
| EMSRUN | Provides cost-effective, high-durability mortuary bags used in emergency response and mass casualty events. Specializes in lightweight, portable solutions. |
| HYGECO International | Designs and distributes premium body bags for hospital and disaster relief applications. Prioritizes environmental-friendly, biodegradable options. |
| American Bag Company | Produces budget-friendly body bags for institutional and municipal use. Offers customization for branding and specific user requirements. |
Key Company Insights
Mopec (12-17%)
Mopec is the market leader in sales of high-quality, biohazard-proof mortuary bags for hospitals, forensic labs, and funeral homes. Mopec combines next-generation seal devices and enhanced handle strength technologies to provide safety and longevity. Mopec has a powerful distribution chain that guarantees effortless supplies of efficient body bags to North America and Europe, covering day-to-day operations and emergency response.
Thermo Fisher Scientific (10-14%)
Thermo Fisher Scientific has mortuary bags with infection control in mind, e.g., leak-proof and antimicrobial linings. Thermo Fisher engages in research for developing puncture-resistant and chemically inert material, perfect for forensic use. Thermo Fisher's global coverage and compliance with health regulation enable it to be the leader in the high-end mortuary bag market segment.
EMSRUN (8-12%)
EMSRUN is among the pioneers in providing cost-effective body bags for mass casualty situations and emergency response services. EMSRUN specializes in producing lightweight but strong products with reinforced zippers that provide safe containment. EMSRUN's presence in the Middle East and Asia allows for swift intervention in humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, spreading its global footprint.
HYGECO International (5-9%)
HYGECO International is engaged in the export of higher grade mortuary bags for use by hospitals and relief agencies. HYGECO is a pioneer in green solutions, like biodegradable body bags, without compromising on strength while minimizing its ecological footprint. Innovation in its products and compliance with regulatory standards by HYGECO contribute to its success in controlling the European market.
American Bag Company (3-7%)
American Bag Company provides value-quality body bags to hospitals and governmental agencies. Tailored solutions as per individual customers' requirements are designed by the company, e.g., strengthened seams, jumbo size, and printed label customization. Centered on purpose and price, American Bag Company has established a solid brand recognition in North America.
Other Key Players (45-55% Combined)
Several companies aggregated have a large market share with a significant role in driving innovation and competitive value. These include:
The overall market size for mortuary bag market was USD 447.1 million in 2025.
The mortuary bag market is expected to reach USD 721.2 million in 2035.
The increasing demand from hospitals, forensic labs, and disaster management agencies, along with growing concerns for hygienic handling and transportation of deceased individuals, fuels the mortuary bag market during the forecast period.
The top 5 countries which drive the development of mortuary bag market are USA, UK, Germany, China, and India.
On the basis of material type, polyethylene mortuary bags to command significant share over the forecast period.
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Mortuary Bag Market
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