FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market Trends

Key Emerging Trends in the FFP2 Grade Protective Masks Market

Amid the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the United States has emerged as a notable hotspot, leading the world in confirmed coronavirus cases and fatalities, as reported by Johns Hopkins University. As of July 7, 2020, the US has recorded 130,414 deaths and 2,947,801 confirmed cases. The importance of respirators in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has become a crucial aspect of public health strategies.
In the US, respirators must adhere to NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) standards, classifying them into categories such as Class N, Class R, and Class P based on their degree of oil resistance. While the FDA and CDC recommend N95 masks specifically for medical professionals and not the general public, the federal government's Strategic National Stockpile, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), included 12 million N95 masks and 30 million surgical masks in March 2020. However, this amounted to only about 1% of the estimated 3.5 billion masks required in the US. HHS announced plans for an additional 500 million N95 masks over the next 18 months.

Similarly, Canada has faced an increase in confirmed cases, reaching 106,167 by the first week of July. Ottawa enacted an interim order in March, allowing the importation and sale of masks, face shields, and gowns in Canada, even if they did not meet pre-COVID-19 standards set by Health Canada. To meet the surging demand, Health Canada ordered 1.8 billion units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), encompassing masks, gloves, and gowns.

In Europe, respirators must meet the European standard (EN 149: 2001), with three classes (FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3) of disposable particulate respirators. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to increase the production of face masks and respirators in response to a surge in demand. France saw a substantial increase in mask consumption, prompting both existing and new players, including car parts maker Faurecia, tire maker Michelin, and retailer Intermarché, to significantly boost production.

A study by Germany's Institute of Labour Economics revealed a decline in infections in the first German city that mandated face masks, supporting the effectiveness of such measures. Additionally, Turkey lifted restrictions on the export of medical supplies in May 2020, facilitating the sale of equipment and PPE to countries facing shortages.

In Asia, countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan have adopted a comprehensive approach, assuming anyone could be a carrier of the virus. Some regions enforce strict regulations on mask-wearing, with penalties for non-compliance. For instance, Singapore, which initially discouraged mask-wearing, has made it compulsory outside, subject to a fine of SGD 300 (USD 210). The global demand for respirators continues to rise, driven by both national imperatives and legal requirements worldwide.