Specialty Breathable Membranes Market Report 2026

The specialty breathable membranes market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.48 billion in 2025 to $1.63 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of diaper and hygiene product consumption, increasing healthcare material requirements, growth in technical textile production, rising demand for protective apparel, availability of advanced polymer materials.

The specialty breathable membranes market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.4 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable membrane materials, rising adoption of breathable medical textiles, expansion of performance apparel applications, growing investments in specialty polymer research, increasing regulatory standards for hygiene products. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of breathable waterproof materials, rising demand from hygiene product manufacturers, growing adoption in medical and healthcare applications, expansion of high-performance textile laminates, enhanced focus on moisture management properties.

The growth of the construction industry is expected to contribute significantly to the specialty breathable membranes market. The construction sector, encompassing planning, development, design, and building activities, stands to benefit from the use of specialty breathable membranes. These membranes enhance the resilience, energy efficiency, and overall performance of buildings by addressing moisture-related issues and maintaining a balanced environment within the building exterior. For instance, as per the US Census Bureau's December 2023 data, construction spending in October 2023 is projected to be $2.02 trillion, a 0.6% increase from the revised September estimate of $2.01 trillion. This October projection reflects a substantial 10.7% (±1.6%) growth compared to the October 2022 assessment of $1.83 trillion. Consequently, the upward trajectory of the construction industry is a significant driver of the specialty breathable membranes market.

Major companies in the specialty breathable membranes market are prioritizing the development of advanced products, such as sustainable waterproof breathable membranes, to comply with increasing environmental regulations, enhance product performance, and address consumer demand for eco-friendly, high-performance materials in industries like outdoor apparel, sportswear, and protective gear. These sustainable membranes are engineered to effectively manage moisture while blocking liquids, all without harmful chemicals such as PFAS and PFCs, thereby promoting environmental responsibility. For example, in July 2023, Nibertex, a Singapore-based chemical manufacturer, introduced a PFAS- and PFC-free waterproof breathable membrane. These innovative materials offer effective moisture management while ensuring environmental safety by eliminating harmful chemicals typically associated with water repellency. Utilizing advanced polymer nanofiber technology, these membranes achieve impressive performance with waterproof ratings exceeding 10,000 mmH2O and air permeability rates above 0.3 cfm. Their development aligns with the rising demand for sustainable solutions in industries such as outdoor apparel, healthcare, and construction, addressing both performance and ecological concerns.

In February 2024, Trelleborg, a Sweden-based company specializing in engineered polymer solutions, acquired Baron Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Trelleborg's position in the specialty breathable membranes market by incorporating Baron Group’s advanced membrane technologies and expertise. Baron Group, based in France, is known for its innovative breathable membrane solutions that enhance performance and sustainability across various applications, including outdoor apparel and industrial products.

Major companies operating in the specialty breathable membranes market are Covestro AG, RKW SE, Arkema SA, Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc., Toray Industries Inc., Berry Global Group Inc., Daika Kogyo Co. Ltd., Dingzing Advanced Materials Inc., eVent Fabrics Inc., Nitto Denko Corporation, Pil Membranes Ltd., Sympatex Technologies GmbH, Saint-Gobain SA, E I du Pont de Nemours and Company, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Sioen Industries NV, DSM Engineering Plastics BV, Johns Manville, GAF Materials Corporation, Freudenberg SE.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the specialty breathable membranes market in 2025. The regions covered in the specialty breathable membranes market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the specialty breathable membranes market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The specialty breathable membranes market consists of sales of air permeable breather membranes, liquid membranes, and timber frame permeable breather membranes. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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