Specialty Breathable Membranes Global Market Report 2024

The specialty breathable membranes market has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.27 billion in 2023 to $1.38 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth witnessed in the historical period can be linked to strategic initiatives towards sustainable construction practices, the robust expansion of the medical textiles industry, increased consumer demand for sportswear, advancements in the development of sophisticated filtration systems, and heightened activities related to renovation and remodeling. These factors collectively contributed to business opportunities and market expansion within their respective sectors.

The specialty breathable membranes market is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.95 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0%. The projected growth during the forecast period is primarily driven by the sustained expansion of green building practices, advancements in smart textiles, the widening scope of the outdoor apparel market, heightened utilization in automotive interiors, and a heightened emphasis on healthcare and hygiene products. Key trends anticipated in the forecast period encompass the integration of smart textiles in wearable technology, strategic collaborations for material research, moisture management solutions in electronics, tailored customization for specific end-use industries, and the increasing prevalence of outdoor and recreational gear.

The anticipated growth of specialty breathable membranes is poised to be propelled by the increasing capabilities of healthcare spending. Healthcare spending, encompassing expenditures on health care, private and public health insurance, health research, and public health activities, is on the rise. This trend is driven by heightened healthcare awareness and expenditure, fostering the adoption of specialty breathable membranes in various applications, including baby diapers, sanitary napkins, surgical drapes, and surgical gowns. Notably, a report from the American Medical Association (AMA) in March 2023 revealed a 2.7% increase in health spending in the US, reaching $4.3 trillion or $12,914 per capita in 2021. Similarly, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in September 2023 indicated a 2.7% growth in national health spending to $4.3 trillion in 2021, representing 18.3% of GDP. Consequently, the expanding capabilities of healthcare spending are a key driver of the specialty breathable membranes market.

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 $2,027.1 billion, a 0.6% increase from the revised September estimate of $2,014.7 billion. This October projection reflects a substantial 10.7% (±1.6%) growth compared to the October 2022 assessment of $1,830.5 billion. Consequently, the upward trajectory of the construction industry is a significant driver of the specialty breathable membranes market.

The specialty breathable membranes market is witnessing a prominent trend centered around product innovation, with major companies actively developing cutting-edge solutions to maintain their market positions. An illustration of this trend is evident in the actions of Nibertex Pte Ltd., a Singapore-based membrane manufacturing company. In July 2023, Nibertex introduced an innovative PFAS and PFC-free waterproof breathable membrane, utilizing state-of-the-art polymer nanofibers. This groundbreaking membrane boasts exceptional performance, featuring an air permeability value exceeding 0.3 cfm and a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mmH20. The unique manufacturing method, combining precise process controls with meticulous material research, sets this innovative membrane apart. Nibertex's commitment to environmental responsibility is demonstrated by eliminating PFC and PFAS chemicals, traditionally used for dirt and water resistance but associated with health and environmental concerns.

Leading companies in the specialty breathable membranes market are strategically embracing partnerships to address the rising demand from consumers and lawmakers for sustainable feedstock and reduced carbon footprints. This strategic partnership approach involves leveraging each other's strengths and resources for mutual benefits. An exemplary case is the collaboration between Koninklijke DSM N.V., a Netherlands-based materials company, and Sympatex Technologies. In February 2021, they launched bio-based mass-balanced Arnitel, an initiative aimed at lowering carbon footprints and incorporating more sustainably sourced feedstock. This collaboration between DSM and Sympatex emphasizes sustainability by introducing Arnitel B-MB, a thermoplastic elastomer with a weight percentage of over 25% bio-based material.

In April 2021, Covestro AG, a Germany-based chemical manufacturer, made a significant acquisition by taking over Royal DSM NV's resins and functional materials business (RFM). This undisclosed amount acquisition aligns with Covestro AG's commitment to sustainability and expands its portfolio with innovative products and technologies from DSM NV. The latter, a Netherlands-based company, specializes in producing waterproof, windproof, and breathable membranes for sports applications. This strategic move reinforces Covestro AG's dedication to sustainable growth and meeting customer needs effectively.

Major companies operating in the specialty breathable membranes market report 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., Rahil Foam Pvt. Ltd., Sympatex Technologies GmbH, Fosroc Inc., Polyfin AG, Cleanese Corporation, Saint-Gobain SA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Faitplast S.P.A., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Sioen Industries NV, DSM Engineering Plastics BV, Fatra AS, Trioplast Industrier AB, Clopay Plastic Products Company Inc., Fiberweb Ltd., GSE Environmental LLC, Johns Manville, GAF Materials Corporation, GCP Applied Technologies Inc., Freudenberg SE, Porex Corporation.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the specialty breathable membranes market in 2023. The regions covered in the specialty breathable membranes market report are Asia-Pacific, 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, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of specialty breathable membranes include polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thermoplastic polyester, thermoplastic elastomers, polyether block amide, and copolyamide. Polyurethane is a polymer class characterized by NHCOO linkages and is widely used in the manufacturing of diverse materials. It is available through both online and offline distribution channels and finds applications in various industries, including healthcare, textiles, and others.

The specialty breathable membranes market research report provides specialty breathable membranes market statistics, including specialty breathable membranes industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a specialty breathable membranes market share, detailed specialty breathable membranes market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the specialty breathable membranes industry. This specialty breathable membranes market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

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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