The medical shoe covers market has seen significant growth in recent years owing to the increased emphasis on infection control across various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and diagnostic centers. Medical shoe covers are disposable covers worn over regular shoes that act as a barrier between the floor and shoes, thus preventing cross-contamination. The disposable nature of shoe covers helps maintain sterility and reduces risk of infections being transmitted via shoes. Made using non-woven fabric or plastic, shoe covers are breathable, waterproof and easy to use. Their use has become important in operation theatres, intensive care units and isolation wards where infection prevention is critical.
The Global Medical Shoe Covers Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 950 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Medical Shoe Covers are 3M Company, Honeywell International Inc., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., Dynarex Corporation, Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd., Ansell Limited, Medline Industries, Inc., Halyard Health, Inc., Molnlycke Health Care AB, Protective Industrial Products Inc., Sara Healthcare P Ltd., Franz Mensch GmbH, Tians International, Sunrise Medical (US) LLC, Superior Uniform Group, and Shijiazhuang Wally Plastic Co Ltd. The increasing incidence of hospital acquired infections and growing awareness about hygiene have opened up lucrative growth opportunities for players in the Medical Shoe Covers Market Size. Advancements in material science have led to the development of ultra-thin and breathable shoe covers that provide protection without compromising on comfort.
Market Drivers
One of the key drivers for the medical shoe covers market is the rising numbers of surgeries performed globally every year. As per estimates, over 230 million surgical procedures are undertaken annually. With the growing geriatric population and increasing incidence of chronic and lifestyle diseases, surgical volumes are expected to increase substantially in the coming years. This will generate significant demand for medical shoe covers from operation theatres and postoperative units. Stringent regulatory frameworks mandating hygiene and infection control practices in healthcare settings also help boost the market. Growing healthcare expenditures of governments and patients expand access to medical services and boost such ancillary markets.
Current challenges in Medical Shoe Covers Market
The Medical Shoe Covers Market Challenges and Opportunities is facing several challenges currently due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The demand for shoe covers has increased exponentially but manufacturers are facing issues in meeting the surge in demand due to disruptions in the supply chain. Raw material shortage and constraints in logistics are the main challenges hindering market growth. Moreover, frequent changes in regulations regarding the material thickness and breathability of shoe covers add to production complexity. Addressing quality issues and ensuring product safety according to the changing standards is challenging task for manufacturers.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: High demand for shoe covers from hospitals and clinics to curb infection spread. Growing awareness about benefits of shoe covers in maintaining hygiene.
Weakness: Fluctuating raw material prices impact manufacturing costs. Dependence on few suppliers increases supply chain risks.
Opportunity: Potential for development of anti-microbial and disposable shoe covers. Growth opportunities in emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America.
Threats: Stringent regulations regarding material specifications. Increased competition from local players on pricing.
Geographical Regions
North America region currently dominates the medical shoe covers market and holds over 40% share in terms of value. Expanded application in healthcare facilities and increased expenditure on medical devices supports market growth. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for medical shoe covers market due to rising healthcare infrastructure and improving access to treatment in countries like India, China and Indonesia.
The medical shoe covers market registers highest concentration in the developed countries of Western Europe currently. Countries like Germany, UK, France and Italy collectively account for around 30% of global market value. However, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa regions also present lucrative opportunities for market players due to increasing healthcare spending in recent years.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
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