According to a new market research report, “Healthcare Fabrics Market by Raw Material (Polypropylene, Cotton, Polyester, Viscose, Polyamide), Fabric Type (Non-woven, Woven, Knitted), Application (Hygiene, Dressing, Clothing, Curtains, Blanket & Bedding, Upholstery), Region – Global Forecast to 2022” published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is estimated at $9.48 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $12.90 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2017 and 2022.

Rising consumer awareness regarding hygiene products along with the improved quality of healthcare fabrics is expected to drive the growth of the healthcare fabrics market during the forecast period.

Among raw materials, the polyester segment of the healthcare fabrics market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This high-growth of the polyester segment can be attributed to its high performance at lower cost, as fabrics made out of polyester are strong and have high tensile strength. They are highly durable, chemical resistant, wrinkle-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and offer structural stability. Thus, the demand for polyester is expected increase during the forecast period.

Amongst fabric type, the nonwoven segment of the healthcare fabrics market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Nonwoven fabrics are used in various hygiene products ranging from baby diapers, to adult incontinence products. Nonwoven fabrics are used as an alternative to traditional textiles due to their excellent absorption properties, softness, smoothness, strength, comfort and fit, stretchability, and cost effectiveness. 

The Asia Pacific healthcare fabrics market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increase in disposable incomes of middle-class populations in the Asia Pacific region makes it an attractive market for manufacturers of healthcare fabrics. The demand for healthcare fabrics is high in the region owing to improving standards of living, increased focus towards the use of personal hygiene products and growing populations.

Among applications, the hygiene products segment in the healthcare fabrics market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for healthcare fabrics in hygiene products is mainly driven by the increase in consumption of sanitary napkins and baby diapers in the emerging countries of the Asia Pacific. Moreover, rising awareness and growing disposable incomes coupled with the rising numbers in the newborn and menstruating population is expected to fuel the growth of the healthcare fabrics market in hygiene products.