The specialty breathable membranes market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
•In recent years, the market size for specialty breathable membranes has seen substantial growth. It is projected to increase from $1.37 billion in 2024 to $1.49 billion in 2025, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%.
This growth during the historic period can be credited to an emphasis on sustainable construction methods, the expansion of the medical textiles industry, a surge in demand for sporting apparel, progress in the development of superior filtration systems, and an increase in renovation and remodeling activities.
The specialty breathable membranes market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The market size of specialty breathable membranes is anticipated to experience swift expansion in the coming years, escalating to "$2.19 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%.
This progressive growth during the prediction period can be credited to the sustained development in eco-friendly building methods, breakthroughs in intelligent textiles, booming outdoor attire market, heightened usage in car interiors, as well as emphasis on health care and hygiene items. Key trends anticipated through this forecast phase involve their use in wearable tech, partnerships for materials research, moisture regulation in electronic devices, customization oriented towards distinct end-use sectors, and items for outdoor activities and leisure.
The expanding potential of healthcare expenditure is projected to fuel the expansion of the specialty breathable membranes industry. Healthcare spend refers to the capital allocated towards healthcare and associated pursuits such as both private and public health insurance, health-related research, and community health initiatives. Escalating health care outlays and heightened health consciousness promotes the self-care management idea where these specialty breathable membranes find application in items like baby diapers, sanitary pads, surgical drapes, and gowns. For example, in March 2023, as per the American Medical Association (AMA) report, a non-profit organization based in the US, there was a 2.7% hike in health expenditure in 2021 amounting to $4.3 trillion or $12,914 per capita. Similarly, In September 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a federal agency in the US, reported a 2.7% rise in national health expenditure reaching $4.3 trillion in 2021, or $12,914 per individual, accounting for 18.3% of GDP. Hence, the expanding potential of healthcare spending is powering the growth in the market for specialty breathable membranes.
The specialty breathable membranes market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Polyurethane, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Thermoplastic Polyester, Thermoplastic Elastomers, Polyether Block Amide, Copolyamide
2) By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline
3) By Application: Healthcare, Textile, Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Polyurethane: Microporous Polyurethane, Non-Porous Polyurethane
2) By Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): Expanded PTFE (EPTFE), Standard PTFE
3) By Thermoplastic Polyester: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
4) By Thermoplastic Elastomers: Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
5) By Polyether Block Amide: Pebax, Other Variants
6) By Copolyimide: Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyimide
Product advancement is an emerging trend that's catching on in the specialty breathable membranes market. Players in this industry are releasing new and inventive products to maintain their standing in the market. Take, for example, Nibertex Pte Ltd., a Singapore-based firm that manufactures membranes. In July 2023, this company rolled out a unique PFAS and PFC-free waterproof breathable membrane. This state-of-the-art membrane, created with advanced polymer nanofibres, offers unmatched performance, having an air permeability value of at least 0.3 cfm and a waterproof rating of at least 10,000 mmH20. The development of this progressive membrane is a direct outcome of a distinct manufacturing process that amalgamates precise protocol controls with meticulous material research. By eliminating chemicals known as PFC and PFAS - usually used for their dirt and water resistance qualities but linked to health and environmental hazards - Nibertex aims to establish itself as a steward of sustainable, environmental-friendly technical fabrics.
Major companies operating in the specialty breathable membranes market include:
• 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
• Polyfin AG
• 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.
• 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 2024. The regions covered in the specialty breathable membranes market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa