Stricter legislation drives gr
Concerns over the recent episodes of bird flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are driving up demand for respiratory protective equipment in western Europe. The overall market is predicted to generate revenues of €567m in 2011, compared with €488m in 2005, according to the latest report from market researcher Frost & Sullivan.
Kumud Verma, research analyst with Frost & Sullivan, says: “In addition to the demand from niche applications and higher acceptance of sophisticated safety equipment, the stronger legislation in western Europe is a key driver for greater sales in the respiratory protective equipment markets.”
The report, Western European Markets for Respiratory Protective Equipment Code, cites the formalisation of standards for equipment providing protection against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) materials as also creating demand for RPE, especially powered air-purifying respirators and escape-only equipment.
Disposable masks and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) account for some 25% of sales. Manufacturers are improving the design and ergonomics of protective equipment, but the report notes that further education would help customers to purchase the most suitable equipment. Currently the markets are benefiting from users’ preference for equipment that offers comfort along with technically superior performance.
Despite the relative saturation of the western European markets for above-the-neck personal protective equipment (PPE), legislation, education, technical innovation and replacement of safety equipment are ensuring that the market remains dynamic, according to a second report – Western European Markets for Above-the-neck Personal Protective Equipment .
In 2004, revenues for the western European markets for above-the-neck PPE were worth €476m and are forecast to generate around €588m by 2011. Eye protection equipment accounts for a predominant 50.6% of the market revenues and, in addition to being more frequently used, is experiencing the influence of related fashion and sports goods in their design.
Niche markets for protective equipment, such as laser eye safety and electronic earmuffs, which are currently in their infancy, are likely to grow, says the market researcher.
The hearing protection equipment market has been positively influenced by the overwhelming response to the introduction of electronic earmuffs and accounts for 28.4% of market revenues, while head protection equipment accounts for 21% of the revenues in the western European markets for above-the-neck PPE.