Medical Tape Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The medical tape market was valued at US$12.878 billion in 2021.

Medical tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used in medicine and first aid. The wider application of medical tapes in wound closure and other treatments is a major growth factor in the medical tape market. Moreover, the rising chronic diseases and road injuries indicate the need for wound treatment and pain management in illnesses such as arthritis which is also contemplated to bolster the medical tape market. Furthermore, the technological innovation followed by product launches by the market players is also positively impacting the medical tape market size.

Market Drivers:

Wider Application in Healthcare

The diverse application range of medical tape for numerous health issues is a major growth driver in the market growth. These uses can include keeping a wearable device in place (such as a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM), holding IVs on the skin before, during, or after a medical operation, and securing wounds. It's difficult to envision a world without practical medical patches for things like nicotine, hormones, and pain management, and there is a huge need for non-irritating medical adhesives that are safe to use on the skin. Both surgical tape and medical tape are examples of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are used to shield the skin from contact with dangerous substances.

Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The higher prevalence rate of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis is boosting the demand for medical tapes thereby augmenting the market growth. As per the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), an estimated 53 million adults in the USA have arthritis. People with other chronic illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, are more likely to develop arthritis. Kinesiology tape can provide additional support for ailments like patellofemoral stress syndrome, iliotibial band friction syndrome, and shoulder instability. A joint can be supported by the tape while still being somewhat mobile. All these factors contribute to the medical tape market growth.

Rising Road Accidents and Fatalities

The higher prevalence of road accidents causing injury indicates the need for medical tape thereby propelling the medical tape market growth. For instance, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India, a total of 4,12,432 road accidents were registered across the nation in 2021, injuring 3,84,448 people. WHO estimates that between 20 and 50 million individuals each year suffer from non-fatal injuries, many of which result in permanent disabilities caused by road accidents. Significant financial harm is caused by road accidents to individuals, their families, and entire nations. These losses result from the expense of medical care as well as missed production for people who suffer fatal or permanent injuries.

Market Challenge:

Not suitable for sensitive skin

Apart from all the growth factors, some factors are expected to limit the medical tape market growth. The biggest disadvantage of clear medical tape is that it can be challenging to remove, particularly if it has been in place for a long time. Additionally, some people may have skin sensitivity from clear medical tape. It is advised against using kinesiology tape on open wounds or surgical incisions that have not fully healed since the tape can trap moisture that encourages the growth of bacteria and so raises the risk of infection. Moreover, it sometimes gets difficult to ensure accurate skin edge apposition and skin edge aversion.

North America is expected to grow significantly

The North American region is expected to hold a significant share of the medical tape market during the forecast period. Various factors attributed to such a share are the strong presence of the healthcare system and rising admission to medical hospitals. For instance, the healthcare industry contributed 17.8% to the national GDP in 2021 according to the Commonwealth Fund Organization. Moreover, with an obesity rate almost twice as high as the OECD average, the U.S. has the largest percentage of people with several chronic illnesses. The presence of major market players such as 3M further augments the medical tape market in the region through the launch of innovative products.

Medical Tape Market Players

• Paul Hartmann AG is a Germany-based multinational company providing solutions such as therapeutic bandages, first aid, wound management, incontinence management, skin care, and others. Omnitape® offered by the company for the sports category. Other adhesives offered by the company are Hydrofilm® Roll, Omnifix® E, and Omnifix® Elastic.
• Medtronic is one of the leading companies in medical technology, services, and solutions. The company offers Covidien™ polyester retraction tape for usage in retraction during surgical procedures and sterile cotton umbilical tape.

Key Market Developments

• In February 2023, a new medical adhesive tape 4578 was launched by 3M that can stick on the skin for up to 28 days. It provides longer wear time for a wide array of health monitors, sensors, and long-term wearables. It can be stored for up to one year and boasts liner-free stability.
• In January 2023, H.B. Fuller announced the launch of Swift®melt 1515-I in India, the Middle East, and Africa region. It enables effective high tack, secure and quick bonding, and shear resistance in high temperatures. It was the company's first bio-compatible product and was certified by ISO for cytotoxicity.

Segmentation:

By Product Type

• Breathable Non-Woven Tape
• Breathable PE Tape
• Rayon Tape
• Easy-Tear Non-Woven Cloth Tape
• Zinc Oxide Adhesive Cloth Tape
• Elastic Tapes
• Silicone Tapes
• Paper Tapes
• Silk Cloth Tapes

By Sales Channel

• Direct Sales
• Distributor

By Application

• Splints
• Wound Dressings
• Surgical Wound
• Laceration Wound
• Secure IV Lines
• Ostomy Seals
• Surgeries and Surgical Wounds
• Traumatic and Laceration Wound
• Burns and Ulcers

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Ambulatory Settings
• Home Care Settings

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others