Polycarbonate is the material of choice for medical face shields
Market research company, Future Market Insights, have published a report on the medical face shield market.
The report states that according to a study, the medical face shields market is anticipated to grow at over 11% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2030. This is because medical face shields have proven to be an effective method for first line protection against airborne diseases like Zika, SARS, Ebola, flu, and now - Covid-19.
The key findings from the report included:
- Polycarbonate remains the material of choice for medical face shield manufacturers.
- Anti-fog medical face shields are likely to witness a higher demand than other variants.
- Disposable medical face shields will outsell reusable, as consumers look to minimise the threat of infection.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has, in its recommendations, included use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like face shields and masks, and although masks have been widely adopted, their effectiveness is not that well-known. However, face shields are considered more useful in mitigating respiratory viruses’ transmission like SARS-CoV-2, which would help in minimising droplets and contacting transmission. Studies have also pointed out that face shields may not be effective in the absence of masks though. The report states that the use of medical face shields, used in conjunction with face masks, is being explored, and it is highly likely that sales will soar dramatically in the next six months or so.
The report also comments that although growth in the medical face shield market will be heavily dependent on pharmaceutical interventions to tackle Covid-19, even after a vaccine becomes available, it is likely that the approach will remain preventative. In fact, customisable face shields could become a reality, especially as children head back to school.
“There is a growing consensus that Covid-19 may become endemic like coronaviruses. Til’ the time vaccines are available on a large scale, use of face shields and face masks will remain high. However, the long-term forecast on the market remains steady, as people are likely to take a preventive approach,” concluded the analyst.