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Huge opportunity for single-use surgical drapes, gowns in Europe

10 Sep '12

2 min read

A comprehensive new report on “Single-Use Nonwoven Surgical Drapes and Gowns in Europe” is now available. This insightful report is authored by Helena Engqvist in partnership with INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

This detailed report provides an excellent view into the market for single-use surgical drapes and gowns in six key European countries — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The research time frame spans the years from 2000 to 2011 to give readers an historical trend viewpoint.

“During the last decade, issues, such as patient care and comfort, hygiene, hospital-acquired infections along with the rising cost of health care, have impacted the nonwovens medical segment. This report presents the insight and data to give companies an excellent view of the opportunity in Europe for single-use gowns and drapes moving forward,” says INDA President Rory Holmes.

Helena Engqvist is an experienced industry veteran to the medical and healthcare nonwovens segment. Her core competencies include nonwovens, hygiene and healthcare products, consumer insight and business analysis, R&D and technology. Her career spans more than 30 years in management positions at Novartis in Switzerland, Johnson & Johnson in Germany and the U.S., and SCA in Sweden.

The report consists of three parts that will be published individually. The first part examines the Market Drivers, medical aspects, demographics, health economics and the market for single-use nonwoven surgical drapes and gowns.

The second part explores products, materials, the supply chain, industry participants and volumes. The final part examines the regulatory aspects impacting medical nonwovens, issues in the operating theater, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, hospital personnel and the outlook in surgical care.

“The potential for increasing the use of single-use nonwoven surgical drapes, gowns and clean air suits is driven by changing demographics,” says Engqvist. “European regulations and surgical procedures as well as population changes are leading to the development of more efficient and cost-effective surgeries. The aging population, especially in Europe, leads to an increasing number of age-related surgeries further driving up the cost of healthcare.”

“Patient and staff well-being, regulations and standards drive change towards single-use nonwoven surgical drapes and gowns,” she adds. “Penetration rates are still relatively low for single-use nonwoven surgical drapes and gowns in Europe, with large differences between countries. This presents growth opportunities for single-use nonwoven medical fabrics in Europe.”

Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA)