The market for single-use professional hygiene products is changing

According to the new MSI Reports study, each segment is governed by distinct regulatory constraints and economic logics, resulting in very contrasting developments from one market to another.

According to MSI Reports, in 2025 and 2026, the market appears to be recovering after the significant disruptions at the beginning of the decade. While pressure on margins and negotiations remains high, the fundamentals are still solid. Lockdowns, the health crisis, supply chain strains, soaring raw material prices, rising energy costs, and inflation: manufacturers have had to contend with intense pressure on their margins, logistical challenges, and tougher commercial negotiations, in a context where many clients prioritized cost reduction.

Single-use PPE: between temporary peaks and normalization

The disposable workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) segment is primarily dependent on regulatory changes in safety and hygiene, as well as the economic conditions of user sectors such as industry, construction, food processing, and healthcare. Employee comfort and companies' CSR commitments also influence demand. This market is characterized by ongoing trade-offs between single-use and reusable solutions. Following the exceptional period of the Covid-19 pandemic, some products, such as gloves, masks, and coveralls, are seeing their 2024 and 2025 fiscal years return to more standardized levels.

Paper wiping and hygiene: a mature market

The paper wiping and hygiene markets have now reached maturity. With most sites already equipped, organic growth prospects are limited, and developments are primarily driven by substitution or trade-offs between upgrading and downsizing.

According to MSI Reports, demand remains closely correlated with the activity of user sectors, particularly offices, industry, healthcare, and food services. The 2020–2022 period has permanently altered consumption levels, especially in the service sector, where the rise of remote work has led to a structural decline in volumes.

Furthermore, optimizing consumption through more efficient dispensers or more economical formats mechanically reduces the quantities used. The development of recycled product lines and the growth of private label brands are also key structural trends.

Adult skincare products: a rapidly growing segment

According to the MSI Reports study, the adult care, hygiene, and protection products segment—including incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and disposable washcloths—is primarily influenced by hospitalization rates, occupancy rates in specialized facilities, and the growth of home care. It benefits from a strong structural driver related to the aging population.

Gradual destigmatization, supported by effective communication campaigns, along with continuous innovation in comfort and discretion, are major drivers of the segment's growth. Disposable washcloths are also experiencing sustained growth, as they offer increased safety by limiting the risk of cross-contamination while simplifying healthcare logistics.

Medical linens and solutions for healthcare facilities: a stabilized demand

Sales of single-use medical linen, such as examination sheets or bed pads, fluctuate according to the number of patients in hospitals, clinics and medical practices, as well as the development of outpatient care facilities.

After the peaks observed during the pandemic, demand has stabilized, while remaining supported by high requirements for hygiene and infection prevention.

Key market trends according to MSI Reports

• Strengthening of hygiene and safety standards
• Population aging → strong growth in adult care
• Single-use vs. reusable trade-off
• Increased environmental concerns (recycling, waste, CSR)
• Optimizing consumption (formats, distributors)
• Development of home care
• Maturity of the paper segment (low growth)
• Growth in waste management (regulations, traceability)

Waste management: a lever for sustainable growth

The waste management and collection products segment is experiencing steady growth, driven by the strengthening of regulatory obligations regarding sorting, traceability and recovery.

The application of the "polluter pays" principle and the rise of environmental concerns are encouraging companies and communities to invest in suitable solutions, which sustainably supports demand, according to the market research firm.

Conclusion: A resilient market driven by fundamental transformations

Despite the significant economic disruptions of recent years, the market for single-use professional hygiene products has demonstrated real resilience. While some segments have experienced pronounced cycles, the sector as a whole benefits from solid fundamentals, driven by health requirements, regulatory changes, and societal transformations.

In the medium and long term, MSI Reports anticipates growth linked to the ability of actors to innovate, to respond to environmental challenges and to adapt to new uses, in a context where economic performance and sustainable responsibility will have to coexist.

A study that has just been published

In March 2026, MSI Reports published a detailed study on the market for single-use professional protective, wiping and hygiene products in France.

With 353 pages and 170 tables and graphs, MSI Reports provides an in-depth analysis of market developments in France in 2025, with historical data from 2019 and forecasts up to 2030. The study also includes an analysis of the competitive structure as well as profiles of 39 manufacturers and 29 distributors.

This publication is available from €2.595 (excluding VAT).