There is the constant use of words like Lockdown, Face Mask, Virus, Sanitation and filtration, since the start of pandemic! It is by now pretty clear that face masks are an ultimate shield that could protect you from the infectious viruses that created havoc globally.
After a recent survey from social media marketing, it was evident that there has been a phenomenal surge in the face mask industry. The people’s changing attitude and concern are the topping factors for it. There is also a spike in the portals gaining customer attraction by offering different face masks through various channels.
Apart from the regular face masks, a remarkable surge witnessed for the N95 Respirators. It ruined due to the vague acclamations from the counterfeit brands. Resulting from this, the pricing hiked up, and people went crazy to stock them before the next forecast on Coronavirus spread. Many developing economies suffered as the customers over there are pretty price-sensitive. This stood as a significant factor to hamper the sale of other regular face mask brands in this economy.
People are getting baffled about the selection and purchase of face masks online. Even social media websites like Facebook and Amazon are blocking all sorts of ads related to masks. They are following the policy to reserve all medical-grade masks for the protection of health care workers.
Post this, people cannot buy non-medical masks providing real protection, which are way better than the three-ply or cloth masks. Resulting of this, several face mask brands have to drop their e-commerce activities. The motive behind all this is to restrict the COVID-19 infection from reaching the human body by any means.
A Major challenge to increase mass production of masses is the volatility of prices for the mask-related raw materials like metal and oil. Such materials are mandatory for producing bulk non-woven fabrics in the masks, such as metal strips and ear loops.
The pricing fluctuation has paved massive trouble for the various market sectors. And had a tremendous impact on the company earnings in the economy. It has resulted in manufacturing costs that served as a significant constraint to the face mask market.
Besides, the changes in WHO guidelines about the ideal face masks also led to confusion in the manufacturers. The genuine and protective face mask standards made it complicated to determine the type of mask production, which led to a big mess.
In June 2020, WHO suggested that healthy people should wear the 3-layer masks with a non-woven filter in the middle. The purpose of this guidance for the Global community was to spread awareness about wearing a barrier against the COVID virus. Countries such as South Asia and India, having highly polluted air quality, got infected despite the strict guidelines regarding face masks.
For some countries, the face mask guidelines remained incomplete and went short. It was also due to the people wearing ill-fitted cloth masks and breath in the highly polluted air in October- March.
Moving on to the face mask leaders globally, there is no mainly established brand serving the mask industry. Several mask companies need to enforce innovative strategies. And come up with exemplary face mask products. It is as per the changing waves of the COVID-19.
It is again a huge challenge to stay updated on the quality and quantity of sale catering to the global requirements for such mask. Most doctors recommend the Antiviral and Anti-Pollution N95 certified washable and reusable masks. It may be because they come with nanofiber filters.
As they get tested on international standards, they have lesser proximity to health risks. And, to a certain extent, can sustain the virus effect. With effective technologies, manufacturers are focusing on deploying hygienic face masks. This also promotes the reduction of waste and maintains global cleanliness!
The COVID-19 Pandemic has triggered the deliberation and adoption of a new lifestyle amongst the people. And face masks are a critical part of this new world!
After a thorough comparison amongst the face mask industry challenges and prospects, it is evident that opportunities and growth options are way higher in this arena. However, it is also a significant challenge to maintain pace with the mutating COVID-19 virus. And creating face masks with the efficacy is necessary to obstruct its intervention into human bodies.
After all, safety is the essential criteria of face mask production and sales! Any brand cannot afford to bear the risk of coming up with faulty products. This could stake the lives of innocent people who trust these companies for their protection.
In the coming years, it would be clear if the anticipation and estimates made by the face mask industry for their further growth would shoot high or stabilize at a certain level. Do share your views about the other aspects of the Face mask industry that are still not highlighted! Till then, stay safe, stay Protected!
