Product Differentiation Crucial in the Price-sensitive Lab-related PPE Market, finds Frost & Sullivan
25 Sep, 2014, 12:45 BST
-- Influx of low-cost Asian products accelerates the need for differentiated, disposable PPE
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Academic labs see a higher number of occupational injuries and illnesses than other lab and research facilities. This is primarily due to inexperienced handling of lab equipment by researchers, students and technicians as well as selection of protective gear that is not hazard specific. Not only does improper selection of PPE expose the wearer to risks, it also causes discomfort thereby lowering compliance. However, this scenario is expected to change as a steady increase in financial liability associated with lab-related accidents has prompted greater emphasis on lab safety and stricter compliance in schools and universities.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Outlook for the North American and Western European Labs and Research Facilities, finds strong growth opportunities for PPE in labs and research facilities, driven by improving compliance rates, stricter regulations, and a growing number of end users.
For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://bit.ly/1smUmcd.
Currently, limited product differentiation has commoditized the PPE market, especially in the segments of disposable gloves, coveralls, face masks, particulate respirators, and protective clothing. Rising imports from low-cost Asian markets also increase price pressure on these products. This poses a substantial threat to market revenues as academic labs in universities and schools – the primary users of these products – are price sensitive.
Another factor affecting manufacturers' margins is the influence wielded by specialty distributors. Nearly all PPE for labs and research facilities is sold through specialty distributors that directly source from Asian manufacturers and sell PPE as private label products. In this scenario, it is vital to establish manufacturer-distributor partnerships.
"To stay competitive, manufacturers of laboratory-related PPE have been expanding their product lines to target other related sectors such as medical healthcare," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials & Food Research Analyst Shray Sharma. "This is a strategic move as there is a noticeable rise in the number of researchers and technicians engaged in scientific R&D in medical and diagnostic labs due to bigger budgets."
Product line differentiation, expansion and innovation are assuming increasing significance as a sizeable percent of market revenue for PPE used in labs and research facilities is generated by disposable products. However, the high-volume usage of disposable PPE has spawned waste disposal issues, which, in turn, fuels demand for sustainable or green products. This demand is particularly strong in medical and diagnostic labs.
"PPE manufacturers have an opportunity to innovate and introduce green PPE solutions for their market, particularly for the disposable glove and coverall segment," noted Sharma. "Constant innovations in product design and technical specifications for improved comfort can lead to enhanced compliance, usage, and replacement rates of PPE."
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Outlook for the North American and Western European Labs and Research Facilities is part of the Materials (http://www.chemicals.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan's related studies include: Indian Thermal Insulation Materials Market for the Building Industry, Is There a Need for PPE Product Differentiation for Developing Economies, Personal Protective Equipment in Marine Transportation, and Asia-Pacific Disposable Gloves Market. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.
Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Contact Us: Start the discussion
Subscribe: Newsletter on "the next big thing"
Register: Gain access to visionary innovation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Outlook for the North American and Western European Labs and Research Facilities
NE6E-39
Contact:
Ariel Brown
Corporate Communications – North America
P: (210) 247.2481
F: (210) 348.1003
E: ariel.brown@frost.com
Twitter: @Frost_Sullivan
Facebook: Frost & Sullivan
Join our Forum on LinkedIn: Future of Chemicals
SOURCE Frost & Sullivan