LONDON, April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Increased activity in end-user industries such as manufacturing and oil and gas is expected to boost the adoption of above-the-neck personal protective equipment (PPE) across Western Europe. Opportunities abound, particularly in the manufacturing sector, where new jobs are being created due to in-shoring. Market participants will be looking to exploit these trends by rolling out customised, adaptable PPE that are fashionable and high on quality.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the Western European Above-the-neck PPE Market, finds that the market earned revenues of €506.2 million in 2013 and estimates this to reach €565.6 million in 2018. The study covers head, eye, face, and hearing PPE. The eye PPE segment is expected to register the fastest growth over the next few years.

"The impending update to the PPE directive 89/686/EEC in 2016 will tighten the regulatory environment for occupational safety and health across industries in Western Europe," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials & Food Research Analyst Shray Sharma. "This, alongside increasing awareness amongst employees regarding the importance of better quality PPE, is lending momentum to the market."

However, the downturn-impelled low employment numbers in southern European countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal have pegged the market back to some extent. Market participants are hopeful that this may soon be a challenge of the past as economies across Europe are recovering – Italy showed signs of stability in 2013, and the Iberian region is expected to witness positive growth by 2015.

Revenue growth has also taken a hit from the influx of low-cost private label products and cheap imports from Asia, especially in the head PPE segment.

"To combat the threat of cheap imports, manufacturers need to make end users aware of the long-term cost and health benefits of using robust PPE," stated Sharma. "They should also build strong relationships with distributors and engage in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen product offerings and expand their regional customer base."

In addition, manufacturers must offer innovative products, reliable customer service, and on-site training programs that educate employees on the proper usage, maintenance and replacement of PPE to taste success in the Western European market.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an email to Julia Nikishkina, Corporate Communications, at julia.nikishkina@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

Strategic Analysis of the Western European Above-the-neck PPE Market is part of the Chemicals & Materials (http://www.chemicals.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan's related studies include: North American Above-the-neck Personal Protective Equipment Market, Western European Protective Footwear Market, and Americas Oil and Gas Personal Protective Equipment 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 organisation 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

Join Us:           Join our community

Subscribe:       Newsletter on "the next big thing"

Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

Strategic Analysis of the Western European Above-the-neck PPE Market
M9DD-39

Julia Nikishkina
Corporate Communications – Europe
P: +7 (499) 213 0156
E: julia.nikishkina@frost.com 
LinkedIn: Future of Chemicals - A Frost & Sullivan Forum

http://www.frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Copyright 2014 PR Newswire