Japan Medical Scrubs Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Japan Medical Scrubs Market Analysis and Insights

In September 2023, according to an article published by ScienceDirect, in recent years, Japan has seen a rise in the number of international residents and tourists, leading to an increase in international patients seeking treatment in Japanese hospitals. This trend justifies the growing demand due to rising hospital visits and surgical procedures, which, in turn, will drive the Japan Medical Scrubs Market as healthcare facilities require more scrubs to accommodate the influx of patients.

Data Bridge Market Research analyzes that the Japan medical scrubs market is expected to reach USD 5.11 billion by 2031 from USD 3.98 billion in 2023, growing with CAGR of 3.4% during forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

Market Definition

Medical scrubs are specialized clothing worn by healthcare professionals during medical procedures and patient care activities. These uniforms are designed for comfort and functionality, typically featuring simple, loose-fitting tops and pants that allow ease of movement and breathability. Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials such as cotton blends or synthetic fabrics, scrubs help maintain hygiene standards and prevent cross-contamination in medical settings. The market for medical scrubs encompasses a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes to suit different professional needs and personal preferences. It caters to healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff, and is influenced by trends in medical aesthetics and advancements in fabric technology.

Japan Medical Scrubs Market Dynamics

This section deals with understanding the market drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges. All of this is discussed in detail below:      

Driver

• Growing Demand Due to Rising Hospital Visits and Surgical Procedures

The healthcare sector in Japan is experiencing a growing demand for services, driven by an aging population and a rise in the number of international residents and tourists. As Japan's population continues to age, with a significant portion of individuals aged 65 and older, the frequency of hospital visits and the need for surgical procedures have naturally escalated. Elderly individuals often require more frequent medical attention due to chronic illnesses, age-related conditions, and a greater likelihood of surgical interventions, contributing to the increasing volume of patients in hospitals.

Moreover, Japan has seen an influx of international residents and tourists in recent years, leading to a rise in international patients seeking medical care. Whether for routine check-ups, emergency services, or complex surgical procedures, the presence of international patients has further boosted the demand for healthcare services in the country.

This surge in hospital visits and surgical procedures, both from the domestic aging population and the growing number of international patients, directly impacts the Japan Medical Scrubs Market. Medical scrubs are an essential component of healthcare workers' attire, crucial for maintaining hygiene, ensuring safety, and promoting professionalism in medical settings. As the number of patients increases, so does the need for high-quality, durable medical scrubs to support healthcare professionals in increasingly busy and diverse environments.

The growing demand for medical scrubs is tightly linked to the rising number of hospital visits and surgical procedures. As more patients seek medical care, healthcare facilities require a larger supply of medical scrubs to meet the needs of their expanding workforce. Surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff depend on scrubs for their practicality, comfort, and hygienic properties, particularly in surgical settings where maintaining sterile conditions is vital. This increased demand for healthcare services drives the need for high-quality scrubs, leading to higher sales for manufacturers. Additionally, the preference for scrubs with antimicrobial coatings and moisture-wicking fabrics adds value to the market, allowing for premium pricing and higher revenue.

Restraint

• Limitation for Natural Fibre Used in Scrubs

Natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, are commonly used in medical scrubs for their comfort and breathability. However, they present several limitations that act as restraints for the Japan Medical Scrubs Market. These fibers generally lack the durability needed for high-intensity use in healthcare settings, leading to more frequent replacements and higher long-term costs. Additionally, natural fibers are less resistant to stains and bacteria, which can complicate hygiene maintenance in medical environments where strict cleanliness is crucial. Their moisture absorption properties, while beneficial, can result in discomfort during long shifts as the fabric becomes damp. Furthermore, the higher production costs and frequent replacement needs of natural fibers can be financially burdensome for healthcare institutions.

• In September 2023, according to an article published by MORE-ME LTD, natural fibers are prone to several limitations that impact their use in medical scrubs. They are vulnerable to damage from pests such as moths and insects, and can also deteriorate over time due to decay. Additionally, natural fibers like cotton have high water absorption capabilities, which can reduce their performance in wet conditions. The cost of natural fibers can also be higher compared to some synthetic alternatives, influenced by factors such as fluctuations in crop yields and the complexities of processing methods. These issues highlight the need for materials that offer greater durability and cost-efficiency for use in healthcare settings
• In April 2023, according to the article published by Two Petals, natural fibers like cotton are comfortable and breathable, they may not be as durable as synthetic alternatives. Medical scrubs made entirely from natural fibers may wear out more quickly, requiring more frequent replacements, which is a disadvantage in demanding healthcare environments

According to the Goonvean Fibres, below are the limitations associated with natural fibers are:

• Limited durability
• Low density and lightweight characteristics
• Incompatibility with certain processes
• High moisture absorption, rendering them susceptible to damage

These limitations of natural fibers in scrubs underscore the need for advanced materials that address durability, hygiene, and cost-efficiency issues. As a result, there is likely to be a shift toward synthetic or blended fabrics that better meet the demands of modern healthcare settings, driving innovation and growth in the Japan Medical Scrubs Market.

Opportunity

• Increasing Product Innovation and Technological Integration

Continuous product innovation, including the integration of smart fabrics, presents a significant opportunity for driving market growth in the medical scrubs industry. Smart fabrics, such as those embedded with sensors or antimicrobial properties, offer enhanced functionality and comfort for healthcare professionals. These innovative features not only improve the performance of medical scrubs but also address specific needs such as infection control and monitoring of vital signs.

Furthermore, product innovation can help companies differentiate their offerings in a competitive market. By continuously introducing new and improved products, companies can attract new customers, retain existing ones, and stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, innovation can create new market segments and expand the overall market for medical scrubs.

Challenge

• Labor Shortages Driven by Aging Population Pose Significant Challenge

Japan's declining working-age population, a consequence of both low birth rates and an increasingly aging society, has led to widespread labor shortages, affecting industries across the board, including the manufacturing sector. As fewer young people enter the workforce and the population continues to age, the number of available workers capable of maintaining production levels in industries such as medical scrubs manufacturing is steadily decreasing. This shortage of labor not only reduces the efficiency and capacity of production but also creates a competitive labor market where companies must offer higher wages and better working conditions to attract workers, further driving up production costs.

In manufacturing, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, the impact of these labor shortages is significant. With fewer workers, manufacturers may struggle to meet production targets, causing delays and interruptions in the supply chain. This becomes even more challenging in the healthcare sector, where the demand for medical scrubs is consistently high, especially with the aging population and the rise in hospital visits.

Moreover, as the cost of labor increases, the overall cost of producing medical scrubs also rises, leading to higher prices for the end product. This can result in a market where demand outpaces supply, creating potential shortages and price hikes for medical scrubs. Healthcare institutions, which rely on a steady supply of affordable scrubs to maintain hygiene standards and equip their staff, may face difficulties in procuring enough scrubs, impacting their operations.

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, Mölnlycke Health Care AB has been honored with a gold medal by EcoVadis for its commitment to sustainability, placing the company in the top 3% globally. This recognition will enhance Mölnlycke's reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and drive sustainable growth

Japan Medical Scrubs Market Scope

The Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into seven notable segments based on product type, usability, material, fabric weight, gender, end user, and mode of purchase. The growth among segments helps you analyze niche pockets of growth and strategies to approach the market and determine your core application areas and the differences in your target markets.

Product Type

• Scrub Sets
• Scrub Tops
• Scrub Bottom and Skirts
• Scrub Jackets
• Others

On the basis of product type, the Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into scrub sets, scrub tops, scrub bottoms and skirts, scrub jackets, and others.

Usability

• Disposable
• Reusable

On the basis of usability, the Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into disposable and reusable.

Material

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Cotton Polyester
• Semi-Synthetic
• Lenin
• Antistatic Silk
• Others

On the basis of material, the market is segmented into cotton, polyester, cotton polyester, semi-synthetic, linen, antistatic silk, and others.

Fabric Weight

• Lightweight Fabric
• Weighted Fabric

On the basis of fabric weight, the Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into lightweight fabric and weighted fabric.

Gender

• Male
• Female

On the basis of gender, the Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into male and female.

End User

• Hospital Purchase
• Clinic Purchase
• Diagnostic Centers Purchase
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers Purchase
• Research Laboratories Purchase
• Others

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospital purchase, clinic purchase, diagnostic centers purchase, ambulatory surgical centers purchase, research laboratories purchase and others.

Mode of Purchase

• Direct Tender
• Retail sales
• Online Sales
• Others

On the basis of mode of purchase, the market is segmented into direct tender, retail sales, online sales, others.

Japan Medical Scrubs Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The Japan medical scrubs market is segmented into seven notable segments based on product type, usability, material, fabric weight, gender, end user, and mode of purchase.

The report also provides individual market-impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as new sales, replacement sales, country demographics, regulatory acts, and import-export tariffs are some of the major pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of large services company and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic players and the impact of sales channels are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Japan Medical Scrubs Market Share Analysis

The Japan Medical Scrubs Market competitive landscape provides details of competitors. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in R&D, new market initiatives, production sites and facilities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product approvals, product width and breadth, application dominance, and product type lifeline curve. The above data points provided are only related to the company’s focus on the market.

Some of the major market players operating in the market are Kindthread (LANDAU UNIFORMS) (U.S.), Mölnlycke Health Care AB (India), Medline Industries, LP. (U.S.), OWENS & MINOR, INC. (U.S.), Cardinal Health (U.S.), RMF SCRUBS (U.S.) among others.

SKU-72793