The pleated filters market is estimated to be valued at USD 13.5 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.16 Billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2031. The key trend in the pleated filters market has been the shift towards higher efficiency filters that can capture smaller particulates like PM2.5 emissions.

Market Driver - Increasing Pollution and Related Health Concerns Drive Demand for Air Filtration

Rising vehicular and industrial emissions have degraded outdoor air quality in many urban locations. Additionally, indoor activities like smoking, use of chemical cleaners, furnishings, building materials etc. also contribute to the poor indoor environment. Growing public awareness about short- and long-term health impacts have made people seriously consider ways to protect themselves and their families from polluted indoor air.

Manufacturers of air purifiers and air filters have recognized this consumer need and are offering a wide variety of products targeting both residential and commercial HVAC applications. Among them, pleated filters have become immensely popular as they offer the dual benefits of high filtration ability and long usable lifespan. Their accordion-like structure provides a large surface area to effectively catch most airborne pollutants before they escape back into the occupied space.

Additionally, their longer lifespan means less frequent replacement and lower operating costs for users. These advantages have driven strong growth for pleated filters market across the globe.

Market Driver - Awareness of Environmental Concerns

In the past decade, environmental sustainability has emerged as an important issue raising consciousness among people worldwide. The indoor air quality segment has also witnessed a parallel shift towards green solutions.

Pleated filters producing less landfill waste by virtue of their extended use compared to disposable filters, have gained traction among environmentally conscious buyers. Some manufacturers have introduced pleated filter models made of recycled plastics, reducing reliance on raw materials, and emissions from their production. The growing inclination towards sustainable consumption has empowered discerning customers to adopt such eco-friendly options available in the pleated filters market.

At the same time, companies too are aligning their business strategies and marketing communication to showcase environmental commitments. They promote green attributes of their products as a unique selling point attracting socially responsible target segments. Overall, the rising tide of ecological awareness amongst public as well as industry players has encouraged expansion of sustainable yet highly effective pleated filter offerings, thus powering pleated filters market growth.

Market Challenge - High Costs of Pleated Filters May Restrict Adoption in Moderately Polluted Regions

One of the major challenges the pleated filters market faces is the high costs associated with these filters, which may restrict their adoption in moderately polluted regions. Pleated filters are generally more expensive than basic flat panel filters. This helps pleated filters filter smaller particles from the air compared to basic filters.

However, for applications in areas or regions where the air pollution level is moderate as opposed to severely polluted cities, the return on investment from using expensive pleated filters may not seem worthwhile. Buildings and facilities located in such locations might hesitate in investing in a higher upfront cost for pleated filters. This could deter the overall sales numbers for pleated filters, particularly in moderately polluted parts of the world.

Manufacturers in the pleated filters market will need to focus on value engineering. Cost optimization strategies can also make pleated filters more affordable without compromising on their filtration performance, which can help boost their adoption.

Market Opportunity - Advancements in eco-friendly filtration materials and biodegradable options for market

One key opportunity area for the continued growth of the pleated filters market is the advancement in eco-friendly and sustainable filtration materials. With growing environmental awareness, companies are increasingly focused on producing pleated filters with materials that have lower carbon footprint.

Some manufacturers in the pleated filters market have already started optimizing their designs and sourcing renewable or biodegradable materials for filter construction. This includes the use of plant-based non-woven substrates, bio-plastic frames, and natural polymers for separators and sealers instead of petroleum-based alternatives.

There is also ongoing research on biodegradable nanofiber membranes and all-natural media to capture pollutants. The availability of such environment-friendly options is expected to appeal to a wider customer base. It can also enable improved marketing positioning for brands as well as help address concerns around proper filter waste management. Further advancements in this area are likely to open up new growth prospects for pleated filter market players over the long run.

- Focus on Innovation and Product Development: Leading players like 3M, Parker-Hannifin, and Donaldson Company have consistently invested in R&D to develop innovative pleated filter products. For example, in 2018 3M launched their new line of 3M Ecotherm pleated filters which have reduced energy costs by up to 40%.

- Strategic Acquisitions: Acquisitions have been a major strategy for companies to expand their portfolio and capabilities.

- Expansion in Emerging Markets: Donaldson opened a new factory in China in 2018 to cater to the growing Chinese market.

- Focus on Customer Service and Technical Support: Industry leaders provide superior customer service, employ field engineers for application support and offer on-site training.

- Strategic Partnerships: In 2014, Parker Hannifin partnered with Caterpillar to supply precision-engineered filters, gaining a strong foothold in the construction equipment market.

Insights, By Product: Air Quality Demands Drive Air Filter Dominance

In terms of product, air filters contribute 51% share of the pleated filters market in 2024, owning to increased focus on indoor air quality. As buildings become more energy efficient with tighter envelopes, indoor pollutants can become trapped without proper ventilation and filtering.

The HVAC industry has responded with more sophisticated air filtration options to address the various sources of indoor air pollutants. Pleated filters are a popular choice thanks to their ability to catch ultrafine particles down to 0.3 microns while maintaining reasonable airflow resistance.

In homes, pleated air filters are commonly used in forced air furnace and central air conditioning systems. Tighter home construction practices have increased awareness that indoor air must be actively filtered. In commercial buildings, demand for pleated air filters is growing as stricter indoor air quality standards require capture of both large and fine airborne particles. This is expected to drive upcoming trends in the pleated filters market.

Insights, By Application: Filtration Needs in Food & Beverage Industry Drive Market Share

In terms of application, food & beverage applications contribute 30% share of the pleated filters market in 2024, due to strict requirements for particulate control. Food and beverage manufacturing have very low tolerance for contaminants, as they can compromise product safety, quality and shelf life.

Within food and beverage, dairy and protein industries rely heavily on pleated filters for micro-filtration capabilities. They are used for pasteurization, aseptic packaging, and filling processes where tiny contaminants could cause spoilage or health issues. Beverage manufacturers also depend on pleated filters for clarification and purification of liquids prior to packaging.

As consumer health awareness grows, so does demand for clearly-filtered products free of particulates. Pleated filter versatility across industries ensures they remain a preferred micro-filtration solution for quality assurance and compliance in food and beverage manufacturing.

Insights, By Material: Growing Emphasis on Filtration Boosts Pleated Polyester Sales

In terms of material, polyester dominates the pleated filters market owing to its ideal combination of physical properties for particulate filtration applications. As industries and consumers emphasize controls on air and liquid quality more strongly, polyester pleated filters are the preferred solution.

Polyester filter media excels at particle capture down to sub-micron levels without becoming restricted prematurely. Its interwoven fiber structure allows airflow while trapping contaminants within its depth. The structural properties of polyester mesh also make it well-suited to pleating.

Reliable filtration is required across applications like process machinery, medical devices, semiconductors and more. Pleated polyester filters meet specifications while controlling costs relative to other media. Their dominance in the marketplace reflects how polyester balance of physical traits uniquely suits the needs of precision filtration in both industrial and consumer applications.

• Asia Pacific led the pleated filters market with a 49% share in 2023, attributed to rising incomes and improved living standards.
• Pleated filters play a critical role in air conditioners and purifiers, capturing dust particles, allergens, and pollutants, essential in highly polluted regions like Northern India.
• The significant use of pleated filters in HVAC systems increases operational efficiency, reducing debris accumulation that could affect device performance.
• Adoption of pleated filters in automotive air intake systems to enhance engine efficiency.
• Use of pleated filters in industrial settings to comply with environmental standards.

The major players operating in the pleated filters market include Donaldson Company, Inc., Parker Hannifin Corporation, 3M Company, Camfil AB, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies SE & Co. KG, Mann+Hummel Group, AAF International, Koch Filter Corporation, Filtration Group Corporation, Nordic Air Filtration, Donaldson Company, Inc., SUEZ SA, Honeywell International Inc., and Siemens Limited.

• In November 2024, Parker Hannifin completed the sale of its North American Composites and Fuel Containment Division to SK Capital Partners.
• In June 2023, Donaldson Company, Inc. launched a new line of high-efficiency pleated filters targeting the HVAC industry, aiming to improve air quality and reduce energy consumption.
• In May 2023, Dyson announced the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde, engineered to purify large spaces up to 100 square meters (approximately 1,076 square feet). This purifier features a 10-meter projection range, delivering powerful and wide-ranging airflow while operating quietly.

• By Product
  • Air Filters
  • Food & Beverage Filter
  • Oil Filters
  • Other Filters
• By Application
  • HVAC Systems
  • Automotive
  • Industrial Filtration
  • Water Treatment
  • Pharmaceuticals
• By Material
  • Polyester
  • Polypropylene
  • Cellulose
  • Cotton
• By End User
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Industrial