Pleated Filters Market By Filter Type (Air Filters, Liquid Filters); By Media Material (Polyester, Polypropylene, Fiberglass, Cellulose, Others); By End-Use Industry (Commercial & Residential Buildings, Industrial Manufacturing, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Pleated Filters Market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, expanding from an estimated USD 13.8 billion in 2024 to USD 19.4 billion by 2030. This reflects a CAGR of 5.8% during 2024–2030, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Pleated filters are increasingly used across HVAC systems, industrial processing, cleanrooms, water treatment, and even high-performance automotive segments. These filters are designed with folded media that maximize surface area without increasing volume, which improves their capacity to trap dust, allergens, pathogens, and other airborne or liquid-borne particulates.

 

Between 2024 and 2030, several forces are making pleated filters more strategic. For one, air quality regulations are tightening across Europe, North America, and Asia. ISO 16890 is now the dominant filtration classification standard in most developed markets, encouraging industries to adopt filters based on their actual particulate capture efficiency — not just lab ratings.

 

There’s also rising demand for energy-efficient filtration. Facility managers are under growing pressure to reduce HVAC energy loads without sacrificing indoor air quality. Pleated filters, especially those with synthetic media and optimized pleat geometry, strike the balance between airflow efficiency and contaminant retention.

 

On the industrial side, manufacturers in sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing are scaling up cleanroom adoption. That’s creating a steady need for medium- to high-efficiency filters that can be quickly replaced without costly system downtimes. In some facilities, automated filter condition monitoring is being added to reduce manual inspection.

 

Sustainability is emerging as a parallel driver. Stakeholders are now evaluating filters not just on efficiency but also lifecycle impact. Some vendors are introducing fully recyclable filter frames and bio-based media to cater to ESG-conscious buyers. Others are investing in washable or reusable pleated filters for commercial HVAC use — especially in LEED-certified buildings.

 

The buyer landscape is broad. Filter manufacturers, OEMs, building engineers, industrial compliance teams, municipal facility planners, and even transit operators are shaping demand. In fact, a growing number of public schools and hospitals are now budgeting specifically for upgraded filtration systems in response to post-pandemic air safety protocols.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The pleated filters market is shaped by how users prioritize air or fluid cleanliness, system efficiency, maintenance intervals, and regulatory compliance. The market cuts across four major dimensions: filter type, media material, end-use industry, and geography. Each layer reveals where innovation is happening — and where commercial opportunities lie between now and 2030.

By Filter Type

The market is typically segmented into air filters and liquid filters. Air filters dominate in volume, especially across HVAC, automotive cabin filtration, and industrial cleanrooms. Liquid pleated filters are growing steadily in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and municipal water treatment — where precision and hygiene are critical.

Air filters are seeing high uptake in commercial buildings as facilities transition to higher MERV ratings, often driven by IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) mandates. On the liquid side, there's a shift from traditional depth filters to pleated variants, thanks to longer operational life and better flow rates.

 

By Media Material

Pleated filters can be made from various media including polyester, polypropylene, cellulose, fiberglass, and synthetic composites. Each material has its own advantages in terms of filtration efficiency, moisture resistance, reusability, and compatibility with chemicals.

Polyester and polypropylene lead the market due to their balance of durability and cost-efficiency. That said, demand for fiberglass-based pleated filters is picking up in industrial settings where high-temperature resistance and ultra-fine filtration are required.

Several OEMs are also experimenting with electrostatically charged synthetic fibers to enhance particulate capture without increasing pressure drop — especially for high-performance HVAC systems.

 

By End-Use Industry

The end-user base for pleated filters is broad, with four sectors standing out:

• Residential and commercial buildings

• Industrial manufacturing

• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare

• Food and beverage

Among these, industrial and pharmaceutical applications are growing fastest due to stricter process cleanliness norms. In contrast, the commercial real estate segment is seeing wide-scale upgrades as part of green building retrofits and wellness certifications.

In 2024, commercial HVAC and industrial cleanroom use together account for over 55% of total revenue — a share expected to remain strong through 2030.

 

By Region

Geographically, North America remains the most mature market, with widespread HVAC usage, strong regulatory enforcement, and high filter replacement rates. Europe follows closely, especially in countries with aggressive climate targets and IAQ regulations.

Asia Pacific, however, is the fastest-growing region. Urbanization, manufacturing expansion, and rising consumer awareness about air quality are fueling demand in China, India, and Southeast Asia. At the same time, new investments in pharmaceutical production and data center infrastructure are further accelerating filter adoption.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The pleated filters market is undergoing a quiet but meaningful transformation — driven by technology, environmental awareness, and a shift in how industries view air and fluid purity. What used to be a low-cost, replace-and-forget component is now at the center of performance optimization and sustainability programs.

Rise of Smart Filtration Technologies

One of the biggest shifts underway is the integration of pleated filters into smart building and industrial monitoring systems. Sensors embedded within HVAC ducts and industrial piping now measure pressure drops and airflow in real time, alerting users when a filter needs replacement. This turns filtration from a reactive maintenance task into a proactive system, cutting downtime and energy loss.

Some OEMs are even integrating RFID tags into filter frames for automated tracking — useful in large facilities managing hundreds of units across zones.

 

Sustainable Materials and Eco-Friendly Frames

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword — it’s reshaping product development. Manufacturers are moving toward recyclable or biodegradable filter media, especially in commercial and residential HVAC segments. Some are replacing plastic frames with recyclable cardboard or reusable aluminum, reducing landfill waste and aligning with green building certifications like LEED and WELL.

Reusable pleated filters are also gaining momentum. Washable filters, particularly in light commercial applications, are being pitched as long-term cost savers. Though adoption remains low for now, this category is likely to grow as building operators come under pressure to reduce lifecycle environmental impact.

 

Shift to ISO 16890 and Global Standardization

The transition from EN779 and ASHRAE 52.2 to ISO 16890 is having a ripple effect across the filtration industry. Unlike legacy standards that focused on lab-based dust weight capture, ISO 16890 classifies filters based on actual particle size removal. This aligns better with real-world air quality goals — particularly PM1 and PM2.5 targets tied to respiratory health.

That standardization is forcing manufacturers to re-certify products and redesign media compositions. But it’s also creating a more level playing field globally, especially as buyers in Asia and the Middle East begin to demand compliance-grade filtration.

 

Materials Engineering and Advanced Media

On the material science front, there’s significant R&D in electrospun nanofibers, melt-blown synthetics, and multi-layer composites that boost filtration efficiency without creating excessive pressure drop. These engineered media enable longer service life, more stable filtration performance under variable airflow, and reduced energy usage — all of which are highly valued in regulated environments.

In high-risk sectors like pharmaceuticals or food production, multi-layer pleated filters with antimicrobial coatings are gaining traction. These filters don’t just trap particles — they actively reduce biofilm formation and microbial spread within air ducts or fluid pipelines.

 

Collaborative Innovation and Vertical Integration

More companies are moving toward vertical integration — controlling everything from media formulation to frame fabrication to packaging. This is partly to secure supply chains and partly to reduce unit costs. At the same time, strategic collaborations between filter manufacturers and HVAC system builders are helping to align filter design with next-gen air handling units.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The global pleated filters market is relatively fragmented, with a mix of multinational conglomerates, specialized filtration firms, and regional manufacturers competing across different application verticals. What sets players apart isn't just pricing — it’s how well they balance efficiency, lifecycle cost, regulatory compliance, and availability.

3M

With a stronghold in both consumer and industrial filtration, 3M continues to set the bar for media innovation. The company’s strength lies in advanced nonwoven technologies, allowing it to produce pleated filters with electrostatic charge capabilities and low pressure drops. 3M’s cross-market reach — from healthcare to residential HVAC — gives it broad pricing power and brand trust.

 

Parker Hannifin

Parker dominates the industrial filtration segment, particularly in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace applications. Its pleated filter products are known for high durability and custom engineering. Through its Engineered Materials Group, Parker has vertically integrated production, giving it a leg up in specialty media formulation.

 

Camfil

This Swedish player is widely respected in the cleanroom, data center, and healthcare sectors. Camfil has built a reputation on high-efficiency particulate filters, often serving clients with strict ISO or GMP requirements. Its global presence, combined with strong technical consulting capabilities, makes it a top choice for facilities upgrading to ISO 16890-compliant solutions.

 

MANN+HUMMEL

Headquartered in Germany, MANN+HUMMEL leads in both automotive and industrial pleated filtration systems. What sets the company apart is its heavy investment in R&D — particularly around sustainable filter media and IoT-enabled filtration monitoring. It also partners closely with OEMs to co-develop customized filtration modules.

 

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies

A major name in HVAC and industrial applications, Freudenberg is pushing innovations around reusable pleated filters and low-emission production processes. The company’s Viledon brand is trusted in environments requiring high airflow stability and bioaerosol control. It’s also a strong presence in Asia Pacific, especially in cleanroom-intensive industries.

 

Donaldson Company

Donaldson is a key player in the liquid filtration space, especially in food and beverage, pharma, and chemical processing. Its pleated filters are designed for extended service life and high-volume applications. The company has been expanding its aftermarket service offerings — a differentiator for industries that prioritize uptime.

 

Ahlstrom

A major supplier of filter media, Ahlstrom plays a behind-the-scenes role by powering many OEM filter products across the globe. Its innovations in synthetic fiber blends and antimicrobial coatings are widely adopted by branded filter manufacturers. The company is increasingly focused on low-carbon, biodegradable media to cater to sustainability-conscious clients.

Across the board, competitive edge is shifting from unit price to total lifecycle value — especially as customers get savvier about energy usage, maintenance cycles, and regulatory risk.

Midsize players and regional specialists are also gaining traction by offering custom sizes, faster lead times, and tailored compliance support for local regulations — particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption of pleated filters varies widely across regions — driven by local regulations, industrial activity, climate conditions, and energy efficiency goals. While North America and Europe lead in maturity and compliance-driven upgrades, Asia Pacific is where growth momentum is strongest.

North America

The U.S. remains one of the most developed markets for pleated filters. Stringent indoor air quality standards — such as ASHRAE 62.1 and increasingly common state-level mandates — are driving upgrades in schools, commercial buildings, and hospitals. There’s also growing traction in the retrofit space, with facility managers replacing outdated fiberglass filters with pleated options to reduce HVAC load and improve tenant wellness metrics.

Canada mirrors these trends, especially in public infrastructure and healthcare. In both countries, ESG goals and energy-saving incentives are pushing institutions toward pleated filters with low pressure drop and extended service life.

What’s notable is the shift from just minimum-efficiency requirements to total cost-of-ownership optimization.

 

Europe

Europe’s filter market is shaped heavily by regulation. The widespread adoption of ISO 16890 has fundamentally restructured procurement practices, especially in Germany, the UK, France, and Scandinavia. Buyers are now evaluating filters based on particulate size performance — not just overall dust holding.

Demand is particularly high in high-performance buildings and cleanrooms, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to semiconductor fabs. Energy efficiency laws in the EU are also encouraging pleated filters with higher airflow and lower resistance, especially in centralized HVAC systems found in larger facilities.

Southern Europe is seeing a slower pace of replacement, but recovery funds tied to building upgrades are gradually expanding adoption.

 

Asia Pacific

This is where the pleated filters market is scaling fastest. China, India, and Southeast Asia are investing heavily in industrial expansion, commercial construction, and hospital infrastructure — all of which require better air and liquid filtration.

In China, stricter emissions laws and rising urban air pollution levels have made pleated filters essential in HVAC systems for residential and commercial use. India is following a similar path, especially in Tier 1 cities where awareness about indoor air quality is growing quickly.

Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, is seeing demand from electronics assembly and food processing plants, which rely on cleanroom and water purification systems that use pleated filters. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, represent advanced markets where demand is led by smart buildings and precision industries.

 

Latin America

Brazil and Mexico are the regional leaders, primarily due to industrial demand in automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. However, adoption remains uneven across other countries, largely due to cost sensitivity and limited regulatory pressure. That said, rising investments in healthcare and manufacturing zones could spark localized surges in demand over the next few years.

 

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East, pleated filters are increasingly adopted in large-scale infrastructure projects — especially airports, data centers, and hospitality. The hot, dusty environment makes efficient HVAC filters a necessity. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the push, with public sector buildings often requiring MERV-13 or higher rated filters.

Africa remains nascent. Adoption is limited to urban hospitals, upscale commercial properties, and a few industrial facilities in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Lack of regulatory enforcement and cost pressures slow widespread deployment.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The use of pleated filters spans a wide spectrum of industries, each with distinct operational pressures, compliance needs, and lifecycle cost expectations. What unites them is a growing recognition that filters are no longer just a maintenance line item — they're a strategic lever for operational reliability, energy savings, and occupant safety.

Commercial and Residential Buildings

Building operators and facility managers are major end-users, especially in offices, schools, shopping centers, and multi-family housing complexes. Their priorities are focused on indoor air quality, energy performance, and filter change-out frequency. The shift toward wellness-certified buildings — such as those pursuing WELL or Fitwel certifications — has elevated filtration standards.

In residential settings, there's rising awareness around airborne allergens, viruses, and dust. Though cost sensitivity remains a factor, consumers are gradually upgrading from fiberglass panels to pleated filters with better particle capture. Some manufacturers are now selling these directly through e-commerce channels, bundled with filter replacement reminders and mobile apps.

 

Industrial Manufacturing

Heavy industries — including automotive, chemicals, pulp and paper, and electronics — are high-consumption users of pleated filters, especially in air intake systems and exhaust filtration units. In such environments, filters must handle variable loads, dust, fumes, and sometimes corrosive particles. Pleated filters offer a good trade-off between efficiency and downtime prevention.

In particular, electronics and cleanroom-intensive manufacturers require high-MERV or HEPA-grade pleated filters across both air and liquid applications. They often deploy multi-stage systems where pleated filters act as pre-filters before fine filtration stages.

 

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Hospitals, surgical centers, and pharmaceutical plants have strict airborne and waterborne filtration needs. In HVAC systems, pleated filters are used as both primary and secondary stages before HEPA-level filters. In pharmaceutical production, pleated liquid filters are common for sterilizing process fluids and maintaining aseptic environments.

Unlike commercial users, healthcare buyers focus on batch traceability, antimicrobial filter coatings, and compliance documentation. Procurement cycles are longer but more stable, with a preference for vendors that offer validation testing and support during audits.

 

Food and Beverage Industry

Pleated filters in this segment are used in both compressed air systems and liquid processing lines. Filters must comply with food contact regulations and be able to handle frequent clean-in-place (CIP) operations. Change-out intervals are tightly managed to avoid contamination risks.

Manufacturers in dairy, brewing, and bottling often use pleated filters for pre-filtration — removing particulates before the final membrane filtration stage. The emphasis here is on low-pressure drop, chemical resistance, and ease of installation.

 

Real-World Use Case

A tertiary hospital in South Korea recently upgraded its central HVAC systems across 14 floors after tightening IAQ protocols post-COVID. The facility switched from standard panel filters to pleated MERV-13 filters with antimicrobial coating. This not only improved airflow and particle capture but also reduced energy consumption by 11% due to lower resistance levels. Scheduled replacements were integrated into the hospital’s building management system, reducing manual checks and labor costs. The upgrade qualified the hospital for new IAQ subsidies under national healthcare funding programs.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

• 3M expanded its manufacturing facility in South Dakota to scale production of high-efficiency HVAC and liquid filtration systems, including pleated filters optimized for commercial and residential use.

• Camfil introduced a new series of energy-efficient pleated filters with ISO 16890 certification, targeting pharmaceutical and data center applications where airflow stability is critical.

• MANN+HUMMEL launched its washable pleated filter line under the "recollect" initiative, designed for sustainability-conscious building operators aiming to reduce filter waste.

• Freudenberg Filtration Technologies partnered with a leading Middle East construction firm to supply pleated filters for smart buildings in UAE and Saudi Arabia as part of Net Zero infrastructure goals.

• Donaldson Company announced a new product line of pleated cartridge filters for liquid processing systems in food and beverage manufacturing — with enhanced microbial resistance.

 

Opportunities

• Stricter IAQ and energy-efficiency mandates in commercial real estate: Governments and real estate developers are pushing for upgraded filtration systems in schools, hospitals, offices, and transit hubs — often with subsidy support.

• Growth in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing facilities across Asia: Expanding capacity in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia is driving demand for GMP-compliant air and liquid filtration — areas where pleated filters are cost-effective and easily validated.

• Adoption of IoT-based filter monitoring and predictive maintenance: Integration of pleated filters into building automation systems opens up value-added services for suppliers, such as condition-based replacement and energy audits.

 

Restraints

• Rising raw material costs for synthetic media and specialized coatings: Volatility in polymer and nonwoven fiber prices affects margin stability, especially for smaller regional players lacking scale.

• Limited awareness and inconsistent standards in developing markets: In several low-income regions, buyers continue to use outdated flat panel filters due to price concerns, despite long-term inefficiency and non-compliance risks.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 13.8 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 19.4 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Filter Type, By Media Material, By End-Use Industry, By Region
By Filter Type	Air Filters, Liquid Filters
By Media Material	Polyester, Polypropylene, Fiberglass, Cellulose, Others
By End-Use Industry	Commercial & Residential Buildings, Industrial Manufacturing, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, GCC Countries
Market Drivers	- Regulatory focus on indoor air quality - Rise in energy-efficient building retrofits - Expansion in clean manufacturing sectors
Customization Option	Available upon request