Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become the main talking point due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the pandemic radically shifted the focus of PPE's manufacturing, procuring, and use.

Today, as the PPE industry struggles with pricing pressures, growing inflation, and global economic uncertainties, winners will offer strategic product differentiation through multi-hazard protection PPE, differentiated service offerings via PPE vending machines, and growing interest in private labels. The future competitive landscape will be driven by increasing mergers and acquisitions, changing workplaces, shifting from non-renewable to renewable energy production, and evolving training modules. 

Even with all these changes, at its core, the PPE industry exists to enhance worker safety, productivity, and return on investment (ROI). All three of these aims will see a continued drive for connectivity in 2023. Other major trends will include enhancing sustainability and increasing the reshoring of healthcare and industrial manufacturing capabilities. 

The future of the workforce also determines the future of PPE. With the growing participation of Gen Z workers and the growing women's workforce, their PPE needs will offer unique growth opportunities.