Pleated Filters Market Size, Share and Trends 2026 to 2035

Revenue, 2025

USD 13.48 Bn

Forecast Year, 2035

USD 20.70 Bn

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

3.97%

Report Coverage

Global

What is the Pleated Filters Market Size?

The global pleated filters market size was estimated at USD 13.48 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 14.03 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 20.70 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 3.97% from 2026 to 2035. The rising security concerns are driving the growth of the Rising pollution making improved air quality a pressing need in some areas.

Pleated Filters MarketKey Takeaways

• The global pleated filters market was valued at USD 13.48 billion in 2025.
• It is projected to reach USD 19.96 billion by 2035.
• The pleated filters market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2026 to 2035.
• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the major market share of 49% in 2025.
• Europe is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period.
• By product, the air filters segment has contributed the largest market share of 51% in 2025.
• By product, the food & beverage filters segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.42% over the forecast period.
• By application, the industrial segment has generated the maximum market share of 18% in 2025.
• By application, the electronics segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.92% between 2026 and 2035.

What is the Pleated Filter?

In today's fast-paced world, several industries are growing, and more people are buying personal vehicles. This is resulting in degrading air quality, and pure air has become a necessity. Recently, according to the Air Quality Index, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have been the top three countries in the list of countries that are polluted. The northern part of India has extremely polluted air, and most families and offices have to use air purifiers along with air conditioners.

A pleated filter is made up of a pleated cloth, meaning the cloth has a series of folds to increase the surface area. Because of an increased surface area, more dust particles can be trapped. A pleated filter is popularly used in air conditioners and air purifiers. Pleated filters are important for HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) devices to ensure that they work at maximum efficiency. Because the filters, fans, and coils in HVAC devices function smoothly else, there will be a lot of debris getting settled on the device, which might reduce the efficiency. Pleated filters are installed in an air duct or a furnace, and they trap dust particles, allergens, and other air pollutants that might cause respiratory problems or breathing discomfort.

It should be noted that not only industries and automobiles cause pollution, but some unhealthy farming practices are responsible for the same. For instance, the North Indian region has the most polluted air because of the Punjab farmers burning the straw stubble after harvesting. The airflow is such that the smoke gets concentrated in areas like Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, etc., and causes mass pollution in these areas. Sometimes, the air quality in these areas gets so bad that it goes beyond the air quality check meter. Several countries also set alerts in their nations, highlighting that traveling to India might be risky during the concerned time periods.

How is AI contributing to the Pleated Filters Industry?

Artificial intelligence improves pleated filters by making the best designs, conducting airflow simulations, foreseeing clogging through the use of sensors, allowing predictive maintenance, changing the filtration process based on needs, cutting energy consumption, reducing downtime, and indoor air quality increasing all over the world along with cost reductions in operation across the different types of HVAC systems in commercial, industrial, and residential areas.

Pleated Filters MarketGrowth Factors

• Rising pollution and increasing respiratory health issues demand the regular services of the pleated filters market. Rising pollution makes improved air quality a pressing need in some areas.
• Government guidelines and standards for the industries to reduce emissions and set a limit. These requirements drive the growth of the pleated filters market.
• Pleated filters are made up of cloth folded in series to trap dust particles. It is used in HVAC devices.

Pleated Filters Market Trends

• The increased awareness of air pollution is spearheading industry growth in the current period. The pleated filter has become an essential material in the development of air filters, car air systems, and HVAC systems in recent years. Also, several individuals are seen purchasing air cleaner systems in their homes nowadays.
• The heavy usage of pleated filters in large industries is driving market growth in recent years. As the large factories create dust and chemicals that need to be filtered for the excretion process, the pleated filter plays a major role in this process in the current situation. Also, the enlarged expansion of heavy industries in the developing region is
• The increasing demand for stronger and longer-lasting filters is contributing to the market growth in the current industry situation. The individuals are increasingly demanding a filter that doesn't need to be replaced early. Also, due to this type of demand, producers are increasingly promoting their products and launching innovative items to attract consumers' attention in recent years, as per the observation.

Market Outlook

• Industry Growth Overview: The regulations, industrial hygiene priorities, and HVAC upgrades are the key issues that constantly continue to make the adoption of pleated filters boom in all corners of the world.
• Sustainability Trends: The movement of utilizing greener materials, creating designs that can be recycled, and creating products that consume less energy is turning out to be the primary force behind the innovation strategy.
• Global Expansion: The combination of factors like urbanization and industrialization is the one that speeds up the demand for pleated filters in the new manufacturing economies.
• Major Investors (with Names): 3M, Parker Hannifin, Camfil, MANN+HUMMEL, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, and Jones Financial Companies LLP are key companies contrinuting in the growth of the market.

Pleated Filters Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising pollution and associated health concerns

There is a rise in the number of industries, and people are preferring to have private vehicles to commute. Hence, air quality is constantly degrading, and this is leading to respiratory disorders in people of all age groups. The health issues get even more serious for asthma patients. Hence it becomes important to have an air filter in some households. This contributed to the dynamics of the pleated filters market.

There are several benefits that drive the pleated filters market in a positive direction. Pleated filters have an increased surface area, which causes more dust particles to get trapped. The filters have a design that can trap extremely small particles present in the air, even of a size of 0.3 microns. This is particularly beneficial for those with pollen or dust allergies.

The filters can trap a large number of pollutants, and due to their high capacity, they need to be changed less frequently. As the filter designs kept improving, the modern filters lasted longer. A pleated filter might need to be changed every three months, but it also depends upon the dust content present in the air around the user. Pleated filters are available in a wide range, and different filters have their unique characteristics.

Awareness about environmental concerns

There is a rising awareness about the environment these days, and people are being cautious when it comes to the environment they are living in. There is a demand for fresh air in areas where pollution has crossed its limits, and it becomes a necessity, but not a luxury, to have an air filter. Social media, too, is adding to the growth of the pleated filters market. Several startups have their Instagram channels to promote their air filters through sponsorships. People are rating different air filters on YouTube so that they can make a proper decision when buying a pleated air filter.

Restraints

High costs

Pleated filters are a bit expensive compared to non-pleated filters. Although they are better than non-pleated filters, they consume a lot of energy and hence result in high electricity costs. Being expensive, someone living in a region with moderate or low pollution might not buy it. Also, high costs portray them as luxury and not a necessity in the eyes of middle-class people. One major problem with the pleated filters is that some types of filters are neither recyclable nor reusable. So, the only option is to discard them, which causes a lot of harm to the environment retarding the development of the pleated filters market.

Lack of durability

Pleated filters can capture fine dust, which means that it has extremely small pores, and a device, like an air conditioner, has to use more power to push the air. Additionally, after a few days of usage, these filters start accumulating dust, which further obstructs the airflow, resulting in increased power usage by the device to blow air. If such filters are used in areas with high pollution, they will be required to be replaced more frequently, resulting in more expenses. This can hinder the growth of the pleated filters market.

Opportunity

Growing research and development activities

A boosting pleated filters market opens opportunities for research and development in the field of air filtration. As mentioned before, some filters can't be reused or recycled, and hence, they need to be discarded. However, steps can be taken to develop eco-friendly solutions, and biodegradable filters can be produced. The pleated sheet filters will be used in the healthcare sector, like hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, as these areas need a very sterile environment to avoid infection or contamination. Other industries where contamination needs to be prevented include food industries and pharmaceuticals.

Segmant Insights

Product Type Insights

The air filters segment contributed to the highest revenue share in the pleated filters market in 2024 and is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. It will continue to grow, as it shows in its use in HVAC system devices. Industries, corporate offices, and several residences show its use, and hence, the demand will increase in the coming years.

The food & beverage filters segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The standard of living is improving, and people are earning good money to spend. The oil and gas segment will show substantial growth in the forecast period. There is an increasing demand for oil and gas filters because of the frequent replacement needed for these filters. Pleated filters have a high capacity for holding dirt; however, industrial uses demand frequent replacement.

Application Insights

The industrial segment generated the highest market share in the pleated filters market in 2024. Industries have become more aware of the bio-filtration, and this is boosting the market in a positive direction. The sales of eco-friendly pleated filters are increasing as more industries adopt environmentally friendly alternatives. The paints and coatings industry releases a lot of pollutants, and hence, these companies, too, will demand pleated filters to reduce the intensity of pollutants.

The electronics segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. This can be attributed to the advancements in air filtration techniques employed in the electronic industry. Power generation facilities need to employ sophisticated methods to ensure the safety of their workers and the environment against the emissions generated. Furthermore, strict regulatory protocols recommending frequent audits ensure the use of optimum quality materials with periodic upkeep.

Regional Insights

What is the Asia Pacific Pleated Filters Market Size?

The Asia Pacific pleated filters market size was estimated at USD 6.87 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass around USD 10.14 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 3.97% from 2026 to 2035.

Asia Pacific dominated the global pleated filters market in 2024and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the upcoming years. This is because citizens have started earning good incomes, and the standard of living has improved. Also, developing the electronics industry will boost the market.

China Pleated Filters Market Trends

China is the major force behind the growth in the Asia Pacific region due to widespread industrialization, building of urban infrastructure, and the biggest air pollution problem in the whole area. Moreover, the installation of HVAC systems is on the rise, and the manufacturing of electronics and pharmaceuticals is strong. It creates demand for high-efficiency pleated filters, especially in cleanrooms and controlled environments, which is the reason for the demand being the strongest in these areas.

Europe will show significant growth during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the region's strict standards to control emissions. Several industries that contribute to pollution, like the cement industry and the metal processing industry, are on the rise. This will increase the sales of the pleated filters market.

The UK Pleated Filters Market Trends

The UK market is experiencing moderate growth as demand for efficient air filtration solutions rises in commercial, healthcare, and industrial sectors, supported by heightened focus on indoor air quality and stricter clean-air compliance. The pleated segment remains a key component within the broader filtration market, particularly for HVAC retrofits and high-performance ventilation systems in buildings and data centers.

How Is North America Leading in The Pleated Filters Market?

North America is expected to grow at a notable rate during the forecast period. North America remains on top due to its strong indoor air quality focus, rigorous efficiency standards, modern infrastructure, and regular HVAC changes. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are constantly needing high-quality pleated filters, thus supporting a steady long-term demand for these products in both commercial and industrial sectors.

U.S. Pleated Filters Market Trends

The U.S. pleated filters market is growing at a remarkable rate, driven by IAQ regulations, energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, and smart filtration adoption. The extensive HVAC penetration guarantees steady replacements, while sensor-based monitoring and predictive maintenance are getting popular in commercial and industrial buildings.

Pleated Filters Market Companies

• 3M: Offers state-of-the-art pleated filter cartridges that provide very high flow rates, long life, and dependable performance in air and liquid filtration applications.
• Donaldson Company, Inc: Offers the whole spectrum of industrial pleated filtration solutions for air, gas, liquids, dust control, and sterile processing applications under its brand name.
• SUEZ: Provides a versatile range of pleated cartridges and housings for industrial water and liquid process filtration that support different requirements.

Other Major Key Players

• Honeywell International Inc.
• Siemens
• Freudenberg Filtration Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
• Parker Hannifin Corp

Rensa Filtration

• Product Launch: In 2024, The Rensa Filtration introduced their latest filter line of HEPA filters. Also, this filter is named as SuperFlo HEPA filter. Moreover, the filter is integrated with advanced technology called mini-pleat technology. This technology is likely to achieve low resistance to air at 250 RPM with high dust loading.

Avon Protection

• Product Launch – In 2025, Avon Protection unveiled its latest production of personal protective equipment. Also, the equipment is called the MITR–M1. Moreover, this is half mask for the military and special operations personnel. Furthermore, this mask has attached pleated elements which can provide around 99% filtration efficiency as per the company claim.

Greentech

• Launch: In 2023, Greentech launched their latest filterline. The filter is named filter + with ODOGard. Moreover, this filter has the capacity to eliminate odor at the molecular level.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product

• Air Filters
• Food & Beverage Filter
• Oil Filters
• Other Filters

By Application

• Industrial
• Paints & Coatings
• Chemicals & Petrochemicals
• Electronics
• Oil & Gas
• Power Generation
• Food & Beverages
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa