According to a new study published by global growth consulting company Frost & Sullivan, the Western European personal protective equipment (PPE) market experienced an upward change in 2006, earning revenues of €7,800 million.

"2006 was a very successful year for the PPE industry in Western Europe," stated research analyst Paula Connor. "Manufacturers benefited from a time of stability and used that as a springboard to move into new territories such as Eastern Europe."

Despite the continuing shift of heavy manufacturing from Western Europe, the workers who remain are well-paid and highly valued and, as a result, employers are beginning to spend more to ensure worker comfort and safety. However, the demand for low cost products imported from Asia remains high. "The cheapest products available in the PPE market are of very poor quality, but are still in demand," observed Ms Connor. "Many people realise that the health and safety of workers is exceedingly important, but even in 2006, others see price as their first priority."

Frost and Sullivan’s Annual Review of the Western European PPE Market, 2006 is part of the Chemicals & Materials Subscription which also includes research on the Polish Markets for PPE, Western European Markets for Above the Neck Protective Equipment and Western European Markets for Protective Clothing.