Mortuary Bags Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Raw Material (PVC, Polyethylene, Nylon, Polyester, Others), By Size (Adult Bags, Child/Infant Bags, Heavy Duty & Bariatric Bags), By End Use (Hospital and Morgue), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.94 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.96%
Fastest Growing Segment	Polyethylene
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.16 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Mortuary Bags Market will grow from USD 2.94 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.16 Billion by 2031 at a 5.96% CAGR. Mortuary bags are non-porous pouches designed for the dignified containment and secure transport of human remains. Typically manufactured from durable materials such as PVC, polyethylene, or nylon, these bags ensure hygiene by preventing leakage and protecting against contamination during storage or transit. The global market is primarily propelled by increasing mortality rates associated with aging populations and the rising prevalence of chronic ailments. Furthermore, the growing frequency of natural disasters necessitates efficient body management solutions, while evolving funeral practices also drive demand for specific transport logistics. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, in 2024, the cremation rate in the United States was projected to climb to 61.9%, reflecting a significant shift in industry requirements.

Despite the positive market trajectory, a significant challenge involves environmental concerns surrounding the disposal of synthetic materials. The majority of mortuary bags are produced from non-biodegradable plastics, which contributes to pollution and conflicts with the increasing regulatory focus on sustainability. Consequently, manufacturers face technical and financial hurdles in developing biodegradable alternatives that maintain the rigorous fluid containment and durability standards essential for safety, thereby impeding the rapid adoption of eco-friendly solutions.

Key Market Drivers

The rapidly aging global population and associated mortality rates act as the primary catalyst for the mortuary bags market, creating a sustained, high-volume demand for dignified human remains containment. As geriatric demographics expand worldwide, the natural escalation in death rates directly correlates with the requirement for cadaver pouches in hospitals, nursing homes, and funeral service providers. This trend is most visible in major economies with shifting age structures, where higher mortality figures necessitate robust procurement of standard and heavy-duty transport bags. For instance, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, January 2025, the country recorded 10.93 million deaths in 2024, underscoring the massive scale of essential consumable requirements in high-population regions. Similarly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2025, provisional data indicates that 3,072,039 deaths occurred in the United States in 2024, further validating the steady baseline demand driven by demographic shifts.

Strategic stockpiling for pandemic preparedness and infectious disease control has also emerged as a critical driver, compelling governments and health organizations to maintain surplus inventories of biohazard-grade mortuary bags. The threat of transmissible pathogens requires specialized containment solutions that prevent leakage and cross-contamination, prompting authorities to secure supplies ahead of potential outbreaks. This necessity is highlighted by recent epidemiological challenges where rapid containment was vital for public safety. According to the World Health Organization, August 2025, in the 'Dengue - Global Situation' report, a historic high of over 12,000 dengue-related deaths were reported globally in 2024 alongside 14.6 million cases, reinforcing the urgent need for infection-control compliant body bags to manage deceased patients safely during sanitary crises.

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Key Market Challenges

Environmental sustainability concerns regarding the disposal of synthetic materials present a substantial barrier to the growth of the mortuary bag market. The sector relies heavily on non-biodegradable polymers like PVC to ensure the necessary fluid retention and durability during transport. However, strict environmental regulations now increasingly penalize the use of single-use plastics, creating a conflict between compliance and functional safety. Manufacturers face significant technical and financial hurdles in engineering biodegradable alternatives that can withstand rigorous usage without compromising hygiene standards, which delays product innovation and limits inventory diversification.

This friction is exacerbated by the funeral industry's broader shift toward eco-conscious practices, which reduces the long-term viability of traditional containment solutions. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, in 2024, 60% of consumers expressed an interest in green funeral options, indicating a strong market pivot against non-degradable materials. This demand forces suppliers to allocate resources toward costly research rather than volume expansion. Consequently, the inability to swiftly replace synthetic inventory with cost-effective, eco-friendly equivalents impedes market momentum and complicates supply chain dynamics.

Key Market Trends

The development of heavy-duty reinforced bags for bariatric care is rapidly becoming a primary market focus, driven by the shifting physiological profile of the global population. Manufacturers are engineering specialized containment solutions featuring reinforced handles, high-tensile fabrics, and wider dimensions to safely manage cadavers exceeding standard weight limits. This product evolution is a direct response to the escalating prevalence of obesity, which necessitates robust logistical support to prevent structural failure during transport. According to the World Obesity Federation, March 2024, in the 'World Obesity Atlas 2024', the number of adults living with obesity globally is projected to rise to 1.53 billion by 2035, highlighting the critical urgency for bariatric-grade inventory in hospital and mortuary procurement strategies.

Simultaneously, there is a marked shift towards the use of PVC-free and chlorine-free polymers, specifically to ensure safety and operational efficiency during cremation processes. Unlike traditional vinyl pouches, chlorine-free materials such as polyethylene and PEVA prevent the release of corrosive gases that damage filtration systems and emit toxic dioxins when combusted. This technical requirement is increasingly prioritized in regions with high cremation densities, where equipment longevity and emission compliance are strictly regulated. For instance, the Cremation Society of Great Britain, 2024, reported that the cremation rate in the United Kingdom reached 80.64% in 2023, illustrating a market environment where compatible, non-chlorinated consumables are essential for maintaining the operational integrity of funeral service infrastructure.

Segmental Insights

The Polyethylene segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the global mortuary bags market, driven largely by stricter environmental regulations regarding safe disposal. Unlike Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene allows for cleaner combustion during cremation, significantly reducing the release of toxic emissions. This compliance with air quality standards monitored by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency encourages widespread adoption by funeral homes and hospitals. Furthermore, the material maintains essential durability and leak protection while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional options, making it the preferred solution for institutions seeking to meet modern safety and environmental requirements.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the global mortuary bags market, driven by stringent safety protocols and a well-developed healthcare infrastructure. The regional dominance is supported by rigorous guidelines from organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which mandate the proper containment of biohazards during the handling of deceased remains. This regulatory environment compels hospitals and funeral services to maintain high standards of infection control. Additionally, the presence of established medical waste management systems further sustains the consistent demand for reliable containment solutions across the United States and Canada.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Matthews Memorialization, a division of Matthews International, completed the acquisition of The Dodge Company for $57 million. The acquired entity is a well-recognized supplier of embalming chemicals and a wide variety of mortuary supplies, including body bags and preparation room essentials. This transaction was executed to unify two legacy brands under one strategic umbrella, thereby creating a single-source provider for funeral homes and cemeteries across North America. The acquisition allowed the parent company to integrate a broad spectrum of preservation products with its existing memorialization and cremation equipment, streamlining the supply chain for death care providers.
• In April 2025, Ferno, a global leader in emergency and mortuary transport solutions, unveiled a next-generation powered patient transport system at the FDIC International exhibition. The launch introduced a new fastening system and an advanced ambulance cot, both engineered to enhance stability and reduce physical strain on operators during transport. A significant feature of this development was the integration of cross-compatibility technology, which allowed the new units to function seamlessly with equipment from other major manufacturers. This product release represented a focused effort by the company to improve safety standards and operational efficiency for emergency responders and death care professionals handling remains.
• In November 2024, Hygeco, a prominent European provider of post-mortem solutions and mortuary equipment, expanded its operational footprint by acquiring the UK-based LRT Group. This strategic consolidation combined the company’s extensive catalog of body transportation and laboratory equipment with the acquired firm’s established manufacturing capabilities in funeral products. The move was designed to strengthen the organization's direct presence across key markets, including France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Through this acquisition, the company aimed to deliver a more comprehensive suite of turnkey solutions, ranging from cold storage installation to essential consumables, to its diverse international client base.
• In January 2024, Mopec, a leading manufacturer in the pathology and mortuary supply industry, announced a strategic distribution partnership with Nano Surgical to enhance its portfolio of anatomical instruments. This collaboration designated the company as the exclusive master distributor of a new line of illuminated scalpel handles intended for the pathology and laboratory markets. The initiative aimed to integrate advanced lighting technology directly into dissection tools, thereby improving visibility and precision for professionals during complex procedures. By securing this agreement, the organization sought to address critical safety needs and expand its range of specialized equipment available to forensic and mortuary facilities.

Key Market Players

• Roftek Ltd
• Neogen Corporation
• Medilivescare Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.
• Mopec Group
• Peerless Plastics, Inc.
• Classic Plastics Corporation
• Auden Funeral Supplies Limited
• Vezzani S.p.A.
• Polcreative Group
• Extra Packaging LLC

By Raw Material	By Size	By End Use	By Region
PVC Polyethylene Nylon Polyester Others	Adult Bags Child/Infant Bags Heavy Duty & Bariatric Bags	Hospital and Morgue	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Mortuary Bags Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Mortuary Bags Market , By Raw Material:

• PVC
• Polyethylene
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Others

• Mortuary Bags Market , By Size:

• Adult Bags
• Child/Infant Bags
• Heavy Duty & Bariatric Bags

• Mortuary Bags Market , By End Use:

• Hospital and Morgue

• Mortuary Bags Market , By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE