The global surface disinfectant market size was valued at USD 5.1 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2022 to 2030. The growth is attributed to several factors, such as lifestyle changes in developing economies, rising awareness about animal diseases among livestock farmers, and increasing demand for disinfectants for use in livestock farms. There has been a significant decline in demand for raw materials and active ingredients due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of multiple production hubs and factories globally. Multiple plants have been running at reduced rates or even shut down, which resulted in a supply-demand gap. However, a rise in demand for cleaning products, sanitizers, and disinfectants is expected to have a positive impact on the market growth.
The raw materials used in the production of surface disinfectants are primarily the by-products of the petroleum sector. Local manufacturers in the developed economies of Europe, North America, and China mainly source these raw material ingredients. Recently, the industry observed a shift in the trend toward the usage of biodegradable surface disinfectants for preventing chemical-related toxicity. The raw materials required for biodegradable surface disinfectants are cheaper and easily available. Surface disinfectants have witnessed a low to moderate rise in prices; however, the sudden upsurge in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in supply shortages, which further led to a rise in prices in the year 2020 and the impact might last at least till the first half of 2021.
The stringent regulatory norms for disinfection in commercial, industrial, and institutional spaces have boosted the product demand. Surface disinfectants have various chemical substances, which, when used as per guidelines yield magnificent results. They help in preventing the transmission and occurrence of various diseases. However, these can be harmful to humans and animals and ultimately lead to environmental problems. Incomplete knowledge regarding the proper use of surface disinfectants and the health hazards associated with these products can pose a potential threat to market growth.
The chemical composition segment dominated the global market with a high revenue share of more than 91.5% in 2021 and is estimated to continue being the dominant segment over the forecast years. This is attributed to the rising utilization of hydrogen peroxide in industries, such as food packaging, and in hospitals to disinfect various surfaces. Also, the rising utilization of quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as alcohols, is anticipated to have a positive impact on the market growth. Chemical surface disinfectants are primarily classified into two types, oxidizing and non-oxidizing. Non-oxidizing disinfectants comprise aldehydes, amphoteric phenolics, alcohol, and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs).
These disinfectants are majorly segmented into three types, namely, low level (QAC, Phenolic), intermediate level (iodine, alcohols, iodophor, hypochlorites), and high-level (ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde) disinfectants. Biobased surface disinfectants are viewed as alternatives to their chemical counterparts owing to their non-toxic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly characteristics. The FDA approval to use biobased products in formulations of surface disinfectants is expected to create huge growth opportunities for market participants. Also, the increasing application scope of biobased surface disinfectants along with the high potential to replace chemical counterparts at economical levels is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for the existing as well as new market participants.
Based on forms, the global market has been further divided into liquid, wipes, and sprays. The liquid form segment dominated the global market with a high revenue share of more than 64.00% in 2021. This high share is attributed to a wide scope of application of liquids in the industrial as well as the household sector for kitchen fixtures, glazed ceramic tile, windows, plastics, exterior surfaces of applications, vinyl, and glass. These surface disinfectants can be in liquid and/or gel form with minimum viscosity. Liquid disinfectants are toxic antimicrobial or biocidal, strong chemicals that can be used on contaminated surfaces. Biobased surface disinfectants are generally used in liquid form.
Sodium hypochlorite is one of the commonly used liquid disinfectants in the livestock industry. It is an aqueous solution, which is not affected by water hardness. Such liquid disinfectants are used to omit the risk of several diseases as well as treat livestock infections. Wipes are moistened pieces of plastic or cloth. The wipes segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate on account of their minimum probabilities of cross-contamination, convenience, and nil water consumption. Wipes are used for disinfecting equipment, especially in hospitals, where the use of liquids and sprays is not feasible.
Based on applications, the global market has been further segmented into in-house, instruments, and others. The in-house application segment dominated the global market in 2021 and accounted for the largest share of more than 68.00% of the global revenue. The segment is estimated to retain the leading position throughout the forecast period growing at the fastest CAGR. Its high share is attributed to the sharp increase in the product demand for regular cleaning activities and disinfecting the interiors of houses, especially after the ongoing pandemic situation. In-house surfaces application includes industrial, commercial, and household surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has imposed some regulations and recommendations for the disinfecting and cleaning processes to be followed. This process does not necessarily kill or clean all germs but lowers the risk of spreading diseases and infections caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Other applications of surface disinfectants include transportation and outdoor disinfection. The product demand for these applications has increased significantly over the past few years. Chemical-based surface disinfectants are most likely to dominate the market as they are easy to apply, economical, and widely available.
The Hotel/Restaurants/Cafes (HORECA) end-use segment dominated the global market with a revenue share of more than 20% in 2021. The segment will retain its dominant market position growing at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The high share of the segment is attributed to the growing need to sanitize and disinfect the common areas, swimming pools, bedrooms, lobbies, etc. to maintain the hygiene in these areas. Hospitals are also among the important end-users as they are the most vulnerable to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Regular and periodic disinfection of equipment, surfaces, and PPE kits is a top priority in hospitals and this acts as a major growth-diving factor for the segment. Air travel plays a crucial role in spreading infectious diseases. A lot of passengers from all over the globe coming together in an enclosed area with comparatively high contact rates leads to more risk of infections. An infected person can easily spread the pathogens to co-passengers and airport staff through luggage, direct contact, and by touching several places at the airport. Thus, airports need to be disinfected by spraying disinfectants at common places, airport lounges, jet bridges, and gates.
North America dominated the global market with a revenue share of more than 33.5% in 2021. This is attributed to the number of approvals by the regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada, to use these disinfectant products in their own countries. In North America, the ever-evolving regulations, healthcare spending, awareness regarding health & hygiene, and increased R&D activities among surface disinfectant formulators, raw material manufacturers, and end-users have driven the market growth in the past few years. The market in Europe has witnessed a surge in demand amid the pandemic. Many big international companies are constantly expanding their presence by setting up multiple production and manufacturing facilities in the region to meet the rising demand and serve the healthcare facilities locally.
Technological and R&D advancements, in terms of production technologies, have further advanced the market in the region. The product consumption in the region is highly benefitted from its rising demand, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The availability of cost-effective active ingredients has accelerated the market growth at a domestic as well as international level. Asia Pacific is estimated to register the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. China is expected to be the prominent shareholder in the market over the forecast period. Japan is also expected to witness significant market growth owing to its stricter hygiene standards. A growing population, with a higher level of health and hygiene awareness, is expected to drive the market growth in India.
The competitive landscape of the market is highly fragmented due to the presence of various multinationals trying to fulfill the high demand from a large base of end-users and customers. Key companies are focusing on adopting new marketing strategies and are using advanced technologies to strengthen their customer base. Manufacturers are focused on managing and optimizing supply efficiency and being competitive in the market by enhancing their productivity, and operational efficiency, and reducing lead time. Increasing awareness among consumers about the toxicity of chemical-based products, coupled with the increasing disposable incomes of the majority of the population in the developed economies, has forced several manufacturers to produce biobased surface disinfectants. Some prominent players in the global surface disinfectant market include:
PDI, Inc.
GOJO Industries, Inc.
W.M. Barr
Spartan Chemical Company, Inc.
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Carenowmedical
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
PaxChem Ltd.
BODE Chemie GmbH
Star Brands Ltd.
The 3M Company
Ecolab
Procter & Gamble
The Clorox Company
Whiteley Corp.
Lonza
SC Johnson Professional
BASF SE
Evonik Industries AG
Kimberley-Clark Corporation (KCWW)
Medline Industries, Inc.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2022 |
USD 5.4 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 9.5 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2021 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2020 |
Forecast period |
2022 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, volume in tons, and CAGR from 2022 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, volume forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Composition, form, application, end-use, region |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; Germany; U.K.; France; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; GCC Countries; South Africa |
Key companies profiled |
PDI, Inc.; GOJO Industries, Inc.; W.M. Barr; Spartan Chemical Company, Inc.; W.W. Grainger, Inc.; Carenowmedical; Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC; PaxChem Ltd.; BODE Chemie GmbH; Star Brands Ltd.; The 3M Company; Ecolab; Procter & Gamble; The Clorox Company; Whiteley Corp.; Lonza; SC Johnson Professional; BASF SE; Evonik Industries AG; Kimberley-Clark Corp. (KCWW); Medline Industries, Inc. |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global surface disinfectant market report based on composition, form, application, end-use, and region:
Composition Outlook (Volume, Tons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Chemical
Alcohol
Ammonium Compounds
Oxidizing Agents
Phenolics
Aldehydes
Others
Biobased
Form Outlook (Volume, Tons, Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Liquid
Wipes
Sprays
Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
In House
Instruments
Others
End-use Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Hospitals
Laboratories
Households
Hotel/Restaurants/Cafes (HORECA)
Educational Institutes
Malls
Railways
Airports
Food Processing Industries
Others
Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
Germany
U.K.
France
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
GCC Countries
South Africa
b. The global surface disinfectant market size was estimated at USD 5.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 5.4 billion in 2022.
b. The global surface disinfectant market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD 9.5 billion by 2030.
b. The chemical product type segment dominated the global surface disinfectant market with a revenue share of 91.88% in 2021.
b. The liquid form segment led the global surface disinfectant market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 64.39% in 2021.
b. The in-house application segment dominated the global surface disinfectant market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 20.39% in 2021.
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The ongoing pandemic and consequent protocols that have been purposed to address public health and safety concerns have led to a rise in demand for disinfectant chemicals. Companies across the globe are ramping up their production to facilitate the sudden spike in demand from healthcare organizations, food retail, municipal departments and households alike. The report will account for Covid19 as a key market contributor.
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