Industry: Healthcare
Published Date: January-2025
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Number of Pages: 190
Report ID: PMRREP35044
The global surface disinfectant market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. It is anticipated to increase from US$ 4.3 Bn recorded in 2024 to a US$ 8.2 Bn by 2031.
The market is expanding notably, driven by its wide range of applications across sectors such as healthcare facilities, residential spaces, commercial and institutional establishments. The global demand for disinfectants has surged due to the growing focus on hygiene, particularly in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities where the risk of infection is high.
The rise in medical costs, which hit a historic high in 2023, further emphasizes the importance of hygiene in disease prevention, creating significant opportunities for the market. The increased awareness of the link between hygiene and public health has made disinfectant products critical in preventing infections in public spaces, government facilities, and retail sectors.
The global focus on improving hygiene practices is a significant driver for the surface disinfectant market. According to the World Bank, 2 billion people lacked basic hygiene services in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for better sanitation.
Improved hand hygiene alone could prevent 165,000 deaths from diarrhea and 370,000 deaths from acute respiratory infections annually. This drive for better public health is supported by ongoing advancements in disinfectant formulations and technologies that cater to both consumer and industrial needs.
The market is increasingly adopting eco-friendly disinfectants and concentrated cleaning solutions, responding to the demand for sustainable and cost-effective options. the rise in automation in industrial and healthcare settings, alongside regulatory backing for hygiene practices, is expected to further drive market expansion.
Key Highlights of the Market
Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
Surface Disinfectant Market Size (2024E) |
US$ 4.3 Bn |
Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$ 8.2 Bn |
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031) |
9.5% |
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023) |
8.8% |
North America’s market is projected to expand at a 6.8% CAGR during the forecast period, driven by stringent regulatory frameworks and high consumer awareness. The U.S. leads the market, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) setting rigorous efficacy standards for disinfectants.
Regulations have spurred innovation, with companies like Clorox developing products to combat emerging threats, such as SARS-CoV-2 variants. For instance, on April 9, 2021, Clorox announced that its disinfecting products were effective against key variants, reinforcing consumer trust in U.S.-made solutions.
North America market benefits from continuous innovation and strategic investments by leading companies. Public health campaigns and heightened awareness around cleanliness in healthcare facilities, public spaces, and homes have accelerated the adoption of advanced disinfectants.
Companies like Clorox have set benchmarks in efficacy, driving demand and positioning the region as a leader in surface disinfection solutions.
South Asia & Oceania is witnessing remarkable growth in surface disinfectants, with an anticipated a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period. The region's healthcare industry, exemplified by India, plays a pivotal role.
India's healthcare market is projected to grow from US$ 110 billion in 2016 to US$ 638 billion by 2025, employing 7.5 million workers as of 2024. Increased public healthcare spending, rising to 2.1% of GDP in FY23, underscores the growing need for disinfectants to maintain stringent hygiene and infection control standards across healthcare facilities.
The manufacturing sector across South Asia & Oceania, accounting for a substantial share of GDP, is a key driver for the market. India alone contributes approximately 17% of its GDP through manufacturing, with projections to reach US$ 1 trillion in 2026.
Initiatives like "Make in India" and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have catalyzed industrial growth, attracting significant foreign investments and enhancing infrastructure. This expansion prioritizes workplace hygiene and safety, further driving the demand for surface disinfectants.
The robust industrial and healthcare developments in South Asia & Oceania position the region as one of the fastest-growing markets for surface disinfectants globally. The rising focus on infrastructure development, workplace safety, and public health investments underpins the projected CAGR, cementing the region’s growing prominence in this segment.
Based on product type, liquid surface disinfectants hold the significant market share of 44.7%, driven by their widespread application across healthcare, residential, and commercial settings. These products offer high versatility, effective coverage, and ease of use, making them a preferred choice for disinfecting large surfaces, high-touch areas, and various environments.
The increasing focus on hygiene and stringent disinfection protocols in hospitals and public spaces continues to drive demand for liquid formulations. This product type is expected to lead the market, capturing a CAGR of around 7.8% over the forecast period.
This growth is attributed to their efficacy in combating pathogens and adaptability to various disinfection needs, further bolstered by the ongoing demand for effective hygiene solutions in response to infectious disease outbreaks.
The healthcare sector holds the highest market share in the market due to its critical need for stringent infection control and hygiene standards. The COVID-19 crisis amplified the importance of disinfection practices, leading to increased demand for surface disinfectants in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
The sector continues to require substantial investments to manage ongoing medical needs, deferred care, and emerging health risks despite macroeconomic challenges and constrained public spending on healthcare in recent years. The necessity to combat infectious diseases, prevent hospital-acquired infections, and maintain sterile environments drives strong demand for disinfectant products.
In response to evolving healthcare needs and challenges, the sector remains a primary driver of disinfectant usage globally. The growth is further supported by increasing investments in medical technologies, aging populations, and the persistent burden of COVID-19-related care.
The healthcare sector is expected to continue leading the market, capturing a significant CAGR of approximately 8.3% over the forecast period, underscoring its critical role in driving demand for effective disinfectant solutions.
The surface disinfectants market is currently experiencing several key trends. One key trend is the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. Manufacturers are introducing disinfectants that not only kill harmful pathogens but are also safe for human health and the environment. This includes the development of formulations with biodegradable ingredients and packaging that reduces plastic use.
The demand for ready-to-use disinfecting wipes and sprays is also on the rise, driven by their convenience, especially in commercial and healthcare settings. Another important trend is the rise in demand for multi-surface and hospital-grade disinfectants.
Disinfectants can be used across various surfaces, including sensitive materials and electronics, are gaining popularity with the growing emphasis on maintaining high hygiene standards in hospitals, schools, and workplaces.
The introduction of more concentrated, highly effective products with long-lasting results is catering to both efficiency and environmental sustainability. Manufacturers are focusing on launching versatile products that can address a wide range of microbial threats, which is expected to continue driving market growth.
The global surface disinfectant market recorded a CAGR of 8.8% from 2019 to 2023, driven by the surge in demand for infection control products due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key drivers included increased awareness about hygiene, rising healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and the need for cleaning solutions in high-risk areas such as hospitals and public spaces.
Technological advancements, such as fast acting formulations and eco-friendly products, further propelled market growth. Sales are estimated to expand at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2024 to 2031. The anticipated growth is supported by the ongoing focus on healthcare hygiene, government regulations mandating the use of disinfectants in critical areas, and an increasing global concern over infectious diseases.
Innovations in non-toxic, multi-surface, and sustainable cleaning solutions are expected to fuel demand, creating opportunities for market expansion across both developed and emerging economies.
Launch of New Disinfectant Solutions
Innovative product launches are a key driver for the surface disinfectant market, enhancing market share through tailored solutions for evolving consumer needs. STERIS expanded its offerings with Vesta-Syde SQ 64 st Ready-to-Use Disinfectant Wipes, ideal for cleanroom applications.
The innovative internal pouch system ensures saturation and stability, providing a reliable, low-linting option for microbial control in critical environments. Similarly, SC Johnson Professional®'s launch of a squeeze-and-pour Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner simplifies use, improving efficiency and enabling easy measuring for users.
Recent developments also emphasize versatility and sustainability. For example, Pine-Sol’s introduction of concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaners with enhanced formulas delivers powerful cleaning while reducing plastic waste and shipment weight.
EcoClean™ platform provides eco-friendly disinfectants, aligning with rising demand for sustainable and health-conscious solutions. Such strategic launches enable companies to cater to diverse market needs, strengthening their competitive positions while promoting health, efficiency, and sustainability.
Expanding Product Offerings Remain a Key Driver
Expansion through strategic acquisitions significantly boosts a company’s ability to diversify its offerings and increase its global reach, thereby driving growth. For instance, by acquiring the surgical instrumentation and sterilization container assets from a major healthcare player, STERIS enhanced its portfolio, enabling the company to offer more advanced infection prevention solutions. This strengthens the company's position within the healthcare sector, allowing it to better serve customers with comprehensive and effective disinfection solutions.
The acquisition of Cantel Medical expanded the company’s footprint in critical sectors such as endoscopy, dialysis, and dental, broadening its product range and enhancing its service capabilities. These strategic expansions enable the company to tap into new customer bases while ensuring that its offerings meet the diverse needs of the healthcare industry.
With increased global reach, these acquisitions help the company address demand across various regions, positioning the company for sustained market growth.
Health Risks and Consumer Skepticism About Overuse of Disinfectants
There are growing concerns about the overuse of chemical-based products and their potential health risks despite the widespread use of disinfectants. Long-term exposure to some disinfectants can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health concerns, especially in high-use environments like hospitals and schools.
There is also a risk of antimicrobial resistance, where the overuse of certain disinfectants could contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. These health risks are leading to increased consumer skepticism and a demand for safer, non-toxic alternatives. As a result, manufacturers must balance the efficacy of their products with safety and sustainability concerns to maintain consumer trust and demand.
Collaborations Fueling Innovation and Growth
Collaboration between industry leaders and key players are significantly driving innovation and growth opportunities in the market. Strategic partnerships allow companies to leverage each other’s strengths, whether in terms of technology, research, or market reach. For instance,
The collaboration between Solvay and Metrex on February 17, 2021, demonstrated the compatibility of Solvay's advanced healthcare polymers with Metrex’s CaviWipes™ 2.0 disinfectant.
Study revealed how these polymers resist the harsh chemicals used in disinfectants, improving product durability and performance in healthcare settings. Such partnerships result in the development of highly effective, durable disinfectant products that meet the rigorous demands of critical environments like hospitals.
Collaborations can extend beyond product development into community-focused initiatives, amplifying a company's reputation and market presence. The partnership between GOJO Industries and Lubrizol, to donate over 16,000 liters of PURELL® Hand Sanitizer to hospitals, exemplifies how joint efforts can provide substantial public health benefits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation helped local hospitals maintain hygiene standards, reinforcing both companies' commitments to public health.
Different kinds of initiatives not only help build brand trust but also open market opportunities by aligning with community needs and sustainability goals despite the widespread use of disinfectants. Such collaborations, aimed at addressing global challenges, continue to drive consumer demand and strengthen the position of disinfectant brands in the market.
Tailored Disinfecting Solutions
The market continues to experience strong growth driven by the introduction of innovative products tailored to meet the evolving needs of various sectors. Companies like PDI and GOJO Industries are at the forefront of this trend, launching new solutions that enhance infection control and address specific challenges. For instance,
PDI’s launch of the Sani-Cloth Bleach Clinical Size Wipe, offered a targeted solution for cleaning smaller medical equipment at testing sites. These wipes, which effectively deactivate 50 different microorganisms, including SARS-CoV-2, are designed for healthcare environments where minimizing waste and maintaining high efficacy are critical.
The small size and effective formulation ensure that healthcare providers can efficiently combat infections without excess waste, contributing to sustainable infection prevention practices. GOJO Industries expanded its footprint by launching the PURELL® Professional Multi-Surface Sanitizing and Disinfecting line in Canada. This launch caters specifically to the foodservice and professional sectors, offering versatile cleaning solutions under the trusted PURELL® brand, known for its hand hygiene products.
The product's introduction to the Canadian market reflects the growing demand for efficient, reliable disinfectants in commercial environments. GOJO’s collaboration with Lubrizol to donate over 16,000 liters of PURELL® Hand Sanitizer to local hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It showcases how companies are leveraging their product portfolios to provide critical support to healthcare facilities in times of crisis.
Initiatives strengthen brand loyalty and trust while simultaneously responding to global health challenges. These product developments highlight how key players in the market are innovating to meet diverse needs, from healthcare to public spaces, and positioning themselves as leaders in infection prevention.
The global market is highly fragmented, with numerous manufacturers competing across various sectors, including healthcare, foodservice, and industrial applications. Key players are focusing on innovation, launching products with enhanced efficacy against emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, and catering to specific environmental needs such as healthcare and cleanroom settings.
Companies like PDI, GOJO, and SC Johnson are leveraging both product development and strategic collaborations to expand their portfolios and meet the increasing demand for disinfectants.
The market is characterized by intense competition among regional and global players, with many adopting cost-effective solutions and green product offerings to address growing concerns about sustainability. The fragmentation arises from the wide range of applications, regulatory variations across regions, and the increasing entry of new players in various sub-segments.
Recent Industry Developments
Attributes |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Bn for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
|
Key Market Segments Covered |
|
Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
|
Report Coverage |
|
Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Product Type
By Composition
By Application
End Use
By Region
To know more about delivery timeline for this report Contact Sales
The market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.5% through 2031.
Liquid surface disinfectants are expected to showcase a CAGR of 7.8% attributed to their superior performance characteristics.
The U.S. is estimated to dominate the market with a CAGR of 6.6% through 2031.
The top manufacturers in the market include STERIS plc, The Clorox Company, and SC Johnson Professional.