Study: Cleaning Chemicals Industry to Grow

In the wake of widespread reports about tainted food supplies and ever-emerging concerns about transmission of infectious diseases such as the H1N1 virus, world demand for industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning chemicals is projected to grow to more than $38 billion in 2013, according to Freedonia reports. In developing countries, gains will be prompted by overall increases in manufacturing activity, restaurant and hotel patronage, and buildings in need of janitorial services. As these markets develop further, advances will also be boosted by greater use of more specialized floor care products, and singlepurpose cleaners. In more developed markets, value gains will be promoted by the increasing presence of environmentally compatible formulations and better performing, multifunctional cleaners offering sanitizing and other benefits.

Food applications present greatest challenges, largest rewards
Many of the major users of I&I cleaning chemicals -- food and beverage processing plants, foodservice outlets and retail stores -- handle significant amounts of food, and must be acutely aware of food safety. Illnesses attributed to fresh produce (e.g., spinach, onions, tomatoes, chili peppers) and the commercial disruptions they have caused have heightened awareness of proper food handling techniques, including usage of effective general purpose cleaners, formulated disinfectants and dishwashing detergents, often including disinfectant active ingredients. Additionally, recurrent problems with E. coli and other pathogens in ground beef and other meat products will continue to boost demand for cleaning products.

Regulatory frameworks continue to influence market
Environmental and regulatory considerations are spurring technological development and changes in the cleaning chemical product mix. Consequently, products that present the greatest concern in terms of environmental and workplace safety, such as chlorine, alkalies and conventional solvents, will face increasing competition from quaternary ammonium compounds and plant-derived solvents that are perceived as less threatening to the environment and to users.

General cleaners, floor care products to remain top types
General purpose cleaners and floor care products will remain the largest product categories. However, demand for these products will be restrained by market maturity and intense competition for market share in developed markets such as the US, Western Europe and Japan. Nevertheless, favorable growth opportunities exist for multifunctional general purpose cleaning products with greater convenience and user safety. This will be especially true in China, India and smaller markets in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

Disinfectants, sanitizers to record most rapid growth
Disinfectants and sanitizers will record the most rapid growth, with gains well above average. Growth will be driven by concerns about the spread of infectious diseases in health care facilities, and risks associated with foodborne pathogens in food processing and food handling establishments. These same trends will also promote gains for hand cleansers, which are increasingly formulated with antibacterial agents.

Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study presents historical demand data (1998, 2003, 2008) plus forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by product, market, world region and for 43 countries. The study also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share and profiles 30 global industry competitors.