Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Market

Market Overview

The global alcohol-based disinfectant market was valued at USD 2.52 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 6.34 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.80% during the forecast period (2024–2032). Several key factors have contributed to the alcohol-based disinfectant market's recent growth. The growing awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare settings and households, has driven up demand for alcohol-based disinfectants. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated product demand, with consumers and businesses prioritizing cleanliness and sanitation, resulting in an increase in the use of alcohol-based disinfectants for infection prevention and control.

Alcohol-based disinfectants are solutions containing varying concentrations of alcohol (usually ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) that are used to kill microorganisms on surfaces or skin. These disinfectants are effective against an extensive range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi by denaturing their proteins and disrupting their cellular membranes, thus rendering them inactive. Typically used in healthcare settings, homes, and industries, alcohol-based disinfectants are valued for their rapid action and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

They are commonly found in gel, liquid, or wipe forms, with concentrations ranging from 60% to 95% alcohol content. Proper application involves applying enough solution to keep surfaces wet for the required contact time, typically around 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the specific pathogen targeted. Despite their effectiveness, alcohol-based disinfectants are flammable and should be stored and used with caution in well-ventilated areas. They play a crucial role in infection control practices, particularly during outbreaks and in settings where hygiene is critical.

Highlights

• Ethyl alcohol dominates the product type segment.
• Hospitals & Clinics dominate the end-user segment.
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing awareness of infection control and hygiene.

The growing awareness of infection control and hygiene has significantly boosted the Global Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Market. This trend, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscored the critical role of disinfection across various industries. According to the CDC, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause approximately 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone, highlighting the need for effective disinfectants in healthcare settings.

Additionally, the food and beverage industry has seen increased demand for alcohol-based disinfectants to meet stringent hygiene standards, with the global Food Safety Testing Market projected to reach $25.1 billion by 2025. The emphasis on personal hygiene and cleaner living environments has also spurred demand in residential and commercial settings. An American Cleaning Institute survey found that 72% of Americans are now more concerned with home cleaning and disinfection since the pandemic began. This heightened awareness is expected to drive the growth of the alcohol-based disinfectant market across diverse industries.

Market Restraint

Availability of alternatives

The availability of alternatives significantly restrains the growth of the Global Alcohol-Based Disinfectant Market. While alcohol-based disinfectants are effective and widely used, alternatives like quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants, and plant-based solutions are gaining traction. QACs, comprising about 25% of the global disinfectant market according to the NIH, are prevalent in healthcare, food processing, and residential settings due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and surface compatibility.

Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants, known for their efficacy against various pathogens and non-toxic, environmentally friendly properties, are increasingly favored in healthcare settings. Additionally, the rise of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions has spurred the development of plant-based disinfectants made from natural ingredients like essential oils and plant extracts. These alternatives, often marketed as safer and more environmentally friendly, pose a significant challenge to the growth of the alcohol-based disinfectant market.

Market Opportunities

Increasing demand for industrial and domestic disinfectants

The growing demand for industrial and domestic disinfectants is creating significant opportunities for the global alcohol-based disinfectant market. This demand is driven by increased awareness of hygiene and safety measures and the need for effective disinfection solutions across various industries. In the industrial sector, stringent regulations and guidelines necessitate maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment. Alcohol-based disinfectants are favored in healthcare, food and beverage, and manufacturing due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and quick pathogen-killing ability.

As per InterNACHI, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of effective disinfection practices, leading to a 25% increase in disinfectant use in commercial and industrial settings. In the domestic sector, heightened awareness of household hygiene has boosted disinfectant demand. Additionally, according to Statista, the global household cleaners market, valued at $38.5 billion in 2021, is expected to reach $50.8 billion by 2028, with disinfectants playing a significant role. Furthermore, Euromonitor International reported the rise of e-commerce has made alcohol-based disinfectants more accessible, with online sales of household cleaning products increasing by 32% in 2020.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America is the leading market shareholder in the global alcohol-based disinfectant market and is poised for significant expansion during the forecast period. This dominance is primarily attributed to the high concentration of key market players in developed countries such as the United States and Canada. Additionally, the supportive regulatory environment in North America has played a vital role in fostering market growth. In the region, the FDA regulates high-level disinfectants, while the EPA oversees disinfectants used on environmental surfaces, ensuring stringent safety and efficacy standards. Furthermore, the increased use of alcohol-based disinfectants across various industries, including healthcare, cosmetics, and personal care products, is a primary driver of market growth in North America. The healthcare sector, specifically, relies heavily on these disinfectants to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States reported between 9 million and 41 million flu cases annually from 2010 to 2020, resulting in 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 to 52,000 deaths annually. These statistics underscore the critical role of disinfectants in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Also, the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure and significant healthcare expenditures, accounting for approximately 18.5% of the U.S. GDP, further bolster market growth. Moreover, in addition to healthcare, the increased adoption of alcohol-based disinfectants in residential, commercial, and industrial settings is also contributing to the market's expansion. The trend towards greater hygiene and sanitation, combined with advancements in disinfectant formulations, positions North America as a pivotal region in the global alcohol-based disinfectant market.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market for alcohol-based disinfectants during the forecast period. This growth is driven by a surge in research and development activities, with numerous institutes in the region conducting new drug clinical trials. Additionally, rising urbanization and proactive government initiatives aimed at promoting cleanliness and infection prevention further bolster market expansion.

Several emerging economies within the Asia-Pacific region, including India, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, play a pivotal role in this growth trajectory. Notably, India's disinfectant market is ascending to become one of the top five revenue-generating markets in the alcohol-based disinfectant sector. The Indian government has implemented favorable measures, such as classifying product standards under Schedule 'O' and permitting specific colors under Rules 127 and Schedule Q of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. These initiatives create a supportive environment for market growth, enhancing the region's industrial landscape and driving the Asia-Pacific market to expand at an unprecedented rate.

Segmental Analysis

The global alcohol-based disinfectant market is bifurcated into product type and end-user.

Based on product type, the global alcohol-based disinfectant market is segmented into Methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol, and N-propyl alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol dominates the product type segment. This dominance can be attributed to the rising prevalence of diseases in all age groups, the increased use of ethyl alcohol in disinfectant preparation, and its ability to act as a virucidal agent against both hydrophilic and lipophilic viral agents. Ethyl alcohol has an extensive range of applications, including hand sanitizers, medical equipment, and surfaces. Its ability to kill microorganisms and viruses makes it an essential component in disinfectants. The growing awareness of hygiene and the need for effective disinfection solutions in a variety of industries, including healthcare and cosmetics, drives up demand for ethyl alcohol-based disinfectants.

Based on end-users, the global alcohol-based disinfectant market is segmented into Hospitals & Clinics, Households, Residential Washrooms, Industrial Bodies, and Research Labs.

Hospitals & Clinics dominate the end-user segment. This dominance can be attributed to hospitals and clinics' critical role in the healthcare system, where disinfection of medical equipment, facilities, and personnel is required to prevent the spread of infections. The hospitals and clinics segment has a strong market presence as a result of the increased number of clinical trials on humans to discover vaccines and other drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in an increase in demand for disinfectants in hospitals and clinics to prevent the virus from spreading further. Furthermore, regulatory bodies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are putting a greater emphasis on public health and regulating high-level disinfectants, which is driving demand in this segment.

Recent Developments

• July 2024- Ecolab has launched the disinfectant 1 wipe, which is the first EPA-approved wipe for hospital disinfection that is entirely free of plastic, easily degradable, and made exclusively from wood pulp fibers.
• April 2024- Neogen® Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) has recently introduced Neogen® Farm Fluid MAX in Great Britain and plans to make it accessible in other European markets, pending worldwide registrations and notifications. This disinfectant is specifically developed to be effective in difficult agricultural circumstances and is formulated to be used as part of the Neogen Pathogen Programme.