Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market

Market Overview

The global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market size was valued at USD 12.32 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 16.35 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, there has been a rise in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) within healthcare facilities. Thus, they are increasingly adopting stringent infection control measures, thereby driving the demand for CHG cloth. The surging number of surgical procedures worldwide, coupled with the need for adequate preoperative skin preparation, is also fueling the demand for CHG cloth. Moreover, several scientists have increased their research efforts on CHG clothes and their effectiveness in surgeries, which is estimated to create opportunities for chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market growth.

Chlorhexidine gluconate cloth is a medical-grade fabric infused with chlorhexidine gluconate, a chemical compound known for its powerful antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in healthcare settings for patient preoperative skin preparation, wound cleansing, and general surface disinfection. Chlorhexidine gluconate disrupts the cell membranes of microorganisms, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact.

The cloth format provides a convenient and effective means of delivering the chlorhexidine solution to targeted areas, ensuring thorough disinfection without additional liquids or messy applications. Its broad-spectrum activity and residual effects make it a preferred choice in infection control protocols. However, following proper usage guidelines and precautions is essential to avoid skin irritation or other negative reactions.

Highlights

• North America is estimated to be the largest market shareholder

Market Dynamics

Global Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market Drivers:

Growing Emphasis on Infection Control

The growing emphasis on infection control significantly propels the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market forward. Healthcare facilities worldwide are increasingly prioritizing stringent infection prevention measures to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) during hospitalization is 7% in high-income nations and 15% in low- and middle-income countries. On average, one out of every ten infected individuals experience mortality as a result of HAIs.

Consequently, with rising prevalence and awareness of the economic and clinical burden associated with HAIs, hospitals, and other healthcare settings are actively seeking effective solutions like CHG cloths for preoperative skin preparation and catheter site care. This emphasis on infection control aligns with regulatory mandates and quality improvement initiatives, driving the demand for CHG cloths as a crucial component of comprehensive infection prevention strategies.

Rising Surgical Procedures

The soaring number of surgical procedures globally is a key driver fueling the demand for chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloths. The September 2020 research study "Estimation of the National Surgical Needs in India by Enumerating the Surgical Procedures in an Urban Community Under Universal Health Coverage" found that approximately 11% of the worldwide disease burden necessitates surgical or anesthetic treatment.

As surgical interventions become more commonplace for various medical conditions, there is a corresponding increase in the need for effective preoperative skin preparation to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). CHG cloths offer a convenient and reliable solution for healthcare providers to achieve optimal skin antisepsis before surgery, enhancing patient safety and postoperative outcomes. The surge in surgical procedures underscores the essential role of CHG cloths in supporting infection prevention practices and maintaining aseptic conditions in operating rooms.

Global Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market Restraint:

Stringent Regulatory Landscape 

One significant restraint for the global chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market is the stringent regulatory landscape governing medical devices, including CHG cloths. Compliance with regulatory provisions, such as those set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies globally, necessitates rigorous testing, documentation, and approval processes. Meeting these standards requires substantial investments in research and development and entails lengthy approval timelines, which can delay product commercialization and market entry.

Moreover, the complexity of navigating diverse regulatory frameworks across different regions poses a challenge for market players, particularly smaller manufacturers or new entrants. Ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards while maintaining product efficacy and safety adds further complexity and cost to market participation, restraining the growth potential of the CHG cloth market.

Global Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market Opportunities:

Increasing Research and Development

There has been a rise in research on the use of CHG in surgical procedures, which can enhance the effectiveness of surgeries and lead to the development of novel CHG clothes. For instance, in a 2023 article publicized in Orthopedic Clinics of North America, Dr. Zhongming Chen and Dr. Michael Mont reviewed research that assessed the results of using chlorhexidine cloth in surgical procedures. The researchers discovered an advantage of using the pre-prepared, no-rinse cloths that contain 2% CHG. They suggest that the regular practice is to apply the clothes twice, once the night before surgery and once in the morning.

Furthermore, in October 2022, according to a study issued in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was found to be the most efficient irrigation solution for surgical treatment of bone tumors. In a laboratory study conducted by Matthew J. Thompson, MD, and colleagues from the University of Washington, Seattle, it was found that a 0.05% CHG solution is the most effective method for eliminating cultured bone tumor cells among the several solutions used to eradicate remaining tumor cells following surgery. Thus, this is anticipated to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

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

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. North America is prominent in the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and rigorous infection control standards. The region's robust regulatory framework, spearheaded by agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensures the quality and safety of medical devices, including CHG cloths. Moreover, the key players are launching new products approved by these regulatory bodies, thereby boosting market expansion. For instance, in February 2019, Medline introduced its new FDA-approved ReadyPrepTM CHG cloths, which are pre-soaked with a 2 percent solution of chlorhexidine gluconate. This release marks Medline's initial foray into the CHG cloth market, providing a new option for patient preoperative skin preparation as an alternative to the existing CHG-impregnated cloths.

Furthermore, the rising incidence of HAIs and the escalating volume of surgical procedures are anticipated to drive the demand for CHG clothes owing to their potent disinfectant capabilities. According to the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, Inc., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that approximately 1.7 million healthcare-related diseases and 99,000 associated deaths occur annually in hospitals in the United States. Thus, the increase in hospital admissions of patients due to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contributes to the growth of the regional market.

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid development in the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market, driven by increasing healthcare expenditure, expanding medical tourism, and improving healthcare infrastructure. Nations like China and India are at the forefront of this growth, supported by rising awareness about infection control practices and the growing prevalence of surgical procedures. Similarly, government initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities and promoting patient safety further contribute to regional market expansion. For instance, the Ayushman Bharat initiative, launched by the Indian government in 2018, aims to provide health insurance coverage to 500 million individuals nationwide. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific market presents lucrative opportunities for CHG cloth manufacturers, with favorable demographic trends and a rising focus on enhancing healthcare quality and outcomes.

Segmental Analysis

The global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is segmented by product type, application, and end-user.

Based on product type, the global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is divided into impregnated CHG and compatible/non-impregnated CHG.

The impregnated cloth segment within the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market offers a convenient and effective solution for healthcare facilities seeking standardized preoperative skin preparation and catheter site care. These cloths are pre-saturated with a precise concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate solution, ensuring uniform distribution of the antimicrobial agent on the skin surface. The impregnated cloths simplify the application process, saving time and reducing the risk of dosage errors. Healthcare providers appreciate the consistency and reliability offered by impregnated cloths, which contribute to enhanced patient safety and infection prevention practices. Moreover, impregnated cloths are available in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different procedural needs, making them versatile in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Thus, the impregnated cloth segment addresses the demand for convenient and standardized infection control solutions in healthcare settings.

Based on application, the global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is segmented into surgical preparation, personal care, and others.

The surgical preparation segment within the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market ensures patient safety and reduces the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). CHG cloths are extensively used in this application to achieve optimal skin disinfection before surgical procedures. These cloths contain a precise chlorhexidine gluconate solution concentration, effectively eliminating resident and transient microorganisms from the patient's skin surface. By removing dirt, oil, and bacteria, CHG cloths create a sterile field that minimizes the risk of contamination during surgery. Healthcare providers favor CHG cloths for preoperative skin preparation due to their ease of use, consistency, and proven efficacy in reducing SSIs. This segment caters to healthcare facilities' stringent infection control requirements, enhancing patient outcomes and promoting surgical safety protocols.

Based on end-users, the global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is bifurcated into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, clinics, and others. 

The hospitals segment constitutes a significant portion of the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) cloth market, driven by the widespread adoption of infection control measures and the high volume of surgical operations conducted in hospital settings. Hospitals rely on CHG cloths for preoperative skin preparation, catheter site care, and other infection prevention protocols to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). CHG cloths play a crucial role in maintaining a sterile environment during surgeries, reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Healthcare professionals in hospitals value the convenience, effectiveness, and consistency CHG cloths offer in promoting patient safety and enhancing surgical outcomes. Moreover, stringent regulatory standards and infection control guidelines mandate the use of CHG cloths in hospitals, further driving market growth within this segment.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- Cosmos Health Inc., a global healthcare group involved in research and development, production and distribution of healthcare products, and telehealth services, announced the expansion of its C-Sept brand with the introduction of the new C-Scrub Wash 4% CHG Biocide
• June 2023- HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. introduced CliniClean Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) 4%, an antiseptic solution offering extensive protection against germs. This solution helps minimize the chances of contracting a healthcare-associated infection or surgery site infection.