Drain Cleaner and Disinfectant Market

Market Overview

The global drain cleaner and disinfectant market size was valued at USD 2,007.12 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 3,230.13 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The global drain cleaner and disinfectant market is expanding as a result of the increasing demand for disinfectants and drain cleaners in hospitals to prevent the transmission of diseases.

Drain cleaners and disinfectants are solutions that help to unclog sewers and drains. They also include solutions that clean drain-based biomass. These solutions dissolve humane waste, hairs, and food particles that clog kitchen sinks, tubs, and showers, removing biofilms and preventing their growth. They come in various forms, such as liquid, powder, gel-based, or stick. The solutions are poured directly into the sink while cleaning. These cleaners prevent odor and help create an enzyme action to digest organic substances such as food, sludge, and grease caused by oil, soap, and blockage from food particles and human hair.

Market Dynamics

Global Drain Cleaner and Disinfectant Market Drivers

Increasing Number of Hospital Acquired Infections

The risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is increasing. HAI is a kind of infection patients acquire while being treated at a hospital for a specific medical condition or after surgery. These infections are also known as nosocomial infections. The symptoms of these infections start appearing 24 hours after being infected with the pathogen. These infections can spread in different settings, such as hospitals, surgical centers, ambulatory, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. All hospitalized patients are susceptible to nosocomial infections. The elderly, young, and people with compromised immunity are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. Moreover, the external environment, other infected patients, and staff members are all potential sources of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). A rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be caused by indwelling catheters, a lack of personal hygiene on the part of healthcare providers, and the use of shared restrooms.

The Maryland Hospital has instituted initiatives that involve financial incentives and penalties for specific hospitals to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services payment policy, poor-performing hospitals lose up to 3% of their inpatient revenues. In contrast, hospitals that decrease HAIs earn up to 3% rewards. HAIs create additional suffering by increasing hospital costs. Prolonged hospital stays add a financial burden on healthcare systems and result in the death of patients in certain cases. HAI accounts for 37,000 deaths in Europe and 99,000 in the US annually. In Europe, it causes an annual financial loss of USD 8.6 billion and USD 19.6 million extra due to prolonged hospital stays. As a result, the market is growing due to the rising need for disinfectants and drain cleaners to stop the spread of illnesses in hospitals.

Growing Adoption of Enzymatic Drain Cleaners

As enzymatic drain cleaners are safer than chemical drain cleaners, they are witnessing increasing adoption in the market. They contain bacteria and enzymes that feed on organic waste materials such as food and hairs that clog drains. These organisms digest the waste and spread beneficial enzymes in the septic tank system. Enzymatic cleaners are being increasingly used to clean septic tanks and wastewater systems. Enzymatic cleaners are environment-friendly alternatives to chemical drain cleaners as they prevent the risk of corrosion in pipelines. They are safe and effective for both plumbing and septic systems as they help to break down organic materials such as hair, toilet paper, and food particles. This also helps to eliminate unpleasant odors.

Additionally, the demand for enzymatic drain cleaners is increasing as they contain enzyme-producing bacteria such as bacillus that feed on clogs. Acid and alkaline drain cleaners cause corrosion and leakages in pipelines. Enzymatic drain cleaners are gentle formulations noncorrosive to new and old plastic and metal pipes, sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs. They are free from dangerous toxins that irritate the skin and eyes and, therefore, do not require protective gear when used. They are designed to be used once a month. They also help to clear soft clogs in 24 hours. Hence, such properties and applications of enzymatic drain cleaners boost the market growth.

Global Drain Cleaner and Disinfectant Market Restraint

Introduction of Innovative Disinfectant Systems

The growth of the drain cleaner and disinfectant market can be restricted by introducing innovations such as the disinfectant system. Sink drains under washbasins in hospital rooms and other healthcare facilities are well-known and open reservoirs for pathogens. They can be released into the sink drain while washing hands or showering. The water flowing into the sink or drain produces infectious aerosols on the surface of the trap liquid. These aerosols can transmit pathogens to the hands of staff, patients, and the immediate surroundings. The biofilm on the inner wall of the drain trap provides ideal conditions for the survival and multiplication of germs.

The Sink Disinfectant System removes germ reservoirs from drains and sinks permanently and safely. The automatic disinfection system kills germs in the trap liquid continuously. High temperature and electro-mechanical vibration prevent biofilm formation inside drains. The sink disinfectant system is attached to the trap of the drainpipes that works on thermal disinfection, which heats up to set the maximum temperature to 95 degrees Celsius. A continuous high-temperature supply disinfects the system, providing continuous heat conditions to kill pathogens. This device also creates vibrations for cleaning, which prevents bacterial biofilm development. One such disinfectant system is the KLEANIK sink disinfection system offered by Surgmed Group. Such developments hamper drain cleaner and disinfectant market growth.

Global Drain Cleaner and Disinfectant Market Opportunities

Rising Demand for Professional Cleaning Services

The demand for professional drain cleaning services is increasing across various end-user segments. Plumbing systems and drains need regular maintenance in commercial spaces such as small businesses, large industrial facilities, commercial outlets, and food and beverage outlets. The drainpipes of these outlets need to be cleaned at regular intervals. In restaurants and other food businesses, drains often get clogged with grease, oil, and food waste, increasing the demand for drain cleaners. These facilities require heavy drain cleaning equipment and the expertise of plumbing experts to remove clogs.

Drain-unclogging agents can be liquid or foam formulations that are heavier than water. These substances permeate the water in clogged sinks, toilets, tubs, and other fixtures. Professional drain cleaners frequently incorporate thioglycolic acid to break down hair and potassium hydroxide to turn grease into soft soap. Other common ingredients in drain cleaners include sodium hydroxide, lye, and sulfuric acid. Some of the ingredients used in drain cleaners are toxic and require protection while using the product. Thus, to ensure the safety of family members and avoid damage to plumbing systems, there has been increasing demand for professional cleaning services.

Regional Analysis

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

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant global drain cleaner and disinfectant market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period. The European region has some of the best and most established healthcare systems globally. The commercial health industry is thriving, thanks to its large-scale infrastructure, and it serves people who desire more comfort, more choices, and shorter wait times. In response to a pressing request from the European Commission, the CEN and CENELEC, along with all members of the two organizations, have resolved to promptly make accessible several critical medical supplies. This will help many market players offering drain cleaners and disinfectants to swiftly start production and place products on the market easily while ensuring a high degree of safety, fueling the growth of Europe's drain cleaner and disinfectant market. Such favorable initiatives by private and government bodies fuel the market growth of advanced treatment options, such as minimally invasive procedures, thereby contributing to Europe's drain cleaner and disinfectant market growth.

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period. The US is the major revenue contributor to North American drain cleaners and disinfectants. Growing customer hygiene concerns, healthcare infrastructure improvement, COVID-19, growing residential constructions, new businesses, and expanding commercial spaces have increased the region's demand for drain disinfectants and cleaners. Moreover, the increased prevalence of HAIs supports the demand. According to the CDC, it is estimated that every year in the US alone, around 1.70 million people acquire HAIs, and around 99,000 die yearly. The increasing prevalence of HAIs is expected to boost the growth of the drain disinfectant and cleaner market.

In Asia-Pacific, the global drain cleaner and disinfectant market is experiencing the most rapid growth. The region has a large customer base and low per capita spending with huge potential. Growing hygiene concerns among customers, a large population in the region, and improvement in healthcare infrastructure, along with the emergence of COVID-19, are expected to boost the demand for drain disinfectants in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, the demand will be backed by the increasing prevalence of HAIs and growth in the aging population. In the Asia-Pacific region in 2017, around 549 million people were aged 60 and above, representing around 57% of the global elderly population. The percentage is projected to increase to 61% in 2050. The aging population is more likely to contract various diseases, which will increase the uptake of drain cleaners and disinfectants for preventing various infections in healthcare settings.

Segmental Analysis

The global drain cleaner and disinfectant market is bifurcated into form, active ingredients, packaging, and end-user.

Based on form, the global market is segmented into liquid, powdered, granular, and others. 

The liquid segment is the largest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.57% over the forecast period. Liquid drain cleaners are essential home cleaning products that assist in unclogging the drainage system. The drainage system of kitchen sinks, washbasins, and the pipes of toilets get clogged due to several factors, such as hair, soap scum, food particles, and fat and greasy substances. These things move slowly down the drain, cling to the sides of the pipe, and create a blockage. This causes water to flow back and accumulate instead of flowing down the pipe.

Liquid drain cleaners act like degreasers and release a chemical reaction to instantly force the unwanted particles to move deep down the drain. Other than restoring the drain, liquid cleaners ensure that the frequency of blockages is reduced as they leave behind enzymes that sustain for a long period inside the drains. All such properties boost the demand for segmental growth.

Based on active ingredients, the global market is segmented into alkaline, acidic, oxidizing, and other segments. 

The alkaline segment owns the highest drain cleaner and disinfectant market share and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.07% over the forecast period. Alkaline drain cleaners are made of alkaline chemicals such as soda or lye (sodium hydroxide) that convert clogs into soap-like substances that dissolve in plain water. Alkaline drain cleaners are the most suitable for removing food particles, grease, and soap scum from sink, shower, and tub drains. These cleaners usually take 30 minutes to clean drains. Moreover, they are not designed to clean toilets as they do not handle paper products. They work on stubborn clogs and dirt by breaking up the chemical bond that holds them together.

Furthermore, alkaline potash decomposes soft tissues and organic matter. Alkaline drain cleaners have a higher pH and are better suited to remove grease clogs. They are typically sold as a liquid drain cleaner and are heavier than water, which helps to make its way to clogs through other liquids. These drain cleaners are safe for old plumbing systems as they do not corrode or damage the fittings. Hence, the above-mentioned factors contribute to segmental growth.

Based on packaging, the global drain cleaner and disinfectant market is segmented into bottled and sachets segments. 

The bottled segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.60% over the forecast period. Most drain cleaners and disinfectants come in bottled packaging. These drain cleaners are packed in HDPE bottles as they are chemical and stress crack-resistant. Most drain cleaners that contain chemical content such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are packed in HDPE bottles as they are cost-effective, UV and chemical-resistant, and made of stiff material. In addition, drain cleaner and disinfectant manufacturers prefer HDPE bottles as they have excellent barrier and chemical-resistant properties. Hence, bottled packaged drain cleaners and disinfectants are widely preferred in the market, accounting for a major share of the overall revenue generated in the global market.

Based on end-users, the global market is segmented into residential and commercial sectors.

The commercial segment owns the highest drain cleaner and disinfectant market share and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.04% throughout the forecast period. Commercial spaces include hospitals, food and beverage outlets, commercial kitchens, and laundries. It also includes the hospitality industry, clubs, and recreational facilities. The commercial sector accounts for 63.9% of the drain cleaner and disinfectant market. These commercial spaces experience plumbing issues due to grease build-up and the presence of food and foreign particles such as paper towels, straws, and hairs. This causes clogs in drain sinks, toilets, floor drains, and sewer pipes, impacting the overall functioning of commercial spaces. Therefore, the demand for drain cleaners and disinfectants in the commercial sector will increase during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• April 2022 – The launch of DISSOLVETM Concentrated Pods under the Windex®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, and fantastik® brands in the United States was announced by SC Johnson, a manufacturer of consumer and professional goods for the home and office. The company's most recent effort to cut down on plastic waste and give customers more sustainable options is the development of reusable, 100% recyclable bottles and conveniently dissolvable liquid pods.