The global hand sanitizer market is likely to witness substantial growth in forthcoming years. Hand sanitizer is a personal care product used to inhibit spread of harmful bacteria on hands. It helps in killing microorganisms, which are immune to water and soap. Consumers can apply few drops of it and rub them to get rid of harmful germs. The product can help prevent infections transmitted through dirty hands and maintain good health.
Rising awareness among consumers regarding importance of personal hygiene is a key driving factor in the market. Widespread usage of disinfectants among masses for prevention of nosocomial food-borne illness, can propel product demand in coming years. In addition, launch of environment friendly and convenient products by manufacturing companies is anticipated to drive the market. For instance, ITC Ltd, a leading FMCG company, launched Savlon pen sanitizer spray, keeping kids as the primary target group. The product is designed like a pen, which can be stored inside a pencil box. In addition, the spray bottle allows to control the amount and reduce product wastage.
Growing cases of healthcare-associated infections can further stimulate product demand in hospitals and clinics. Moreover, rising hospital-acquired infections has compelled doctors and patients to use sanitizers in order to reduce risk of infections.
Side-effects associated with alcohol-based disinfectants and high concentration of chemicals in the product can hamper the market growth in the forthcoming years. Increasing investments by market players to develop alcohol and chemical-free products can present lucrative growth opportunities in the market. In addition, introduction of scents and fragrances in the product is likely to gain traction among consumers. For instance, Godrej Protekt developed a naturally derived and alcohol-free sanitizer, which can kill up to 99.9% of germs in one spray and is safe for kids.
The market can be segregated on the basis of product, sales channel, end use, and region. The product is available in the form of gel, foam, liquid, spray, and sanitizing hand wipes. Major distribution channels might include drug stores, retailers, online stores, grocery stores, and super market. Schools, hospitals, corporate, restaurants, military, and household purpose are the key end uses in the market.
Asia Pacific is a prominent region in the market owing to growing awareness among consumers regarding health benefits of hand disinfectants. Advertisements broadcasted through television and radio concerning importance of the product in killing harmful bacteria are likely to gain traction among consumers. Developing countries, such as China, India, and Japan, are the key contributors to the market growth. In addition, increasing spending by consumers on products related to personal hygiene can augment the regional market growth in future. Increasing efforts for business expansion by market players can augment market growth in the forthcoming years.
North America is expected to witness significant growth in the market owing to presence of leading market players, such as The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) and Kutol Products Company, and hygiene standards adopted by people in United States. In addition, increasing usage of hand sanitizers in hotels and restaurants can stimulate product demand in the forthcoming years.
Some of the leading companies operating in the hand sanitizer market are The Procter and Gamble Company, Unilever, The Himalaya Drug Company, Henkel Corporation, and Kutol Products Company.
