Instrument Cleaners and Detergents Market

Incidence of Hospital Acquired Infections are Key Driver

According to the World Health Organization, out of every 100 patients hospitalized worldwide, 7 patients in developed countries, and 10 patients in developing countries become victim to health-care associated infections. Also, 30% of patients in intensive care units are affected by such infections. This results in significant increase in mortality rates and financial burden on the global healthcare system.

Consequently, the demand for instrument cleaners and detergents are estimated to gain steady growth for the foreseeable future. Growing awareness among patients and health care professionals over the use of instrument cleaners and detergents are major influencing factors.

While the growth trajectory of the industry is largely positive, levels of adoption differ across regions. A number of developing countries in Latin America and Asia Pacific continue to struggle in terms of healthcare infrastructure and resources hurting prospects through the forecast period.

Automatic Cleaning Products Gain Ground

According to the CDC, instrument cleaners and detergents for automatic machines and ultrasonic cleaning techniques such as washer-sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, washer disinfectors, and washer-decontaminators are effective in disrupting bonds between medical instrument surfaces and particulate matter.

Near-neutral pH detergent solutions are recommended for use in healthcare facilities for superior soil removal and compatibility profiles. Enzymes in such formulations attack proteins in substances such as pus and blood, and provide effective performance in terms of controlling microbial growth.

Also, such cleaning agents are also good to clean delicate instruments such as flexible endoscopes owing to compatibility and minimal risk of corrosion and degradation in medical instruments from such products, which will support overall growth in the short term.

Key Challenges

Lack of awareness about the secondary transmission risk through hand contact on non-critical environment surfaces, and lack of compliance to regulated cleaning procedures and products are major challenges to the adoption and use of instrument cleaners and detergents.

Further, the lack of adequate disinfection of cloths and cleaning materials used in health care facilities are concerns. Phenolic cleaning products have been found to be less effective against contamination. Also, poor healthcare infrastructure and hygiene awareness in rural regions and developing countries holds back overall adoption rates.

Region-wise Analysis

North America Instrument Cleaners and Detergents Market

North America, led by the United States is a dominant presence in the global instrument cleaners and detergents market. Faster adoption of advanced infection prevention solutions, a mature healthcare infrastructure, and strict implementation of hygiene and infection control at healthcare facilities are key factors supporting growth.

The preference for automatic cleaning products is growing in North America with healthcare facility administration paying strict attention to recommended standards of disinfection and cleaning which bodes well for the industry in the region.

Healthcare facilities in the region are pushing for the application of sporicidal cleaners and detergents for broad spectrum efficacy in infection control endeavors. Manufacturers are engaged in product development strategies, coupled with favorable government guidelines, and the identification of anti-biotic resistant microbes is aiding market demand.

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Europe Instrument Cleaners and Detergents Market

Following North America, Europe is the second largest market for instrument cleaners and detergents. The region has reflected lucrative growth opportunities with demand for sterilization equipment for healthcare facilities such as hospitals. In addition, the presence of some of the leading global market players in the region aids growth prospects.

According to Health Care Without Harm, which operates under the LIFE Program of European Commission, efforts are being taken by regulatory bodies to identify and set restrictions on the use of cleaners and detergents that pose a threat to health care workers with risk of skin problems, COPD, or allergies or those that harm the environment through low biodegradability and high aquatic toxicity.

Also, manufacturers are focusing on development of product offerings to combat the growing numbers of drug-resistant microbe strains. The focus on the industry has grown with the advent of covid-19, to meet the increased needs of cleaners and detergents. For instance, Beiersdorf AG has ramped up production of medical disinfectants and is providing 500 tons for the region’s urgent needs from plants in Spain and Germany.

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East Asia Instrument Cleaners and Detergents Market

Countries in East Asia are projected to reflect high growth rates during the forecast period. Rapid growth of local economies, higher demand for healthcare facilities of international standards, and disposable incomes among the global populace. In addition, South Korea and China is also facing a steady growth in medical tourism, which in turn has increased the number of healthcare facilities, and instrument cleaners and detergent products.

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The East Asia market is projected to grow steadily in the forecast period, despite facing short term challenges. The covid-19 crisis has been a major influencer in the market, with China being the epicenter of the outbreak. In addition, the region has a vast population base and is witnessing expansion of its healthcare sector to cater to the rapid rise in healthcare needs. On the other hand, Japan has been facing a shortage of alcohol, which has restricted the production and sales of these products.

Category-wise Insights

Liquid Cleaners to Continue Leading

Instrument cleaners are largely available in liquid, foam, and gel-based variants. Of these, liquid solutions are witnessing relatively higher demand, and accounting for more than 65% of the overall revenue share through the forecast period.

In terms of instrument detergents, products are available in enzymatic, neutral, acidic, and alkaline variants. Of these enzymatic variants will hold a larger market share. The trend is not likely to change through 2030. Higher compatibility with a wide range of instrument materials and lower risk of corrosion and degradation contribute to adoption.

Manual Cleaning Processes Hold Dominance

Instrument cleaners and detergents are used for presoaking, manual cleaning, automatic cleaning, and disinfection processes. Of these, manual cleaning processes remain popular and will account for over 40% of the market by the end of the assessment period.

The requirement of manual cleaning processes to complement automatic equipment is a key factor in maintaining adequate safety standards. Also, lower capital costs associated with manual cleaners and detergents contribute to long-term growth.

Surgical Instruments Segment Exhibit High Demand

Instrument cleaners and detergents are used for hygiene of surgical instruments, dental instruments, endoscopes, and ultrasound devices, among others. Of these, surgical instrument cleaning detergents and endoscopes will account for most application of these products.

Rise in hospitalization cases and adoption of surgical and endoscopic procedures contribute to overall growth. Also, the growth in the number of hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers aid market growth.

Hospitals Record Higher Demand than Rest

Hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic centers, diagnostic centers, and specialty clinics, are key end users of instrument cleaners and detergents. Hospitals, followed closely by ambulatory surgical centers will account for most application of instrument cleaners and detergents throughout the projection period.

The growth can be attributed to concerns over hospital acquired infections, the increased global prevalence of chronic ailments, and short term impetus from the covid-19 pandemic.

Competitive Landscape

Instrument cleaners and detergent manufacturers globally are increasingly emphasizing on product development efforts to widen the scope of functionality for their offerings. In addition, producers are also reconsidering the requirement of production assets to optimize resources in operations for different geographic bases.

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in greater risk of hospital acquired infection of the virus. Consequently, the demand for cleaners and detergents has risen, and market players have to pay attention to potential short-term opportunities to consolidate their presence in the industry. Divestments and product development are key strategies that are observed in the sector.

Advanced Sterilization Products Inc. has received the FDA approval for its STERRAD VELOCITY Biological Indicator device, which the company claims is the fastest in instrument sterility for healthcare professionals. The device operates using vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization, for results in 15 minutes.

Ecolab Inc. has unveiled its strategy of divesting redundant plant, and distribution facilities in an effort to simplify and optimize the company’s supply chain for hygiene products. The company has also introduced products such as Actichlor Plus Hospital Grade Disinfectant Tablets, Asepti Active Liquid – Disinfectant, and Peroxide Multi Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant RTU.

STERIS plc has released V-PRO low temperature sterilization solution for respirator and face mask decontamination processes, following emergency authorization by the FDA to combat the coronavirus crisis.

In addition to these players, other major instrument cleaners and detergent producers include:

• Getinge Group
• 3M Company
• Dr. Weigert
• Medline Industries Inc.
• Schulke & Mayr GmbH
• Cantel Medical Corporation
• Metrex Research LLC
• Medalkan
• Biotrol
• Ruhof Corporation
• ORO Clean Chemie AG
• Certol International LLC
• Case Medical Inc.

This list is only indicative – The full list of instrument cleaners and detergents players is available on request.

Instrument Cleaners and Detergents Industry Report: Scope

Key Questions Answered by the Report

• What is the size of instrument cleaners and detergents market?

  The global instrument cleaners and detergents market reached a valuation of US$ 1.8 billion in 2019. The market is estimated to rise at a 4.1% CAGR between 2020 and 2030.

• Which is the largest market for instrument cleaners and detergents?

  North America currently is the leading market for instrument cleaners and detergents. Higher numbers of surgical procedures, coupled with faster availability of advanced instrument cleaners and detergents contribute to market growth.

• Which are the top companies in instrument cleaners and detergents market?

  Some of the top companies operating in the market are STERIS plc, Case Medical Inc., Getinge Group, Certol International LLC, Ecolab Inc., 3M Company, ORO Clean Chemie AG, Dr Weigert, and Ruhof Corp.

• What are the applications of instrument cleaners and detergents?

  Instrument cleaners and detergents largely find use in in the healthcare sector for processes including manual cleaning, pre-cleaning, automated washing, and soaking of surgical instruments and other medical devices.

• In what types are instrument cleaners and detergents available?

  Instrument cleaners are available in three major types, liquid, foam-based and gel-based. In terms of detergents, products are available in alkaline, enzymatic, acidic, and neutral variants. Of these liquid cleaners and enzymatic detergents are most sought after.

• What is the outlook on instrument cleaners and detergents market?

  Instrument cleaner and detergent manufacturers are pushing for frequent changes to product categories to enhance the capabilities of product offerings, to meet the needs of clients in the healthcare sector.

• Will East Asia exhibit higher demand?

  Countries in East Asia are projecting lucrative growth opportunities, which can be accounted for by the improvements in healthcare facilities and the growth of medical tourism in the region.

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• Is this research conducted by Future Market Insights?

  Yes, the research has been conducted by expert analysts of Future Market Insights through a combination of primary research and secondary research. To know more about how the research was conducted, you can speak to research analyst.

• What research methodology is followed by FMI?

  FMI follows a methodology that encompasses demand side assessment of the market, and triangulates the same through supply side analysis. This methodology is based on use of standard market structure, methods and definitions.

• Who are the respondents for primary research?

  FMI speaks to stakeholders across the spectrum, including C-level executives, distributors, product manufacturers, industry experts. For a full list of primary respondents, please reach out to us.

• What are the sources of secondary research?

  FMI conducts extensive secondary research through proprietary databases, paid databases, and information available in the public domain. We refer to industry associations, company press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and research papers. More information about desk research is available upon request. 

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Key Segments

Product Type

• Cleaners
  • Liquid Solutions
  • Foam-based Cleaners
  • Gel-based Cleaners
• Detergents
  • Enzymatic Detergents
  • Neutral Detergents
  • Acidic Detergents
  • Alkaline Detergents

Process Type

• Presoak
• Manual Cleaning
• Automatic Cleaning
• Disinfection

Instrument Type

• Surgical Instruments
• Endoscopes
• Ultrasound
• Dental Instruments
• Others

End Users

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Diagnostic Centers
• Specialty Clinics
• Others

Regional Outlook

• North America (U.S., Canada)
• Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain, BENELUX, Russia, Rest of Europe)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of LATAM)
• South Asia (India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Rest of South Asia)
• East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)
• Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
• Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest of MEA)