According to a new study from The Freedonia Group, an international industrial research company, demand for wipes used in healthcare settings is expected to increase 3.8% per year to $594 million in 2023. Gains will be driven by: robust growth in hard surface disinfectant wipes sales, following concerns over the risk of cross-contamination and HAIs; continued adoption of wipes over alternative products, such as cloth rags and paper towels; advances in product innovation, encouraging new adoptions of wipes as well as higher pricing and market value; and an aging population and increasing need for senior care

According to analyst Chad Henry, “The risk of cross-contamination and HAIs will encourage the further adoption of disinfectant wipes products over alternatives such as reusable cloth rags and paper towels.”

Compared to these alternatives, wipes are perceived as superior disinfectant products because they are designed for a single use (unlike cloth rags) and are more likely to allow disinfectants to rest on surfaces long enough to kill all germs present. These trends and more are analyzed in Wipes, published by The Freedonia Group.

Demand for all types of wipes is forecast to expand 3.1% per year to $3.7 billion in 2023. Private label premiumization and diversification will impact volume and value growth in major markets, including baby wipes. Pricing increases in many markets reflect innovations in substrates and the use of natural formulations, which raise product value. Industry goals pertaining to flushability, dispersibility, sustainability, and effective disinfection will encourage product development.