Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market size was USD 14.62 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 21.74 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of chlorhexidine gluconate cloth is evaluated at USD 15.07 billion.
Growing emphasis on infection management and prevention in healthcare settings is fueling the chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market's expansion. Healthcare facilities are increasingly prioritizing stringent infection prevention measures to mitigate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that HAIs affect 7% of patients in high-income countries and 15% in low-and middle-income countries with approximately 1 in 10 infected individuals succumbing to these infections. This has led to a heightened demand for effective solutions like CHG cloths for preoperative skin preparation and catheter site care.
The global increase in surgical interventions necessitates effective preoperative skin antisepsis to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs). CHG cloth provides a convenient and reliable method for skin disinfection, supporting infection prevention practices in operating rooms. As surgical operations become more common worldwide due to aging populations, advances in surgical techniques, and increased access to healthcare, the demand for effective infection prevention solutions such as CHG cloth rises accordingly.
CHG is incorporated into fabrics to create antibacterial or antimicrobial textiles, widely used in healthcare for surgical gowns, drapes, and hospital bed linens. The chemical is either infused into the fibers during production or applied as a coating after the fabric is made. Global demand for medical textiles affects the scale of production, also surges in healthcare demand, especially during pandemics, often expand production capacity.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Regulatory guidelines and recommendations: Guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WHO, and Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommend CHG-based antiseptic products for preoperative skin preparation and infection prevention. These recommendations make CHG cloth a standard of care in hospitals and surgical centers, creating a consistent demand. Hospitals and healthcare facilities aim to comply with these guidelines to maintain accreditation and reduce liability.
Guidelines often mandate the use of CHG-based antiseptics for certain high-risk procedures, such as joint replacements, cardiovascular surgeries, and organ transplants. Additionally, public health initiatives and infection control programs often recommend CHG products as part of comprehensive strategies to reduce HAIs. For example, the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) and similar programs promote preoperative CHG use. - Technological innovations in medical textiles: Medical textiles are evolving to serve multiple functions simultaneously, such as providing antimicrobial protection, moisture management, and comfort. CHG molecules are encapsulated in microcapsules that release the antimicrobial agent gradually, ensuring prolonged protection against pathogens. This innovation increases the lifespan and effectiveness of CHG cloths. Nano-coatings of CHG on fabric enhance antimicrobial action by improving its distribution and retention on the textile surface.
Smart textiles integrate responsive materials that release CHG only when triggered by specific conditions, such as increased temperature, moisture, or bacterial presence. These features optimize the usage of CHG, reducing waste while maintaining high performance in infection prevention. Further, advances in textile production, such as ultrasonic bonding and plasma treatment, improve the adhesion of CHG to fabrics, enhancing product quality. These techniques also allow for mass production at lower costs, making CHG cloths more accessible.
Challenges
- Adverse reactions and allergic responses: Prolonged or improper use of CHG cloths causes skin irritation, redness, or rashes, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. A small percentage of patients experience severe hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to CHG, limiting its use in certain populations. These concerns may reduce the adoption of CHG cloths, particularly in home care settings.
- High costs: The production of CHG cloth involves high-quality raw materials, including chlorhexidine gluconate and specialized nonwoven fabrics, which can be costly. Producing CHG cloths requires precise formulation, advanced machinery, and stringent quality control measures, all of which add to production costs.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
3.1% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 14.62 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 21.74 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Segmentation
Type (2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth and 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth)
2% chlorhexidine gluconate cloth segment is predicted to dominate chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market share of over 52.9% by 2037. This product concentration is widely recognized for its efficacy in reducing skin pathogens, preventing surgical site infections, and supporting preoperative skin preparation. The 2% CHG formulation is highly effective in eliminating a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a preferred choice for healthcare facilities. Its sustained antimicrobial activity provides extended protection, which is critical in pre-surgical and post-operative care.
International and national healthcare guidelines recommend 2% CHG for preoperative skin cleaning, driving its adoption in hospitals and clinics. The growing number of surgical procedures, particularly in aging populations, has increased the demand for effective skin antiseptics like 2% CHG cloths. Rising awareness of SSIs and associated costs has prompted healthcare providers to adopt proven solutions like CHG cloths.
Application (Surgical Preparation and Personal Care)
Based on the application, the surgical preparation segment in chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is likely to hold a notable share by the end of 2037. The segment is expected to witness significant growth as healthcare providers continue to prioritize infection control and patient safety. Increasing awareness of the benefits of CHG cloths, combined with regulatory support and advancements in healthcare infrastructure, is likely to sustain the upward trajectory of this chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market segment.
Moreover, the increasing number of elective and emergency surgeries globally is driving effective skin preparation solutions. Aging populations and advancements in surgical techniques further contribute to the rise in surgical procedures. The growing popularity of outpatient surgeries and same-day procedures has increased the need for quick and effective skin preparation solutions like CHG cloths.
Our in-depth analysis of the global chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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Application |
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Customize this ReportChlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Industry - Regional Scope
North America Market Forecast
North America in chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is anticipated to capture around 42.5% revenue share by the end of 2037. The market expansion is attributed to the rising awareness of infection prevention measures and the critical role of CHG cloths in healthcare protocols. Additionally, the region has a high prevalence of chronic diseases, a large number of surgical procedures, and the presence of key chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market players.
In the U.S. the increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections has led healthcare facilities to adopt CHG cloths as a preventive measure. C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection is one of the most frequent HAIs, accounting for approximately half a million cases in the United States each year. It causes diarrhea and colitis (colon inflammation). More than 16% of people who develop a C. diff infection will get another one in two to eight weeks. The availability of CHG cloths through hospitals and retail pharmacies, as well as online platforms, has improved accessibility for healthcare providers and patients. Further, pharmaceutical companies in Canada, such as Lernapharm (LORIS) Inc., offer products like LORIS 2% CHG Wipes, which are antiseptic cleaners designed for personal and domestic use. These wipes clean the skin while keeping it hydrated and are rinse-free, latex-free, and disposable.
APAC Market Analysis
Asia Pacific is expected to experience a stable CAGR during the forecast period. The chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market is poised for continued growth driven by the critical need for effective infection control measures in healthcare settings. The combination of rising awareness, supportive regulatory frameworks, and increasing surgical procedures contributes to the positive outlook for this market. China along with India and South Korea, has emerged as a cost-effective manufacturing platform for CHG cloths, contributing to the global supply chain. These countries are witnessing rapid chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market expansion due to their large populations, increasing healthcare expenditures, and rising awareness about infection prevention.
Companies Dominating the Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth Market
- Medline Industries
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Mölnlycke Health Care AB
- BD
- 3M
- Sage Products (Stryker)
- Clinicept Healthcare
- GAMA Healthcare
- Cosmos Health Inc.,
- HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Key players focus on product innovation, chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market expansion, and regulatory compliance to address the growing demand for infection control solutions in healthcare stings. Their contribution is critical to the widespread adoption of CHG cloths in preventing healthcare-associated infections and improving patient safety.
In the News
- In September 2023, Cosmos Health Ltd. a diversified, vertically integrated global healthcare group engaged in innovative research and development, owner of proprietary nutraceutical brands, manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, and operator of a telehealth platform, announced today the expansion of its C-Sept brand with the launch of the new C-Scrub Wash 4% CHG Biocide.
- In June 2023, HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. launched CliniClean Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) 4%, an antiseptic solution that provides maximum coverage to protect the skin against numerous germs while lowering the risk of developing a healthcare-associated infection or surgery site infection.
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 7046
- Published Date: Jan 27, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
