According to a new report published by Introspective Market Research, titled, “Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market by Type, Material Type, End-Use Industry Market Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2032. Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market Was Valued at USD 4874.81 million in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 5622.98 million by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 7.40%. Clinical towels are sterile cloths specifically designed for use in medical procedures. They are commonly used to clean and cover wounds, absorb bodily fluids, or provide a clean surface during surgeries. These towels are carefully prepared and packaged to ensure they are free from germs and bacteria, making them safe for use in clinical settings. Typically made from highly absorbent materials, clinical towels may be disposable or reusable after proper sterilization, catering to both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
According to the Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products, the Market is segmented into Type, Application, End-User and Distribution Channel. Type (Clinical Towel (Disposable Towels, Reusable Towels), Clinical Wipes (Texture Fiber Wipes, Vigrin Fiber Wipes, Advanced Fiber Wipes)), Application (Surgical Site Cleaning, Disinfection of Medical Equipment, Patient Hygiene, Wound Care, Incontinence Care), End User (Hospitals and Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Long-Term Care Facilities, Home Healthcare Settings), Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Distributors, Online Retail, Pharmacies/Drugstores).
Disposable clinical towels offer a single-use solution, ensuring hygiene and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Their usage has expanded beyond healthcare to sectors such as hospitality, fitness centers, and households. Disposable towel baths are particularly effective in decreasing resident skin bacteria, reducing Staphylococcus aureus, and maintaining skin hydration. On the other hand, paper towels help to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, promoting cleanliness.
Reusable towels are crafted by tightly weaving polymeric fibers like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester, often blended with wood pulp. While reusable options offer sustainability with durable fabric structures, disposable towels dominate healthcare settings due to their convenience and perceived hygiene. However, their widespread use raises concerns about waste management, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in medical textile manufacturing and disposal.
Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market Segmentation
The Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market is Segmented Based on Type, Application, End-User and Distribution Channel.
By Type:
Clinical wipes are disposable wipes specifically designed for use in medical and clinical settings to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. These pre-moistened wipes are typically made from non-woven fabric or microfiber, both of which are durable, absorbent, and effective at cleaning. Often infused with disinfectants or sanitizing agents, clinical wipes are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens commonly found in healthcare environments. They provide a convenient solution for maintaining a high level of cleanliness in various medical settings. Clinical wipes are used for a wide range of applications, such as cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment, countertops, examination tables, and other frequently touched surfaces. They are also used for skin preparation before medical procedures or injections, minimizing the risk of infection. Some wipes are formulated for wound care, assisting in cleaning and dressing changes to prevent infection and support the healing process. Additionally, in certain situations, clinical wipes are an effective alternative to traditional hand sanitizers, offering healthcare workers a quick method to maintain hand hygiene.
By Application:
Patient hygiene refers to the practices and measures taken to maintain cleanliness, comfort, and prevent infections in healthcare settings. It plays a critical role in ensuring the well-being and dignity of individuals receiving medical care, especially in situations where patients are unable to perform personal hygiene tasks on their own. Maintaining proper hygiene through regular bathing, cleaning, and personal care helps reduce the risk of infections and promotes faster recovery. These practices are particularly crucial for bedridden patients or those with limited mobility. Clinical towels and wiping products are essential in healthcare facilities to support these hygiene efforts. These materials are specifically designed for use in medical environments to ensure cleanliness and prevent the spread of pathogens. They are used for a variety of purposes, such as bathing, drying, and personal care tasks for patients. Clinical towels are also employed to wipe down surfaces, medical equipment, and beds to maintain a sterile environment. The use of sterile, clean towels and wipes plays a pivotal role in infection control and minimizing contamination.
By Region:
The market for clinical towels is intricately tied to the healthcare sector in North America, where hygiene standards are of utmost importance for patient care. Whether in Canada, the United States, or Mexico, the demand for high-quality clinical towels is essential to maintaining cleanliness in medical facilities. This market is shaped by the unique healthcare systems in each of these countries, which all emphasize stringent hygiene practices to prevent infections and ensure patient safety. In the United States, a predominantly private healthcare system with numerous hospitals and clinics necessitates strict cleanliness protocols to minimize infection risks. The use of high-quality clinical towels is vital for these institutions, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers. In Mexico, a blend of public, private, and employer-funded healthcare models shows the importance of clinical towels in maintaining hygiene across diverse healthcare settings.
Some of The Active Market Players Are-
- Ecolab
- Steris Life Sciences
- The Clorox Company
- Mckesson
- Owens & Minor
- Stepan Company
- Johnson & Johnson
- Unilever
- Yessor Wipes
- Pdi, Inc.
- Itwprobrands
- Kleen-Pak Products
- Berkshire Corporation
- Metrex Research, Other active players
Key Industry Developments in the Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market:
- In April 2024, Ansell made a significant move, announced a deal worth $974 million to acquire Kimberly-Clark Corporation's personal protective equipment business, which includes the Kimtech and KleenGuard brands. To finance this acquisition, Ansell plans to raise $400 million through a fully underwritten placement at $22.45 per share. Additionally, it aims to strengthen its balance sheet with up to $65 million from a share purchase plan. The pricing of the placement represents a 6 per cent discount to Friday's closing price of $23.89.
- In March 2024, Former Clorox senior vice president Diego Barral's investment group, Apex Capital, acquired Clorox's operations in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The IGNITE strategy of Clorox, which prioritizes its core business areas for sustainable profitability, is consistent with this strategic approach. Production facilities, certain Clorox brands, and shared intellectual property are all included in the deal; the company's corporate headquarters and R&D centers remain in Argentina. The divestment is anticipated to result in a one-time, after-tax charge of roughly $233 million in the third quarter of Clorox's fiscal year 2024, while only accounting for about 2% of the company's projected net sales. Clorox's dedication to portfolio optimization and generating value for shareholders in a dynamic market is further demonstrated by this transaction.
Key Findings of the Study:
- The Global Clinical Towel and Wiping Products Market was valued at USD 4,874.81 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5,622.98 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.40%. The increasing demand for hygiene and infection control products in clinical settings is driving this growth.
- The market is segmented by product type (disposable and reusable towels, clinical wipes), application (e.g., surgical site cleaning, patient hygiene, wound care), and end-user (hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers). Disposable Wipes dominate the healthcare sector due to their hygiene benefits.