The chlorhexidine gluconate cloth market was valued at USD 12.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 13.11 Billion in 2025 to reach USD 16.8 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 3.15% during 2025–2033. Growing awareness about infection control, the rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and increasing surgical procedures worldwide are fueling this demand.
What are Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths?
Chlorhexidine gluconate cloths are medical-grade fabrics infused with CHG, a powerful antimicrobial compound used in healthcare for skin preparation before surgery, wound cleansing, and surface disinfection. These cloths provide convenience, consistent dosage, and strong antimicrobial protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them a preferred choice in infection prevention protocols.
Market Growth Drivers
Growing Emphasis on Infection Control
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare-associated infections affect 7% of patients in high-income countries and 15% in low- and middle-income nations, with one in ten resulting in mortality. Hospitals are adopting CHG cloths for preoperative skin preparation and catheter site care to meet regulatory mandates and improve patient safety.
Rising Surgical Procedures
Research suggests that 11% of the global disease burden requires surgical or anesthetic treatment. With surgeries becoming increasingly common, CHG cloths play a vital role in reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) and ensuring safer outcomes.
Market Challenges
Stringent Regulatory Landscape
The CHG cloth market faces challenges due to strict regulations by authorities like the FDA. These regulations require extensive testing, documentation, and approval, making it costly and time-intensive for manufacturers, especially smaller players.
Market Opportunities
Increasing Research and Development
Ongoing studies highlight the benefits of CHG use in surgical preparation and oncology treatments. For example, a 2023 study in Orthopedic Clinics of North America recommended 2% CHG cloths applied twice before surgery. Similarly, a 2022 Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery study found CHG highly effective in eliminating tumor cells, pointing to new applications and growth opportunities.
Regional Insights
- North America leads the global market, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, FDA-approved product launches, and rising cases of HAIs. For instance, Medline introduced its ReadyPrepTM CHG cloths in 2019, strengthening its foothold in the market.
- Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid growth due to expanding healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat in India, and rising surgical volumes. Countries like China and India are emerging as hotspots for CHG cloth adoption.
Product, Application, and End-User Insights
- Product Type: Impregnated cloths dominate, offering consistent application and ease of use.
- Application: Surgical preparation holds the largest share as CHG cloths reduce SSIs and improve surgical safety.
- End-Users: Hospitals remain the biggest adopters, relying on CHG cloths for infection control during surgeries and catheter procedures.
Key Players in the Market
- 3M
- Stryker (Sage Products)
- BD
- Cardinal Health
- GAMA Healthcare
- Clinicept Healthcare
- Medline Industries
- Molnlycke Health Care
- Coloplast
- ConvaTec
Recent Developments
- September 2023: Cosmos Health expanded its C-Sept brand with C-Scrub Wash 4% CHG Biocide.
- June 2023: HR Pharmaceuticals launched CliniClean CHG 4% antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of HAIs and SSIs.
Market Segmentation
- By Product Type: Impregnated CHG, Compatible/non-impregnated CHG
- By Applications: Surgical Preparation, Personal Care, Others
- By End-User: Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Clinics, Others
- By Region: North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East & Africa, LATAM
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