Thanks in part to high-profile outbreaks of infectious diseases, use of hand sanitizers and other hand-care products is on the rise, according to Kline, a global market research firm. Overall sales of hand-care products are expected to grow by roughly 4% each year, through 2020, according to the report. Instant hand sanitizers have a slightly higher growth rate, at 5% annually, thanks to the convenience they offer in situations when soap and water are not available, the report notes.

The findings are matched by the product trends witnessed by industry suppliers. Fields Manufacturing (asi/54100), for example, has seen a “nice increase in sales and interest” in hand sanitizers and other hand-care products, says Chris Flynn, national sales manager – particularly sprays that can be stored at work or easily used on the go. According to client feedback, he adds, “rising awareness during the cold and flu season keeps these items top-of-mind.”

From 2013 to 2015, searches for the term “hand sanitizer” in ASI’s ESP database increased by 53%. In fact, it was the second-most searched for health term in ESP after lip balm last year.

Hospitals, in particular, continue to invest in hand hygiene products, according to Kline. Sales of professional-use hand-care products for the industrial and institutional markets grew to nearly $1.5 billion last year, an increase of 3.6%, the report finds. Hand-care products surpassed sales of other professional-grade chemicals, such as floor and hard-surface cleaners. In addition to health care, other growth markets for hand-care products include janitorial and food service industries.

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