Post-COVID Infection Control Boosts Market for UV Disinfectant Products

The ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection products market has experienced rapid growth and is poised for further expansion. The market size increased from $8.71 billion in 2023 to an estimated $10.31 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4%. This growth in recent years has been driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections, growing public awareness of hygiene and sanitation, regulatory support for disinfection standards, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of infection control. Additionally, there has been heightened demand for environmentally friendly and chemical-free disinfection solutions.

Looking ahead, the market is projected to grow to $20.36 billion by 2028, at an accelerated CAGR of 18.5%. The forecasted growth is fueled by the expansion of global healthcare infrastructure, increased adoption of automation and smart technologies in sanitation, a heightened focus on public health and safety post-pandemic, and ongoing research and development for new UVC applications. The rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products further bolsters the market's outlook.

Emerging Trends

Several trends are shaping the future of the UVC disinfection products market: 

- Integration of UVC technology with IoT for real-time monitoring. 

- Development of portable and user-friendly UVC devices. 

- Shift toward multi-functional disinfection systems. 

- Emphasis on energy-efficient UVC solutions. 

- Growing consumer demand for evidence-based disinfection methods.

Impact of Water-Borne Diseases

The increasing prevalence of water-borne diseases is a key driver of market growth. These diseases, caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, often result from contaminated water, with contributing factors including pollution, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean drinking water. UVC disinfection products effectively neutralize waterborne pathogens by damaging their DNA, preventing reproduction and transmission.

For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in September 2024 that the incidence of cholera increased by 13% in 2023, with a 71% rise in fatalities compared to 2022. Despite being preventable and treatable, over 4,000 deaths were recorded last year, emphasizing the urgent need for effective disinfection strategies. These trends underscore the role of UVC disinfection in addressing public health challenges and driving market growth.