Reports released in June show that the contract cleaning and PPE industries are expected to grow by billions of dollars within the next decade. The global contract cleaning services market is estimated to grow by US$145.92 billion from 2024 to 2028, while the PPE industry is expected to grow by roughly US$43.6 billion by 2030.

Data from Technavio says the forecast growth is due to an increase in the number of residential buildings, alongside a trend towards green cleaning products as consumers grow increasingly wary of health and environment risks.

The commercial sector — including hospitality establishments, food service industries, healthcare organisations, institutions and offices — is also driving this growth, as are new mandatory government standards in healthcare and hygiene. Carpet cleaning and window cleaning services also continue to be in demand.

Moreover, an increased use of modern technology—such as floor cleaning robots and advanced cleaning chemicals—is driving a boom in efficiency and productivity.

Innovations are also helping to drive the PPE boom, with lighter, more comfortable and high-quality PPE expected to bolster market growth. A demand for protective gear that combines safety with aesthetics and advanced technology should spark further market expansion, alongside an increased awareness of the importance of secure workplaces and employee safety.

Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has had a profound and positive impact on the PPE market, leading to a surge in demand in the healthcare, military and law enforcement sectors for protective gear such as masks, gloves, and gowns.

Grand View Research estimates the industry, which is currently valued at more than $79.5 billion, will reach approximately $128.1 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2 percent across the industry during the next six years.

Both industries face challenges, however. Low penetration rates of contract cleaning services in developing economies may yet limit the cleaning market’s growth during the next four years. 

While cleaning services are growing on a global basis, due to increasing infrastructure development, factors such as low consumer awareness, high prices, a lack of trained professionals and limited availability are preventing market growth in emerging regions such as India and Africa.

Another major obstacle is ensuring consistent quality across various client sites. Maintaining cost-effectiveness while delivering high-quality services will combat this obstacle and this can be achieved through efficient operations, economies of scale and strategic partnerships.

Additionally, adapting to new technologies and regulations, such as green cleaning methods and labour laws, is essential for staying competitive in the market.

The PPE market is generally subject to strict government regulations and standards that ensure the safety and efficacy of protective equipment. Regulatory compliance is a key factor that will shape the market, as manufacturers focus on responding to emerging health threats and technological advancements—influencing the design, production, and distribution of PPE.

Globally, rising demand for contract-based PPE manufacturing is seen most in North America and Western Europe — two areas where PPE is heavily regulated.

Contract cleaning services, including floor, carpet, upholstery and window cleaning along with dusting, have emerged as a crucial component of workplace sustainability and employee wellness in various commercial establishments. Overall, the contract cleaning services industry will require a balance between quality, cost and innovation to meet the evolving needs of clients.

This story features reporting from CMM online.

Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash.