Sustainable practices and superior ergonomics sought
Demand for janitorial equipment and supplies in the US is forecast to advance 1.7 percent per year through 2017 to US$7.2 billion. This rate is an improvement from the more sluggish gains of the 2007 to 2012 period, states RnRMarketResearch.
Sales of many of these products declined from 2007 to 2009 due to the recession and its subsequent effect on business activity levels. However, many businesses began purchasing new equipment between 2010 and 2012 as the economy improved, helping sales of most products return to pre-recession levels.
Higher-end products to support value gains
Through 2017, sales of janitorial equipment and supplies will be driven by continuing economic recovery and the corresponding return to higher levels of demand for cleaning activity, as well as expansion in the number of non-residential establishments and floor space. Rising focus on sustainable practices will drive demand for higher value environmentally friendly products that use less water and cleaning solution than comparable items.
Ergonomic products will also continue to support value growth. However, overall gains will be limited to an extent by the reluctance of companies to reintroduce cleaning and maintenance costs that they cut during the recession.
Manual cleaning products to be fastest growing types
Manual cleaning products are forecast to experience the fastest growth through 2017, driven by a more delayed recovery from the effects of the recession, as well as ongoing product development. For instance, sales of products such as wipes, cloths, and flat and wet mops will benefit from the continuing adoption of higher value microfiber, which requires minimal use of chemicals and lasts longer than standard products.
The institutional building market will post the fastest gains through 2017. This sector will exhibit the most rapid growth in floor space due to an increase in the number of health care and related establishments.
In addition, these locations have a particular interest in higher value products that can reduce the risk of cross contamination and maintain indoor air quality, such as disposable microfibre flat mops, no-touch cleaning equipment, and automated cleaning products with advanced particle filtration features.
The residential market will also exhibit above average gains as homeowners return to more frequent use of contract cleaners who employ these commercial grade products.
Contract cleaners to outpace in-house staff
Businesses will continue to turn to contract cleaners to reduce overhead costs associated with building maintenance. Purchases of janitorial equipment and supplies by contract cleaners are expected to outpace those of in-house staff in every market except for the industrial sector.
This is due in part to the often unique and exacting cleaning needs in certain types of manufacturing environments, such as pharmaceutical or food processing, that may be better suited to an in-house staff familiar with the facility’s needs.
Complete report available at www.rnrmarketresearch.com/janitorial-equipment-supplies-to-2017-market-report.html