5 February 2019 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal
A report on the commercial cleaning equipment market by MTW Research has found that "sales are exhibiting above inflation growth in 2018, though cleaning manufacturers and distributors face several challenges and shifting product trends".
The 270-page study suggests the cleaning equipment market has increased by 15 per cent, boosted by product development - particularly in the powered cleaning machine market.
While Brexit represents a key threat to the cleaning equipment market, forecasts are positive, with above inflation growth likely to 2022.
MTW suggests that the Brexit transition phase should offer stability for the cleaning equipment market, although it highlights varying product trends and growth across the market.
Powered cleaning machine sales will outperform the cleaning equipment market for 2018, according to MTW, representing the fastest-paced sector of the commercial cleaning market equipment.
The hard floor cleaning machine market is exhibiting healthy growth, as volume demand in the vacuum cleaner market and pressure washer market was positive in 2018.
The market for these products exceeded £300 million for the first time in 2018, exhibiting growth of more than 50 per cent since 2012.
The report reveals a number of positive product trends within the powered cleaning market.
MTW director Mark Waddy said: "While price deflation remains apparent in the cleaning equipment market, manufacturers are successfully differentiating themselves and their products. Demand for high-quality, user-friendly cleaning equipment which enhances efficiency continues to underpin growth for the cleaning equipment market, offsetting the threat of lower priced imports."
The report also reviews the cleaning chemicals market, finding that while demand is strong for 'antibacterial' chemicals and 'deep cleaning', opportunities for growth in the environmentally friendly chemicals sector are significant.
Often perceived as being 'safer' for the cleaning contractor and the end user, 'green' chemicals and more environmentally friendly cleaning processes are likely to continue to grow share of the cleaning chemicals market in the longer term.
A focus on hygiene across the spectrum of end use sectors continues to underpin the cleaning chemicals sector, with manufacturers of cleaning equipment working more closely with chemical suppliers to offer enhanced cleaning solutions.
MTW report a 30 per cent increase in cleaning chemicals over the review period, with growth set to outstrip inflation to 2022.