South Korea Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemicals Market Overview, 2029

South Korea's industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market presents a unique paradox of escalating demand and a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly solutions. Firstly, the country's rapid aging population and emphasis on hygiene in healthcare facilities are fueling the demand for disinfectants and sanitizers. This is further amplified by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where South Korea's aggressive disinfection protocols significantly boosted the market. News outlets like Yonhap News Agency [invalid URL removed] reported a surge in disinfectant sales during the pandemic, highlighting this trend. However, South Korean consumers are also increasingly environmentally conscious. This is particularly evident in the growing popularity of "green cleaning" products. Unlike traditional harsh chemicals, these eco-friendly alternatives are formulated with plant-based ingredients and biodegradable components. This shift is driven by a confluence of factors, including rising disposable incomes, a growing middle class with a focus on healthy living, and stricter government regulations on harmful chemicals. For instance, in 2022, the South Korean Ministry of Environment announced a ban on certain harmful substances in cleaning products, further propelling the green cleaning segment.
According to the research report "South Korea Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemical Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korean Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemical market is projected to be valued at more than 2 Billion USD by 2029. South Korea's industrial and institutional (I&I) cleaning chemical market pulsates with a unique blend of trends, drivers, and challenges. A key driver is the nation's emphasis on hygiene and sanitation, fueled by factors like rising healthcare awareness and a growing geriatric population. This translates to a burgeoning demand for disinfectants and sanitizers across various sectors, from healthcare facilities to food manufacturing plants. Additionally, South Korea's robust manufacturing sector, particularly in electronics and automobiles, necessitates a steady supply of high-performance cleaning solutions for precision equipment and components. Furthermore, the growing focus on sustainability is shaping market trends. South Korean companies are increasingly seeking eco-friendly cleaning chemicals with biodegradability and minimal environmental impact. This trend is prompting the development and adoption of enzyme-based cleaning solutions and formulations with reduced or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Technological advancements like automated cleaning systems are also influencing the market, requiring compatible cleaning chemicals that optimize performance and minimize operator exposure. However, the path forward is not without hurdles. Stringent regulations governing the safety and environmental impact of cleaning chemicals pose a challenge for manufacturers. South Korean companies must navigate complex regulatory frameworks to ensure their products comply with the latest standards. Additionally, intense competition within the market puts pressure on profit margins. Manufacturers need to strike a balance between offering high-quality, effective cleaning solutions while remaining cost-competitive.
General Purpose Cleaners form the bedrock of the South Korean market, catering to a wide range of cleaning needs across various industries. Multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, and floor cleaners are widely used in commercial buildings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The emphasis in this segment is on versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. South Korean manufacturers are increasingly developing concentrated formulas that require dilution for use, reducing packaging waste and transportation costs. Additionally, a growing preference for eco-friendly formulations with biodegradable ingredients is influencing this segment, with consumers opting for cleaning solutions that prioritize both cleaning efficacy and environmental sustainability. Disinfectants and Sanitizers segment holds significant importance in South Korea, driven by the country's emphasis on hygiene and infection control. Disinfectants are widely used in hospitals, food service establishments, and public transportation facilities to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Hand sanitizers have witnessed a surge in demand post-pandemic, with a growing focus on personal hygiene practices. Regulatory requirements for disinfectant efficacy and safety are stringent in South Korea, necessitating continuous innovation from manufacturers. Furthermore, the development of broad-spectrum disinfectants that are effective against a wider range of pathogens is an ongoing trend within this segment. Laundry Care Product segment caters to the cleaning needs of various industries, including hospitality, healthcare, and food service. A significant portion of this segment focuses on commercial laundry detergents formulated for high-performance cleaning in industrial washing machines. However, with the growing popularity of eco-friendly practices, a rise in demand for biodegradable laundry detergents with lower environmental impact is being observed. Additionally, the segment is witnessing the development of specialized laundry care products for delicate fabrics and specific applications, catering to the diverse needs of different industries. Others segment encompasses a diverse range of cleaning chemicals used for specialized applications. Vehicle wash chemicals, including car shampoos and waxes, cater to the large automobile industry in South Korea. Floor care products, such as floor polishes and strippers, are used to maintain various floor surfaces in commercial and institutional settings. Dishwashing detergents, both manual and automatic formulations, are essential in the food service industry. Special cleaning products encompass a wide variety of niche applications, including degreasers for industrial settings, oven cleaners, and stain removers. This segment is expected to witness growth driven by the increasing demand for specialized cleaning solutions for specific tasks and industries.
Chlor-alkali chemicals, primarily sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and sodium hypochlorite (bleach), are essential raw materials for various cleaning products in South Korea. Caustic soda is a versatile cleaning agent used in degreasers, industrial detergents, and oven cleaners. Sodium hypochlorite serves as a powerful disinfectant commonly found in bleach and sanitizing solutions. However, the environmental impact of chlor-alkali production and the potential health hazards associated with these chemicals are driving a gradual shift towards alternative raw materials in some segments. Manufacturers are exploring bio-based alternatives and reformulating cleaning products to reduce dependence on chlor-alkali while maintaining cleaning efficacy. Surfactants are the backbone of most cleaning chemicals, acting as wetting agents that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and remove dirt and grime. The South Korean market utilizes a diverse range of surfactants, including anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric types. The specific surfactant choice depends on the desired cleaning properties, such as foaming, degreasing, or emulsifying capabilities. A growing trend within this segment is the adoption of biodegradable surfactants derived from natural sources like plant oils. These eco-friendly surfactants offer a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based surfactants, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally conscious cleaning products in South Korea. Traditionally, phosphates were widely used as builders in laundry detergents, enhancing cleaning performance and water softening. However, concerns over eutrophication, a process where excess phosphates lead to algal blooms in water bodies, have led to a decline in their usage. South Korea has implemented regulations restricting phosphate content in cleaning chemicals, prompting manufacturers to develop phosphate-free formulations. Enzyme technology and alternative builders are being explored to maintain cleaning efficacy without the environmental drawbacks of phosphates. Biocides are essential ingredients in disinfectants and sanitizers, eliminating or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The most common biocides used in South Korea include quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), chlorine-based disinfectants, and alcohol-based sanitizers. Stringent regulations govern the use of biocides in cleaning chemicals, ensuring efficacy against target pathogens while minimizing safety risks. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates continuous research and development in biocide technology to ensure effective disinfection and sanitation practices. Solvents play a vital role in various cleaning applications, dissolving dirt, grease, and oils. Common solvents used in South Korea include alcohols, glycols, and hydrocarbons. However, the hazardous nature of some solvents and their potential environmental impact has led to a growing emphasis on safer alternatives. Bio-derived solvents and water-based cleaning solutions are gaining traction as manufacturers strive for more sustainable and worker-friendly cleaning products. Others segment encompasses a diverse range of raw materials used in specialized cleaning products. Chelating agents are used to bind with metal ions, enhancing cleaning performance in hard water conditions. Acidic and alkaline cleaners utilize acids and bases for specific cleaning tasks like rust removal or descaling. Fragrances and colorants are added to some cleaning products for aesthetic appeal. The specific raw materials used within this segment depend on the intended application and desired cleaning properties.
The commercial segment is the dominant driver of the South Korean industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market. This segment encompasses various sectors, including offices, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, and educational institutions. The demand for cleaning chemicals in this segment is influenced by factors like floor space, foot traffic, and hygiene requirements specific to each industry. For instance, healthcare facilities require high-performance disinfectants and sterile cleaning protocols, while office buildings prioritize general-purpose cleaners and floor care products. The growing trend towards automation in commercial cleaning, with the adoption of robotic floor scrubbers and automated dispensing systems, is also influencing the types of cleaning chemicals used within this segment. The manufacturing sector presents a significant market for industrial cleaning chemicals in South Korea. The specific cleaning chemicals used vary depending on the type of manufacturing facility. Food and beverage manufacturers require cleaning solutions that comply with stringent food safety regulations. Electronic and semiconductor manufacturers utilize specialized cleaning chemicals for precision cleaning of sensitive equipment. Heavy manufacturing facilities, like those involved in metalworking or chemical production, require heavy-duty cleaning solutions for degreasing and removing contaminants. The increasing focus on environmental regulations within the manufacturing sector is driving the demand for eco-friendly cleaning chemicals that minimize environmental impact.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• General Purpose Cleaners
• Disinfectants and Sanitizers
• Laundry Care Products
• Others(Vehicle Wash, Floor care, Dishwashing ,Specail cleaning product)

By Raw Material
• Chlor-Alkali
• Surfactant
• Phosphates
• Biocides
• Solvents
• Other



By End Use Verticals:
• Commercial
• Manufacturing

By Commercial
• Food Services
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Laundry Care
• Institutional Buildings
• Others

By Manufacturing
• Food & Beverage Processing
• Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication
• Electronic Components
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.