"The boutade of the International Pandemic Corona virus disease (COVID 19) will create a state of desideratum of hand hygiene products in the Indian Market: Bonafide Research"

Whilst the market is achieving a healthy growth, the international Pandemic COVID 19 will culminate the Indian hand hygiene market. Currently, the world is in acute situation due to the outburst of the International pandemic corona virus (COVID 19). As per the latest statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 2,34,073 cases worldwide with about 9840 deaths due to the international pandemic. The pandemic is caused due to a group of viruses known as corona virus (CoV) which affects the respiratory system of the human body. The virus is generally spread due to coughing and sneezing and through physical contact with infected surface or objects. Hence, it becomes very necessary to maintain the hand hygiene during such epidemic situation. Traditionally, the Indians used the early methods of washing hands with ash or soil with water. But, such methods cannot control the acute disease spread such as the corona virus. Hence, the World Health Organization and the Government of India has advised the people to use hand hygiene products such as Liquid hand wash and hand sanitizers. Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime minister said in his review meeting "The coronavirus is a respiratory disease that spread like the flu virus. It can be transferred from one person to another via droplets from coughs or sneezes, sometimes these droplets from one mouth are not even visible. Wash your hands regularly, do not touch your face, eyes or nose. The infection can spread in the human body via their face; therefore it becomes a very important step". He also advised the people of India to not get panicked in such situation as the Government is trying all the efforts to provide the relief.

According to the report, “India Hand hygiene Market Outlook, 2027-28” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to cross the value of INR 3100 Crore by the forecast period. Due to such international emergencies, the hand hygiene market of India is observed to grow at a speedy rate. The rising awareness of the people and the encouragement by the Government to maintain hand hygiene will increase the volume of the Indian hand hygiene market. The liquid hand wash was the most growing segment in the hand hygiene market but the current pandemic situation such as the corona virus will coerce the people to maintain the hand hygiene. The Hand sanitizers were growing at a nascent stage but the embodiment by the Government will drive the demand. Consumers are looking for products that align with their busy routines while offering health benefits, such as those that prevent skin dryness or include natural ingredients. The market is projected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and the continued focus on hygiene in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Hand sanitizers, both alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based, have also witnessed significant growth in India, driven by their convenience and effectiveness in killing germs without the need for water. This segment has been particularly popular in the healthcare sector, where hygiene is crucial, but its reach has expanded into residential, hospitality, and retail sectors as well. The rising demand for hand sanitizers is facilitated by the growing availability of these products through various distribution channels, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms, making it easier for consumers to access them. In addition to basic functionality, there is a noticeable shift towards premium hand hygiene products in the Indian market. Consumers are increasingly choosing hand sanitizers and liquid hand washes that not only provide effective cleaning but also offer additional benefits such as moisturizing properties, pleasant fragrances, and skin care enhancements. This trend is encouraging manufacturers to innovate and develop new products that cater to the growing demand for high-quality hygiene solutions. As a result, the market is seeing an influx of premium and organic hand hygiene products, which further contribute to market expansion.

During the outbreak of the corona virus in India, the state government is continually focusing on the availability of the hand hygiene products in the market. Kerala State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (KSDP) under the state industries department have produced one lakh bottles of hand sanitizers in a single day! The Government of India has already launched a cleanliness campaign named 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' in the year 2014. Since then, the government focuses on healthy habits of hand washing in Government schools and rural areas. Moreover, companies such as Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has also supported this mission and launched an independent mission known as 'Swachh Aadat, Swachh Bharat' under the advocacy ambassador Kajol Devgan to support the hand hygiene. The FMCG giant Reckitt Benckiser launched the Dettol Harpic- Banega Swach India campaign to promote the cleanliness and hygiene. The company Godrej also launched an ad campaign 'Mr. Magic' for its new powder to liquid hand wash. The company launched an inexpensive hand wash powder which can be diluted and made to liquid hand wash. Dabur partnered with Sulabh International to promote cleanliness and sanitation. Medimix conducted awareness drive in the ZPHS Marikal. The company ITC with its brand Savlon supported the government campaign and launched another campaign as 'Healthy hands chalk sticks' to support the hand hygiene by making soap chalk sticks. Moreover, it also launched the 'Swachata ka Gullak ' in schools to collect the dry waste and wash hands with their product.