A.I.S.E.: A Substantial Contributor to the European Economy
Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on industries worldwide, but amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the Association for the Soap and Detergent Industry in Europe (A.I.S.E.) stood as a beacon of resilience and contribution. The A.I.S.E. network swiftly responded to ensure the continuous supply of essential cleaning and disinfection products, becoming a vital sector in the battle against COVID-19. In this article, we’ll explore the pivotal role played by A.I.S.E. and its member companies in 2020 and the significant contribution they made to the European economy.
A.I.S.E.’s Leadership During the Pandemic: As the pandemic took hold in early 2020, A.I.S.E. was quick to act. Their portfolio of products and services made them an essential sector in the fight against COVID-19. A.I.S.E. member companies stepped up to provide European citizens with crisis-relevant products, including hand disinfectants, surface disinfectants, and other essential cleaning products for households and professional settings.
The Household Care Sector: The household care industry can be grouped into five main product areas, primarily sold through grocery retailers, pharmacies, and drug stores. In 2020, European consumers spent an estimated €32.4 billion on household care products, reflecting an increase from €30.2 billion in 2019. Notably, all household care markets experienced growth, particularly in surface care, dishwashing, and bleaches. This surge in demand can be attributed to the increased amount of time people spent at home during the pandemic, leading to a greater need for cleaning and disinfectant products.
The Professional Cleaning and Hygiene Sector: The professional cleaning sector is vital for a wide range of applications, serving sectors such as hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, food factories, farms, industrial facilities, management cleaning, commercial laundries, military institutions, schools, universities, and hotels. These sectors rely on specialized cleaning and hygiene products, along with technical advice, expert services, and equipment.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professional market in 2020 was profound. Business customers spent an estimated €8.8 billion on professional cleaning and hygiene products and services, compared to €7.8 billion in 2019. The industry played a crucial role in supplying the escalating demand for cleaning products and disinfectants, evident in the remarkable 23% growth rate in this market.
Notably, the healthcare sector experienced an exceptional surge, with market demand growing by a staggering 67% in 2020. This growth was particularly prominent in sectors like building care, kitchen and catering, and professional laundry. However, due to widespread business closures in 2020, some sectors such as offices, hotels, and restaurants suffered.
