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The use of automatic soap dispensers has increased over the past years tremendously due to COVID-19. The technology and designs available have also increased in variety. Here are the latest trends in the market.
Increasing consumer awareness on health issues has led to an increased usage of hand sanitizer products. Growing concern towards personal cleanliness is leading to higher consumption of soap and detergent products. The rising number of people suffering from skin allergies fuels the demand for natural ingredients in soap and detergent products.
North America accounts for more than half of the total revenue generated from the global soap and detergents market. The Asia Pacific is projected to be one of the fastest-growing markets over the forecast period owing to increasing disposable incomes among consumers coupled with high urbanization.
Automatic Soap Dispenser Product Insights
Based on type, automatic soap dispensers accounted for the largest share of the global market in 2021, owing to their ease of use and convenience. Automatic soap dispensers provide a continuous supply of fresh soap without manual intervention. Moreover, they ensure hygienic conditions during usage. However, these devices require regular maintenance and cleaning due to the accumulation of dirt and debris. Thus, it becomes necessary to replace the entire device after every few months.
In addition, such machines have limited shelf life as compared to manually operated ones. Manual soap dispensers were estimated to account for the second-largest segment in terms of volume sales in 2021. These units do not need any external source of energy or water; hence, they can operate even when there is no electricity or running tap water.
They offer better control over the amount of liquid dispensed per unit time. Furthermore, they allow users to adjust the quantity of soap required based on individual needs. Such features make them popular among households where multiple members may consume soap simultaneously.
Wall Mounted and Countertop Dispensers
Countertop dispensers are more convenient than wall-mounted models because they are easy to access and maintain. Wall mountable dispensers are also preferred by small businesses that cannot afford space-consuming countertops. On the contrary, wall-mounted dispensers are ideal for larger spaces with high foot traffic.
Stainless Steel Finish
In recent years, stainless steel finish has become increasingly popular among end-users. Stainless steel finishes are highly durable and resistant to corrosion. This feature helps prevent contamination from occurring between uses. It also prevents bacteria growth. Hence, this material is widely used in healthcare facilities, hotels, hospitals, schools, etc.
Foam Soap Dispensers
These dispensers consist of two chambers separated by an airtight membrane. One chamber contains foam which acts as a carrier medium, while the other holds the soap solution. When activated, the user squeezes the container causing the air pressure inside the first chamber to increase. This causes the airtight membrane separating both chambers to rupture, allowing the contents of one chamber to flow into the other. Foam soaps contain less sodium lauryl sulfate than conventional bars of soap.
Hand Sanitizer Dispensers
These dispensers work similarly to those containing soap but are explicitly designed for disinfecting hands. Hand sanitizers are available in different forms ranging from alcohol-based solutions to gels. Alcohols kill germs present on skin surfaces. Gels form a protective layer on the surface of the skin, preventing further contact with pathogens. Both types of soap dispensers help reduce the risk of spreading infection through contaminated hands.
Touchless Soap Dispenser Technology
This technology allows users to dispense liquid without touching the product or its packaging. Instead, it senses when the bottle is being opened and automatically activates the pump mechanism. Some touchless systems use ultrasonic sensors, whereas others rely on infrared light beams. These technologies eliminate any need for manual activation, thus reducing human error during operation. They can be installed at all points of sale, such as retail stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, gas stations, convenience stores, fast-food chains, coffee shops, etc.
Rechargeable Battery
Some manufacturers have developed rechargeable battery-powered touchless soap dispensers. The batteries last longer compared to non-rechargeable versions. Moreover, these devices do not require frequent maintenance, unlike mechanical pumps. However, their cost may limit their adoption rate.
Automatic Soap Dispenser Efficiency
The automatic version of the device requires no intervention from the operator once set up. Once the machine detects motion near the unit, it will start pumping out soap. Automatic machines usually come equipped with timers and alarms to notify operators if there’s been a malfunction. In addition, some units include LED lights to indicate whether the system is working correctly.
An automatic dispensing of soap increases efficiency significantly because the user can set the amount of liquid to be dispensed per use.
The Takeaway
The automatic soap dispenser market has grown tremendously since 2020, and it will continue to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to personal hygiene and the use of dispenser technology. The innovative technologies have brought the convenience that is going to be the motivator moving forward.
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