ALCOHOL; CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, suppliers, and wholesalers

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Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	NDA/ANDA	Supplier	Package Code	Package	Marketing Start
3m	AVAGARD	alcohol; chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	021074	NDA	Solventum US LLC	17518-051-01	8 BOTTLE in 1 CASE (17518-051-01) / 500 mL in 1 BOTTLE	2001-06-14
3m	AVAGARD	alcohol; chlorhexidine gluconate	SOLUTION;TOPICAL	021074	NDA	Solventum US LLC	17518-051-04	4 BOTTLE in 1 CASE (17518-051-04) / 1200 mL in 1 BOTTLE	2001-06-14
>Applicant	>Tradename	>Generic Name	>Dosage	>NDA	>NDA/ANDA	>Supplier	>Package Code	>Package	>Marketing Start

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

The pharmaceutical sector highly relies on the procurement of active and excipient ingredients from global suppliers to maintain quality standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and meet market demand. Among these, Alcohol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate are critical antiseptics and disinfectants widely used in healthcare, surgical, and consumer applications. This article explores leading suppliers of these compounds, analyzes supply chain dynamics, and provides actionable insights for pharmaceutical companies sourcing these chemicals.

Overview of Alcohol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Pharmaceuticals

Alcohols, particularly ethanol and isopropanol, function as antiseptics, disinfectants, and solvents within pharmaceutical formulations. The global demand surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of reliable supply chains.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate is an effective broad-spectrum antiseptic used in oral rinses, surgical scrubs, and skin disinfectants. Its proven efficacy and safety profile make it indispensable in both consumer and healthcare settings.

Major Suppliers of Alcohol in Pharmaceuticals

Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)

Global Producers:

Pernod Ricard and other chemical giants produce pharmaceutical-grade ethanol, serving both beverage and medicinal sectors.
Shell Chemicals and SABIC manufacture high-purity ethanol for medical and industrial uses.

Key Suppliers and Distributors:

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (India): Strong presence in pharmaceutical-grade ethanol production, especially in Asia.
Cristal Global: Supplies industrial and pharmaceutical ethanol globally, with capacity for large volume exports.
LyondellBasell: Offers ethanol with high purity suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Regional Focus:

North America: Dominated by suppliers like ethanol producers in the US and Canada, including POET LLC.
Asia-Pacific: India and China are major hubs, with manufacturers scaling production to meet global demands.
Europe: Suppliers include Praxair (now part of Linde) with high-quality ethanol for pharmaceuticals.

Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Leading Suppliers:

BASF: Major producer supplying pharmaceutical-grade isopropanol globally.
Dow Chemical (DowDupont): Known for high-purity isopropanol used in disinfectants.
LyondellBasell: Supplies premium-quality isopropanol with consistent supply reliability.

Distribution Channels:
Many pharmaceutical companies procure from distributors such as Sigma-Aldrich (now part of MilliporeSigma), Fisher Scientific, and regional chemical suppliers offering certified pharmaceutical-grade products.

Top Suppliers of Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Manufacturers of Chlorhexidine Gluconate

KISCO Ltd. (South Korea): One of the world's leading producers, with large-scale manufacturing facilities dedicated to chlorhexidine compounds.
GlobalN Pharma (India): Provides bulk chlorhexidine gluconate API with quality certifications suitable for pharmaceutical formulations.
Ajanta Pharma: Produces chlorhexidine gluconate as part of its antiseptic portfolio, sourcing raw API directly from reliable suppliers or manufacturing in-house.
Sasol Chemicals (South Africa): Supplies chlorhexidine base and gluconate salts, coupled with robust quality control measures.

API and Intermediate Suppliers

Major API suppliers typically operate in Asia and Europe, targeting both generic and branded pharmaceutical markets. Notably, Indian manufacturers such as Hester Biosciences and Deva Pharmacare produce chlorhexidine gluconate with WHO-GMP standards, ensuring competitiveness in emerging markets.

Packaging and Distribution

Once API suppliers procure chlorhexidine gluconate, they often work with packaging specialists to produce finished antiseptic formulations. Distributors like Cheney Brothers and Univar Solutions facilitate the global distribution of chlorhexidine-based products.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Considerations

The supply chain for Alcohol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate faces several challenges:

Raw Material Availability: Fluctuations in ethanol supply influence price and availability, often driven by agricultural feedstock constraints or ethanol policy changes (e.g., shifts in biofuel mandates).
Regulatory Compliance: Suppliers must meet stringent quality standards such as USP, EP, or BP certifications, especially for pharmaceutical-grade products.
Environmental Regulations: Stricter environmental policies affect manufacturing processes, particularly for alcohols, requiring investments in cleaner technologies.
Geopolitical Factors: Trade tensions and tariffs can impact sourcing strategies, especially between regions like North America, Asia, and Europe.

Despite these obstacles, global suppliers have adapted by expanding capacity, diversifying raw material sources, and investing in quality assurance to ensure a steady supply.

Strategic Sourcing Recommendations

Diversify Supplier Base: Relying on multiple suppliers across regions minimizes risks associated with regional disruptions.
Prioritize Certified Quality: Select suppliers adhering to GMP standards, offering certificates of analysis (COA) aligned with the intended application.
Engage Long-term Contracts: Secure supply stability and price consistency through contractual partnerships, especially during volatile periods.
Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about evolving standards that may impact supplier certifications and product registration.
Invest in Supplier Relationships: Cultivating strategic partnerships enhances supply flexibility and access to technical support.

Market Outlook and Trends

The global antiseptics market is projected to grow steadily, driven by infection control needs and pandemic preparedness. Demand for high-quality alcohols and chlorhexidine gluconate remains robust, with Asia-Pacific representing a significant share due to expanding healthcare infrastructure. The trend towards sustainable manufacturing and greener solvents could influence future supplier innovations.

Key Takeaways

Leading suppliers for pharmaceutical-grade ethanol and isopropanol include global chemical giants like BASF, Dow, and regional producers in India, China, and South Korea.
South Korean company KISCO and Indian firms like GlobalN Pharma are prominent chlorhexidine gluconate manufacturers catering to international markets.
Supply chain resilience hinges on diversification, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships.
Growing demand and regulatory dynamics necessitate proactive sourcing strategies and continuous supplier evaluation.
Investment in sustainable manufacturing practices can enhance supplier credibility and future-proof supply chains.

FAQs

What are the primary global regions supplying pharmaceutical-grade alcohols?
North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific dominate, with key players in the US, India, China, and South Korea providing high-quality ethanol and isopropanol.
How do I verify the quality of alcohol and chlorhexidine gluconate from suppliers?
Request Certificates of Analysis (COA), GMP certification, and ensure products meet pharmacopeial standards such as USP, EP, or BP.
Are there concerns about raw material shortages affecting supply?
Yes, factors like agricultural feedstock availability for ethanol and supply chain disruptions can impact raw material availability, emphasizing the importance of diversification.
What future trends could influence supplier choices?
Sustainability initiatives, stricter environmental regulations, and technological innovation in manufacturing will shape the supplier landscape.
How can emerging markets benefit from current supplier dynamics?
Emerging markets can leverage local manufacturing and build strategic partnerships to reduce dependence on imports, ensuring more stable supply and cost advantages.

References

[1] "Pharmaceutical Alcohols Market Outlook," MarketsandMarkets, 2022.
[2] "Global Chlorhexidine Gluconate API Manufacturers," WHO EMA Database, 2023.
[3] "Supply Chain Disruptions for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients," ICIS, 2022.
[4] "Analysis of Raw Material Availability for Pharmaceuticals," IMS Health, 2021.
[5] "Sustainable Manufacturing Trends in Chemical Industry," McKinsey & Company, 2022.

Suppliers and packagers for generic pharmaceutical drug: ALCOHOL; CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE