Clorox's disinfecting wipes to run low in stocks until 2021

Clorox's disinfecting wipes won't be fully available in groceries until next year, with stocks running low due to the six-fold increase in demand, says CEO Benno Dorer.

According to Dorer, other than being the hottest commodity in its product line, disinfecting wipes take longer to produce because of a very complex supply chain.

He noted that wipes are made from polyester spunlace, which are currently in short supply as it is also a material for protective wear like masks and medical gowns.

However, supply for most of Clorox's products, like liquid bleach, will improve dramatically over the next four to six months.

Since the start of global lockdowns, hygiene goods makers have a sustained boom in sales.

The California-based company has a stock shortage across much of its products, such as Burt's Bees lip balm and Glad trash bags.

While Clorox usually holds excess supply for flu seasons, it cannot keep up with overwhelming pandemic-triggered demand for many of its disinfectants.

Dorer said the entire supply chain is stressed and that it would probably take the company until 2021 to meet the demand.