Sterilization Equipment Market By Product (Heat Sterilizers, Low-Temperature Sterilizers, Radiation Sterilization Devices, and Sterile Membrane Filters), By End-User (Hospitals & Clinics, Pharmaceuticals, and Other End-Users), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

The Global Sterilization Equipment Market Size is expected to be worth around USD 32.2 Billion by 2032, from USD 13.5 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are most common in patients undergoing surgical or long-term treatment. They are used in ambulatory surgical centers, long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers.

In addition, HAIs are most common in children, elders, and patients with low immunity. Because they aid in preventing the spread of diseases and infections, sterilization equipment is necessary to clean and sterilize various hospital equipment. Some significant contributors to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases include an increase in unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, antimicrobial resistance, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Key Takeaways

• The global sterilization equipment market was worth USD 13.5 bn in 2022, projected to reach USD 32.4 bn by 2032 with a 9.4% CAGR during 2023-2032.
• Nosocomial infections are most common in surgical patients, necessitating sterilization equipment in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• Rising surgical procedures and HAIs drive market growth, emphasizing the importance of sanitation and hygiene in clinics.
• Stringent regulations and equipment costs pose challenges, inhibiting market growth.
• Sterilization of advanced medical instruments remains a significant challenge, requiring skilled staff and industry standards.
• Investment in sterilization equipment technologies and government funding for research offer growth opportunities.
• Healthcare-associated infections and food sterilization emphasize the need for sterilization equipment, driven by advanced medical devices and methods.
• In 2022, low-temperature sterilizers dominated the market, catering to the demand for sensitive medical equipment sterilization.
• In 2022, North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 35.6%.
• Asia-Pacific will likely grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023-2032.

Product Analysis

Based on product, the global sterilization equipment market is divided into heat sterilizers, low-temperature sterilizers, radiation sterilization devices, and sterile membrane filters. In 2022, low-temperature sterilizers accounted for the largest revenue share of the market.

This is because there is a growing demand for sterilizing intricately designed medical equipment sensitive to heat and moisture. Sterilization with (EtO), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and other liquid chemical substances is part of this strategy.

Due to complex innovations and the changing healthcare environment, the methods have evolved over the past decade. Using costly, intricate, and delicate medical instruments that are challenging to sterilize is also driving demand.

The unmet demand for the sterilization of complex substances and the rising number of surgical procedures are some of the driving forces behind the expansion of this market.

Furthermore, due to the risks associated with various sterilants, there is a constant demand for R&D, which inspires manufacturers to work continuously on new products. In addition, target specificity and toxicity, two crucial aspects of low-temperature sterilization, necessitate improvements to the currently available sterilization chemicals. This market is expanding as a result of these elements.

Services Analysis

Based on services, the global sterilization equipment market is classified into ethylene oxide sterilization services, steam sterilization services, gamma radiation sterilization services, X-Ray services, and electron beam services. In 2022, the market was dominated by ethylene oxide sterilization services, which are anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment between 2023 and 2032.

Sterilization with ethylene oxide is a standard and widely used method. The medical device industry and bioburden minimization services for bulk products such as agricultural produce, spices, pharmaceutical raw materials, and cosmetics can benefit from ethylene oxide sterilization services. The shifting healthcare environment and complex innovations have influenced the techniques’ development over the past ten years.

Another factor driving demand is the use of costly, intricate, and delicate medical instruments that are difficult to sterilize. In addition, the unmet demand for complex substance sterilization, an expanding patient population, and rising life expectancy are driving this market’s expansion.

End-User Analysis

The global sterilization market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, pharmaceuticals, and other end-users based on end-user. During the forecast period, it is anticipated that the hospitals & clinics segment will dominate the market for sterilization equipment with the largest share.

This segment’s expansion can be attributed to the rising rate of HAIs, the expanding number of hospitals and clinics in Asian nations, the expanding number of annual surgeries, and the expanding number of government efforts to diagnose HAIs.

Key Market Segments

Based on Product

• Heat Sterilizers
• Low-temperature Sterilizers
• Radiation Sterilization Devices
• Sterile Membrane Filters

Based on Services

• Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Services
• Steam Sterilization Services
• Gamma Radiation Sterilization Services
• X-Ray Services
• Electron Beam Services

Based on End-User

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other End-Users

Driving Factors

Rising Surgical Procedures And Predisposition

Rising surgical procedures and predisposition of hospital-acquired infections will boost the market growth. Predisposition to HAIs can be increased by factors such as the use of catheters, poor hygiene in healthcare settings, and excessive antibiotic use.

Furthermore, an increase in the number of surgical procedures performed in clinics significantly contributes to market expansion. Therefore, proper sanitation and hygiene must be practiced for the clinic to remain healthy. In addition, controlling the spread of COVID-19 necessitates implementing preventative measures. Using sterilization equipment in clinics is likely to rise due to these factors.

Rising Prevalence Of Chronic Conditions

The rate of hospital admissions has significantly increased due to the rising prevalence of chronic conditions. Sterile fluids, blankets, and equipment are essential in hospitals and clinics. As a result, sterilization equipment effectively accomplishes its goal by lowering the likelihood of infection transmission among patients and enhancing care delivery.

Therefore, during the forecast period, the market is expected to expand due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases.

Restraining Factors

Stringent Regulations and High Costs of Equipment

Restrictions on the use of ethylene oxide in disposable and single-use medical devices and sterilization equipment limitations are likely to hinder market growth. On the other hand, huge investments are initially expected for market growth as the equipment is expensive. Additionally, the stringent regulations and guidelines, as well as non-compliance with the standards, lead to consequences and slow down growth.

Challenges in Sterilizing Advanced Medical Devices

The market for sterilization equipment faces a significant obstacle when sterilizing state-of-the-art medical instruments. Disinfecting, cleaning, and sterilizing advanced medical devices raises several issues. Patients may risk contracting HAIs if these devices are not sterilized properly.

To address the difficulties of reprocessing medical devices, the Association for the Advancement of Medical instrumentation has working groups focused on creating standards in several areas. As sterile processing is a skill-intensive process, hospitals currently require staff certification.

Opportunities

Increasing the investment and advancements

The market is anticipated to benefit from the ongoing development of sterilization equipment technologies. In addition, there will be numerous growth opportunities for the market due to the increasing number of investments made by the government and the emphasis placed on research and development to introduce better options for safety and prevention.

Trends

Expanding Market for Sterilization Equipment

Invasive medical procedures often involve equipment like ventilators and catheters. Unfortunately, these tools are linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as CLABSI, CAUTI, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. The CDC reports that HAIs cause approximately 1.8 million infections and 99,000 deaths each year. Particularly vulnerable are patients with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children.

In the food industry, sterilization and disinfection are crucial for safety. Techniques include heating, chemical treatment, low temperatures, dehydration, and radiation. Adding specific ingredients also helps combat bacteria and molds in spices and herbs.

Companies like Hitachi Zosen Corporation are at the forefront, providing advanced sterilization solutions. Their offerings range from electron beam systems to equipment for sterilizing food and beverage containers and pharmaceutical products. As the need for effective sterilization grows, so does the demand for these technologies, driving market growth.

Regional Analysis

In 2022, North America dominated the market and contributed more than 35.6% of global revenue.

Based on region, the market for sterilization equipment is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The region’s rising incidence of hospital-acquired infections and favorable reimbursement policies are major factors responsible for this region’s significant market share.

In addition, sterilization equipment is required in hospitals & clinics by strict regulatory policies that ensure safe and high-quality healthcare, like the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is expected to drive market expansion in the coming years.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience substantial growth in the coming years

Due to factors such as the increasing demand for non-disposable medical devices, rising awareness of hygiene in hospitals & clinics, and the growing need to control hospital-acquired infections, the market in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience significant growth.

Most of the nations in the region, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Their compliance with the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) Act specifies regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector, attracting major market players to initiate production facilities in these nations.

Key Regions

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The competitive landscape in the sterilization equipment market is consolidated, with a few key regional and local players. Major players are forming strategic alliances to expand their respective portfolios and establish a solid foothold in the market. The major players in the market have recently employed various tactics to stay ahead of the competition, including introducing new products, technological equipment updates, partnerships, and collaborations in research and development.

Major corporations also hire distributors to expand their business, which has been used as a market penetration strategy to expand their regional reach.

Sterilization Equipment Market Key Players Are

• STERIS Plc.
• Sterigenics U.S., LLC
• Fortive
• Cantel Medical
• E-BEAM Services, Inc.
• 3M Company
• MATACHANA GROUP
• MMM Group
• Cosmed Group
• Metall Zug Group
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In June 2023: Acquisition of BD’s Surgical Instrumentation Unit: STERIS Plc acquired the surgical instrumentation, laparoscopic instrumentation, and sterilization container assets from Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) for $540 million. This acquisition, which includes the V. Mueller™, Snowden-Pencer™, and Genesis™ branded products, is aimed at strengthening and expanding STERIS’s offerings in the healthcare sector. The transaction is projected to enhance annual revenue by approximately $170 million, with an expected tax benefit of around $60 million due to tax-deductible goodwill.
• In June 2021: STERIS plc completed a significant acquisition of Cantel Medical for approximately $4.6 billion. This acquisition allowed STERIS to enhance its product offerings in the infection prevention sector, particularly targeting endoscopy, dental, dialysis, and life sciences markets. The integration of Cantel’s portfolio has been anticipated to bring in cost synergies estimated at about $110 million by the fourth fiscal year post-acquisition.
• In October 2023: E-BEAM Services completed a significant facility expansion in Lebanon, Ohio. This expansion introduced 52,000 square feet of advanced technological infrastructure, including a new electron beam accelerator and specialized conveyor systems, enhancing their capacity for large-volume operations and supporting continuous customer growth.
• In March 2023: MMM Group introduced the Selectomat® PL Compact Line, a compact steam sterilizer designed to maximize performance in limited spaces. This equipment is part of their broader effort to cater to healthcare facilities with restricted space but high sterilization needs. The Selectomat® PL Compact Line incorporates sophisticated technology, maintaining MMM Group’s emphasis on high-grade sterilization while optimizing facility space usage.

Report Scope