Instrumentation Sterilization Containers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Sterilization Containers, Accessories), By Type (Perforated, Non Perforated), By Material (Stainless Steel, Aluminium), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global instrumentation sterilization containers market size was valued at USD 366.29 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.01% from 2024 to 2030. Growing emphasis on infection control & prevention, rising incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), and an increase in the number of surgical procedures are the major factors contributing to the market growth. For instance, in March 2022, Aesculap, Inc. launched a new AESCULAP Aicon Sterile Container System. This new container helps streamline processes and lessen the possibility of wet sets. These factors are expected to propel the market.

The rising incidence of HAIs is a key factor driving the market growth. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in every 31 hospitalized patients has an HAI on any given day. Moreover, as per the NHSN Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Surveillance (January 2023) data reported in 2021, SSI accounted for 20% of all HAIs and is associated with a 2-to 11-fold increase in the risk of mortality, with SSI being directly responsible for 75% of SSI-associated deaths. SSI is the costliest HAI type, with an estimated annual cost of USD 3.3 billion, and extends hospital length of stay by 9.7 days, with the cost of hospitalization augmented by more than USD 20,000 per admission.

Similarly, as per the data published by WHO in May 2022, of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, 7 in developed or high-income countries and 15 in low- and middle-income countries develop at least one HAI during their hospital stay. Moreover, on average, 1 in every 10 affected patients is likely to die due to HAI. These factors are expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period.

The market is majorly driven by the rising number of surgeries globally. For instance, as per a research article published in NCBI (2020), approximately 310 million major surgeries are performed annually, among which, around 40 to 50 million are performed in the U.S. and 20 million in Europe. Moreover, according to a survey by the National Quality Forum, the number of surgical procedures conducted in the U.S. is increasing annually, and the rate of surgeries performed in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) has surged by 300% since the last decade. Similarly, according to a research article published in ArborMetrix, ASCs account for more than half of the outpatient surgery market, with approximately 23 million procedures yearly.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Market growth stage is high, and the pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of innovation owing to the rapid technological advancements in sterilization containers that have been focused on enhancing safety, efficiency, and usability. Improved materials offering better durability, heat resistance, and compatibility with various sterilization methods (such as steam, ethylene oxide, & hydrogen peroxide) have been developed. These materials ensure the integrity of the container and its contents during sterilization processes.

The market is also characterized by a high level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players. This strategy enables companies to increase their capabilities, expand product portfolios, and improve competencies.

The market is also subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny. This is due to concerns about the patient’s safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices and products related to sterilization containers. As a result, governments around the world are developing regulations to govern the development and use of sterilization containers. These regulations might have a significant impact on the market.

There are a number of direct product substitutes for sterilization products. However, there are a number of alternative products that may be used to achieve similar outcomes to sterilization products, such as disposable sterile packaging wraps and pouches. These products may be used as substitutes for sterilization in certain applications.

End-user concentration is a significant factor in the market. Since there are a number of end-user industries that are driving demand for instrumentation sterilization containers. The concentration of demand in a small number of end-user industries creates opportunities for companies that focus on developing instrumentation sterilization containers for these industries.

Product Insights  

Sterilization containers led the market and accounted for 77.08% of the global revenue in 2023. This high percentage might be attributed to the advantages, ease of use, protection against microorganisms, and financial benefits. Such advantages associated with these products are anticipated to propel the segment's growth. The demand for sterilization containers is increasing rapidly due to the rising demand for safe and sterilized medical equipment. Factors driving the segment include the increasing prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), a growing number of surgeries, and increased emphasis on infection prevention & control strategies.

Accessories are expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Accessories for surgical containers often complement their functionality and aid in the organization, sterilization, & transportation of medical instruments. Some common accessories include trays, identification tags, indicator cards, container lids, plates, locks, handles, etc. Continuous innovations and advancements in this segment are propelling the market.

Type Insights

Perforated accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. This is attributable to the perforated sterilization containers are specially designed containers used in healthcare settings to hold and sterilize medical instruments. These containers are typically made of durable materials like stainless steel and feature perforations or holes that allow steam or gas to penetrate and sterilize the instruments inside. These containers offer several advantages, such as the requirement of relatively less time for sterilization and limited requirement of accessories, leading to high adoption. Moreover, these containers aid in rapid sterilization, around half as much time as nonperforated containers.

Non perforated is expected to register a moderate CAGR during the forecast period. Non perforated sterilization containers are specifically designed to hold and sterilize medical instruments without the presence of holes or perforations. Unlike perforated containers, non-perforated containers seal the instruments in an airtight or sealed environment during the sterilization process. These containers are often used when a completely sealed sterilization environment is required to prevent any potential contamination of the instruments after sterilization. They are commonly made of materials like stainless steel and feature secure locking mechanisms to maintain the sterility of the contents.

Material Insights

Aluminum accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. This is attributable to the aluminum sterilization containers have a lifespan of more than 5 years, they are a suitable, long-term, affordable choice. Aluminum is softer, lighter than other metals, and rust-proof due to its chemical makeup, which makes it much easier to cut & shape.

In Addition, aluminum is a more economical choice as its lifetime costs decline overall at a rate that is around 70% to 80% faster than those of single-use wraps. Anodizing print is the utmost choice for aluminum sterilization containers because the color is embedded in the anodized layer. It is also resistant to temperatures up to 650°C and mechanical & chemical stress, thereby increasing the value. Hence, the aforementioned factors are expected to lead to a high demand for aluminum sterilization container systems, thereby propelling the market growth.

The Stainless steel segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period. Stainless steel sterilization containers are purpose-built containers made from high-quality stainless steel, designed specifically for the sterilization and safe storage of medical instruments. They play a critical role in ensuring the cleanliness & sterility of surgical tools and devices in healthcare settings.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 33.73% share in 2023. This high share is attributable to the rising elderly population and the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders due to lifestyle changes, resulting in a higher volume of surgical procedures at hospitals. Consequently, there’s a growing need for sterilization containers to ensure safety and prevent hospital-acquired infections. Furthermore, the presence of key players in the region is one of the leading factors contributing to market growth.

The U.S. held the largest share of North America wound dressings market in 2023. The increased utilization of surgical procedures, the high incidence of Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs), and the benefits linked to sterilization containers are some of the major factors fueling market expansion. Moreover, WHO identifies HAIs as the most frequent adverse events in healthcare, estimating that at any given time, over 1.4 million patients worldwide are affected by them. In the U.S., there are over one million occurrences of HAIs within the healthcare system annually, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth in the market. This is majorly attributed to the presence of major key players and the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, surgical procedures & HAIs in the country. This is owing to the presence of major key players and the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, surgical procedures & HAIs in the country. China accounted for the Asia Pacific largest share market in 2023. Growth in the market is primarily propelled by the increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, a surge in surgical procedures, and the expanding geriatric demographic.

Key Instrumentation Sterilization Containers Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Aesculap, Inc.; Medline Industries, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

• Aesculap, Inc., a subsidiary of B. Braun, specializes in producing surgical instruments, medical devices, and sterilization container systems. As a prominent privately owned manufacturing entity, the company provides products and services across various surgical domains.

• Medline Industries is a privately owned manufacturer and distributor that provides medical products, support, & education. The company operates in more than 125 countries and has more than 1,800 quality control specialists globally. It operates in medical equipment, product services, specialty products, and consumer brands.

• BD is a medical technology company dedicated to advancing global health by enhancing medical discovery, diagnostics, and healthcare. Its innovations aim to improve and streamline the process of medical research, diagnosis, & the overall delivery of care. The company operates in three segments: BD Interventional, BD Medical, and BD Life Sciences.

• Asel Tibbi Aletler A.Ş., Case Medical are some of the emerging market participants in the market.

• Case Medical is a prominent manufacturer specializing in top-tier, cost-effective products and services for instrument processing. Originating as a supplier of custom graphics trays to medical device manufacturers, the company evolved significantly. It is recognized for its DIN-size SteriTite universal sealed container and customizable MediTray inserts.

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, Medline entered into a vendor distribution agreement with the University of Utah Health for serving as an exclusive provider of an extensive array of crucial medical supplies and solutions to the University’s inpatient acute care hospitals and network of physician offices and ambulatory surgery centers within the outpatient setting.

• In March 2022, Aesculap, Inc. - a B. Braun company launched the AESCULAP Aicon Sterile Container System, which offers features for streamlining procedures and mitigating the risk of wet sets, enhancing efficiency in sterilization processes.

• In February 2022, Medline entered into a partnership with the University of Kansas Health System, situated in Kansas. As the primary supplier for the system, Medline would provide a wide array of crucial medical supplies and solutions to all five acute care hospital facilities within the University of Kansas Health System.

Instrumentation Sterilization Containers Market Report Scope

Global Instrumentation Sterilization Containers Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global instrumentation sterilization containers market report based on product, type, material, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Sterilization Containers

  • Accessories

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Perforated

  • Non Perforated

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Stainless Steel

  • Aluminium

  • Other Material

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Norway

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa

    • Kuwait