Sterilization Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Heat Sterilizers, Low-temperature Sterilizers, Sterile Membrane Filters, Radiation Sterilization Devices), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Sterilization Equipment Market Size & Trends

The global sterilization equipment market size was valued at USD 7.0 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2023 to 2030. Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are primarily found in patients receiving long-term treatment, mainly surgical treatment. They can occur in surgical centers, clinics, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes & rehabilitation centers. Generally, the geriatric population, children, and patients with low immunity are prone to HAIs. Factors such as the use of catheters, lack of proper hygiene in healthcare settings, and excessive use of antibiotics can increase predisposition to HAIs.

Furthermore, an increase in the number of surgical procedures in clinics is a major factor contributing to market growth. Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation is necessary to maintain a healthy environment in the clinic. In addition, the spread of COVID-19 requires the adoption of preventive measures for containing the spread of the disease. These factors are expected to drive the adoption of sterilization equipment in clinics.

Increasing prevalence of HAIs due to lack of sanitation and preventive measures is a key factor anticipated to propel market growth over the forecast period. According to a CDC report in 2018, around 1.7 million cases of HAIs and around 99,000 associated deaths are reported each year in American hospitals. As per a report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in 2018, prevalence of HAIs in European countries was around 7.1%. It also reported that over 4,131,000 patients suffer from HAIs in Europe each year. Such cases are boosting the demand for sterilization equipment.

Sterilization equipment is required for sterilization and cleaning of different equipment used in the hospitals as they help in reducing the spread of infections and diseases. An increase in the incidence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases, is anticipated to boost the demand for sterilization equipment. Antimicrobial resistance, increased adoption of unhealthy & sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol consumption, are some of the major factors contributing to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases.

According to the National Diabetes Statistic Report 2017, by CDC, more than 100.0 million people in the U.S. were living with diabetes or prediabetes. In addition, the WHO reported that in 2015, approximately 1.6 million global deaths were directly caused due to diabetes. Cancer has been a global healthcare burden. According to estimates by WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death globally and almost 1 in 6 deaths can be attributed to this disease. In addition, it reported that over 70% of cancer-related deaths typically occur in middle- and low-income countries.

The rising prevalence of chronic conditions has significantly increased hospital admission rate. Blankets, sterile fluids, and equipment are some of the essential requirements in hospitals & clinics. Thus, in such cases, sterilization equipment efficiently serves the purpose, as they reduce the risk of infection transmission among patients and improve care delivery. Thus, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is expected to positively impact the market during the forecast period.

Product Insights

Low-temperature sterilizers held the largest share of 32.1% in 2022. This is attributable to the increasing need for sterilization of heat- and moisture-sensitive medical equipment with complex designs. This technique involves Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and sterilization using other liquid chemical substances. The techniques have been evolving over the decade owing to the changing healthcare environment and complex innovations. In addition, the use of expensive, complex, and delicate medical instruments that are difficult to sterilize is spurring the demand.

Factors such as increasing surgical procedures, the expanding patient population, rising life expectancy, and the unmet need for sterilization of complex substances are driving the growth of this segment. There is a constant need for R&D due to the risks associated with various sterilant, which prompts manufacturers to make constant efforts, leading to the launch of new products. Some critical aspects of low-temperature sterilization, such as target specificity and toxicity, create a need for advancements in current chemicals available for sterilization. These factors contribute to the growth of this segment. 

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for over 35.1% share of global revenue in 2022. The large market share of the region can be attributed to favorable reimbursement policies, which boost their adoption, and the rising prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in the region. Stringent regulatory policies regarding the delivery of safe and quality healthcare services, such as the presence of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also mandate the usage of sterilization equipment in hospitals & clinics, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to witness a considerable growth rate owing to factors such as the increasing need for controlling hospital-acquired infections and growing demand for non-disposable medical devices coupled with rising awareness about hygiene in hospitals and clinics. Most of the countries in the region, such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, are members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and their compliance with the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) act assures regulatory conformity in the healthcare sector, which is attracting major market players to set up manufacturing facilities in these countries.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key players that dominated the global sterilization equipment market in 2022 include STERIS plc, Sterigenics U.S., LLC, Cantel Medical, E-BEAM Services, Inc., and Fortive. Companies are stressing research and development to develop technologically advanced products to gain a competitive edge.For instance, in April 2020, the U.S. FDA approved the use of Steris V-PRO 1 Plus, maX2, & maX low-temperature sterilization systems for decontamination of around 750,000 N95 respirators and similar masks each day in hospitals used for treating COVID-19 patients. This may increase the goodwill of the company. 

Companies are engaging in partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions, aiming to strengthen their product portfolio, and manufacturing capacities, and provide competitive differentiation. For instance, in April 2019, Fortive completed the acquisition of Advanced Sterilization Products business segment from Johnson & Johnson, which also includes STERRAD Sterilization System. Thus, infection prevention related product portfolio would be marketed under Fortive. This initiative is anticipated to boost the growth of the company. Some prominent players in the global sterilization equipment market include:

• STERIS PLC.

• Sterigenics U.S., LLC

• Cantel Medical

• E-BEAM Services, Inc.

• Fortive 

Sterilization Equipment Market Report Scope

Global Sterilization Equipment Market Report Segmentation

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

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

  • Heat Sterilizers

    • Depyrogenation Oven

    • Steam Autoclaves

  • Low-temperature Sterilizers

    • Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers

    • Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizers

    • Others

  • Sterile Membrane Filters

  • Radiation Sterilization Devices

    • Electron Beams

    • Gamma Rays

    • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait