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, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global sterilization equipment market size was valued at USD 5.52 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2021 to 2028. 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 and 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.

An increase in the prevalence of HAIs due to the lack of sanitation and preventive measures is a key factor anticipated to propel market growth over the forecast period. According to a report by the CDC 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, the prevalence of HAIs in the European countries was around 7.1%. It also reported that around 4,131,000 patients suffer from HAIs in Europe each year. Such cases are expected to increase the demand for sterilization equipment. Sterilization equipment is required for sterilization and cleaning of different equipment used in the hospitals as they help in preventing infections and reducing the spread of 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 and sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption are some of the major factors contributing to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2017, by the 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 the estimates of the 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 the hospital admission rate. Blankets, sterile fluids, and equipment are some of the essential requirements in hospitals and 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 growth during the forecast period.

Product Insights

Low-temperature sterilizers held the largest share of 31.97% in 2020. The increasing need for sterilization of heat- and moisture-sensitive medical equipment with complex designs is propelling the need for low-temperature sterilization. This technique involves ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and sterilization using other liquid chemical substances. Low-temperature sterilization 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 for low-temperature sterilization.

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 low-temperature sterilizers segment. There is a constant need for R&D due to the risks associated with various sterilants, 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. Therefore, these factors are contributing to the growth of this segment over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for over 35.00% share of the global revenue in 2020. The large share of the regional market can be attributed to the favorable reimbursement policies, which boost the adoption of sterilization equipment, 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 and clinics, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific comprises developing and rapidly growing markets, such as China, Japan, and India. The market for sterilization equipment in this region is expected to witness considerable growth over the forecast period owing to factors such as the increasing need for controlling hospital-acquired infections, the growing demand for non-disposable medical devices, and the rising awareness about hygiene in hospitals and clinics. Most of the countries 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. This further boosts business in the region. In addition, the rapidly increasing number of hospitals and laboratories in this region and the booming medical tourism industry is propelling the market growth in Asia Pacific.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Companies are focusing on 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, and maX low-temperature sterilization systems for the 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, increase manufacturing capacities, and provide competitive differentiation. For instance, in April 2019, Fortive completed the acquisition of the Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) business segment from Johnson & Johnson, which also includes the 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 

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. 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, 2016 - 2028)

  • 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, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • Italy

    • France

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia