STERILIZATION SERVICES MARKET ANALYSIS

The global sterilization services market was valued at US$ 3,864.1 Mn in 2022 and is forecast to reach a value of US$ 6,268.1 Mn by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2023 and 2030. The global sterilization services market is experiencing strong growth owing to the rise in burden of hospital acquired infections and rise in demand for sterilization agents and equipment. Moreover, outbreak of COVID-19 across the world and increase in number of surgical procedures is expected to boost the growth of the market. However, factors such as harmful effects of chemical agents and lack of availability of correct manuals are expected to hamper the market growth.

Global Sterilization Services Market: Regional Insights

Based on geography, the global sterilization services market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Among regions, North America is expected to gain highest share in the market over the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of chronic disease, increase in burden of hospital acquired infections, and rise in use of sterilization agents and equipment in the region. For instance, HAIs (hospital acquired infections) are a growing threat to patient safety in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, over 1.7 million hospitalized patients acquire HCAIs while being treated for other health issues and more than 98,000 patients (one in 17) die due to these infections.

Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to witness significant growth in the global sterilization services market owing to the rise in hospital acquired infections, rise in burden of chronic disease, and increase in demand for sterilization agents and equipment in these regions. For instance, such high burden of chronic diseases leads to an increased number of medical procedures which require medical equipment. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India’s cancer cases could increase by 12% in the next five years, with 1.5 million people projected to suffer from the non-communicable disease by 2025, up from 1.39 million in 2020.

Figure 1. Global Sterilization Services Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Global Sterilization Services Market Drivers:

Rise in hospital acquired infections to augment market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global sterilization services market over the forecast period is the rise in burden of hospital acquired infections across the globe. Such a high burden of HAIs leads to an increase in demand for sterilization services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), today, out of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in high-income countries, and 15 in low- and middle-income countries will acquire at least one health care-associated infection (HAI) during their hospital stay. On average, one in every ten affected patients will die from their HAI.

High demand for sterilization services to underpin market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global sterilization services market is the rise in demand for sterilization equipment and agents worldwide. For instance, with the rise in number of surgical procedures (due to rise in burden of chronic diseases), the demand for sterilized medical devices/equipment is also increasing. In October 2022, BD India and the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) teamed up for sterilization of one of its medical devices, Venflon Pro by electron beam (e-beam) technology, at RRCAT's Indore facility. The facility will provide e-beam sterilization services for medical devices.

Global Sterilization Services Market Opportunities:

Outbreak of COVID-19 across the world is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the global sterilization services market. For instance, there has been increase in the usage of medical devices and instruments, which in turn increase the rate of contamination due to regular and continuous use. Thus, there is/was an increase in demand for sterilization to disinfect the medical devices used for various surgeries. Many regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have deemed it necessary to maintain an adequate supply of sterilizers that can facilitate a rapid turnaround for sterilized or disinfected medical equipment.

Increase in number of surgical procedures is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the global sterilization services market. For instance, rise in burden of chronic diseases leads to an increase in number of medical or surgical procedures which require sterilized medical equipment. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), worldwide, around 310 million major surgeries are performed each year; around 40 to 50 million in the United States and around 20 million in Europe. Thus, with the rise in number of surgical procedures worldwide, the demand for sterilization services is also increasing with a rapid pace.

Global Sterilization Services Market Trends:

Rise in number of hospitals worldwide is a recent trend

High number of surgeries performed in hospitals, which in turn increase the demand for effectively sterilize surgical tools or equipment, hospital rooms, and the environment. Sterilization agents and equipment are used by a large number of hospitals around the world. Thus, with the rise in number of hospitals, the use of sterilization agents and equipment is also increasing. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period, driving the growth of the market.

Introduction of novel technologies is another trend

Recent developments in sterilization technologies that are applicable to healthcare facilities have followed the trend of the past few decades. Commercially available, sterilization tools/equipment have been enhanced, and newer technologies are moving toward commercialization. Novel tools or equipment have been developed for the sterilization process. These technologies have benefits and are safe over their predecessors. Hence, they are being adopted by the market.

Global Sterilization Services Market Restraints:

Harmful effects of chemical agents to hinder market growth

One of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global sterilization services market is the harmful effects of chemical agents. Many sterilization equipment consist of gases and liquids that are an integral part of their functioning. Some of these substances are harmful to human health. For instance, prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide (ETO) in healthcare facilities has been linked to hematologic changes and increase the risk of spontaneous abortions and various cancers. Studies have also shown exposure to ETO resulting in cancer.

Lack of availability of correct manuals to hamper market growth

Another factor which is hampering growth of the global sterilization services market is the lack of availability of correct manuals to perform sterilization activities. For instance, lack of availability of correct manuals to perform the sterilization activities for a few medical devices has been one of the issues faced by the service providers, as the lack of proper sterilization of the equipment may lead to diverse implications and may even have serious negative health impact on the patient. Thus, it has become one of the key challenges for the service providers.

Figure 2. Global Sterilization Services Market Share (%), By Method, 2023

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Global Sterilization Services Market Segmentation:

The global sterilization services market report is segmented into Method, Business Type, End User, and Geography.

Based on Method, the market is segmented into Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilization, Gamma Sterilization, Steam Sterilization, Electron Beam, Radiation Sterilization, and Other Methods. Out of which, Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilization Segment is expected to dominate the sterilization services market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the rise in usage of ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization. Low-temperature sterilization with ETO is widely in used healthcare facilities.

Gamma Sterilization Segment is also expected to witness lucrative growth in the near future and this is owing to the increase in demand for sterile medical tools and products. Gamma sterilization process is commonly used in the medical industry to disinfect certain tools and products

Based on Business Type, the market is segmented into Contract Sterilization Services and Sterilization Validation Services. Of which, Contract Sterilization Services Segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period and this is attributed to the need for sterilization services in a variety of industries. Contract sterilizers provide contract sterilization services to the companies in the medical device, pharmaceutical, consumer, and industrial markets.

Based on End User, the market is segmented into Medical Device Companies, Hospitals and Clinics, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry, and Other End Users. Out of which, Medical Device Companies Segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the rise in demand for sterile medical tools or products.

Hospitals and Clinics Segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the near future and this is owing to increase in number of hospitals and clinics worldwide.

Global Sterilization Services Market: Key Developments

In April 2022, Unimech Healthcare announced the launch of UniClean, an array of cloud-based comprehensive disinfection technology solutions for air and surface sterilization. The technology provides 99.99% virus free sterilization of offices, industries, hospitals, and other places.

In March 2022, Sterifre Medical launched the Aura device, an automatic point-of-care disinfection system that circulates hydrogen peroxide and activated oxygen to disinfect stethoscopes, sensors, pumps, and other stuff.

In December 2021, Owens and Minor acquired American Contract Systems. This acquisition helps the company in expanding the U.S.-based kitting operations and build unique local sterilization capabilities.

Global Sterilization Services Market: Key Companies Insights

The global sterilization services market is highly competitive. This is attributed to the increase in burden of chronic diseases around the world, as a result, market players are focusing on launching novel products in the market.

Some of the key players in the global sterilization services market are Steris Corporation, Noxilizer Inc., Medistri SA, Judd Medical Limited, E-BEAM Services Inc., Cantel Medical Corporation, Stryker Corporation (TSO3 Inc.), BGS Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH & Co. KG, and B Braun Melsungen AG (B Braun Medical Ltd.), among others.

*Definition: Sterilization describes the process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life and is carried out in the healthcare facilities. Sterilization services are essential to ensure that medical and surgical instruments do not transmit infectious pathogens to patients.