The sterilization technologies market size is expected to grow from US$ 5.167 billion in 2022 to US$ 9.109 billion by 2030; it is anticipated to record a CAGR of 7.3% from 2022 to 2030.

Market Drivers of the Sterilization Technologies Market

Surgical care is essential for treating diverse health conditions such as injuries, malignancy, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Most medical and surgical devices in healthcare facilities must be sterilized to avoid life-threatening infections. As per an article published in 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., over 313 million patients undergo surgical procedures every year globally. An increasing number of surgeries and hospital-associated infections underline the importance of sterilization services in the healthcare domain. The most common surgical procedures include cesarean, orthopedic processes (hip and knee replacement), neurosurgical procedures, and intra-abdominal procedures. An upsurge in road fatalities and congenital disabilities has also led to a rise in the number of surgeries performed worldwide. As per the CDC, nearly 120,000 newborns are affected by congenital disabilities each year in the US.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, ~15.6 million cosmetic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures were performed in 2020. As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an upsurge of 131% in cosmetic procedures was noted from 2000 to 2020. Moreover, in 2020, the total surgical procedures accounted for a 22% increase, while minimally invasive procedures increased by 174%. Medical devices that come into contact with body tissues or fluids as well as surgical instruments, biopsy forceps, and implanted medical devices are considered critical for sterilization. These items should be sterile when used, as microbial contamination could result in disease transmission to patients. Thus, the increasing number of surgeries performed bolsters the sterilization technologies market size. Further, continuous developments in sterilization technology are expected to bring new sterilization technology market trends in the coming years.

Restraint of the Sterilization Technologies Market

The sterilization technologies market has been growing rapidly with the increasing application of these technologies, especially chemical-based techniques, in various medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is widely used in the medical device industry. As per the FDA, over 20 billion medical devices are sold annually in the US, accounting for ~50% of all devices, and they are sanitized using EtO. However, due to increased concerns over the toxicity of EtO residuals, the Environmental Protection Agency recently imposed restrictions on its use; further, notices rolled out to shut down multiple sterilization facilities have posed various challenges to medical device manufacturers. For instance, on January 21, 2020, Medline Industries temporarily closed its Waukegan facility. The facility was used to manufacture and decontaminate 16,000 custom surgical kits daily. Medline voluntarily shut the facility to comply with a state EtO emission-control law. On June 2, 2021, Steril Milano S.R.L. (Italy) announced the shutdown of its EtO sterilization facilities (effective from March 2021) in Monza and Reggiolo, which offered medical device sterilization services. According to the FDA, the facilities were closed due to the improper sterilization of medical devices, raising sterility concerns.

On January 21, 2020, Georgia State Authorities accused Becton Dickinson and Company of releasing excessive EtO, which resulted in the shutdown of its medical device sterilization facility in Covington. It adversely affected the supply of critical medical devices such as surgical kits, feeding tubes, and different catheter types. On January 21, 2020, the Lake County Health Department announced that the BD sterilization facility was closed down from December 13, 2019. Thus, shutdown of medical device sterilization facilities hampers the sterilization technologies market growth.

Sterilization Technologies Market: Segmental Overview

By method, the sterilization technologies market is segmented into ethylene oxide sterilization, chlorine dioxide sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, electron beam sterilization, steam sterilization, and others. The ethylene oxide sterilization segment held the largest market share in 2022. The chlorine dioxide sterilization segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022-2030.

The sterilization technologies market, by end user, is divided into medical device companies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals and clinics, laboratories, and others. The medical device companies segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. It is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022-2030.

Sterilization Technologies Market: Geographical Overview

Asia Pacific is estimated to register the highest CAGR during 2022-2030. Countries in the Asia Pacific, such as India and China, hold significant potential for the growth of the sterilization technologies market. In 2022, North America accounted for the largest market share. A rise in HAI cases due to contaminated instruments and lack of preventive measures is the major factor that fuels the demand for sterilization technologies across healthcare facilities in the US. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, approximately 1 in 31 American patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents contracted at least one HAI each day. As per the CDC, more than ~1.7 million infections and ~99,000 associated deaths each year are due to HAIs. These estimates indicate the need for improvements in patient care practices in healthcare facilities in the US.

The demand for sterilization products is growing significantly across the US. In response to awareness about sterilization, various market leaders are launching their products. In April 2020, Advanced Sterilization Products (US) received FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its STERRAD sterilizers. The product enables healthcare providers to decontaminate N95 Respirators using STERRAD Sterilization Cycles in hospital settings.

A few of the major primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the report on the sterilization technologies market are the World Bank Data, National Health Service (NHS), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and WHO (World Health Organization).