Sterilization Services Market - By Product (Gas Modalities, Radiation Modalities, Dry Heat Sterilization), By Business Type (Contract, Validation Sterilization Services), By Mode of Delivery (On-site, Off-site), End-use – Global Forecast, 2023-2032

Sterilization Services Market Size

The global sterilization services market was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2022 and is estimated to account for USD 9.3 billion by 2032. Sterilization services refer to a range of specialized processes and techniques used to eliminate microorganisms, and other materials used in healthcare settings. For instance, as per the World Health Organization report, it is observed that in high-income countries, around 30% of patients in intensive care units endure at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI). In contrast, lower and middle-income countries face a more substantial burden, with the incidence of HAIs often being 2 to 3 times higher.
 

Moreover, nosocomial infections are HAI that are acquired while receiving treatment during the hospital stay, which first appears within 48 hours or more after hospital admission or within 30 days post discharge. Patients are generally affected by nosocomial infections in long-term care facilities, hospitals, ambulatory settings, and post-discharge from the hospital. Thus, an increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections is said to propel the market growth during the projected period.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on sterilization services. It led to an increased demand for sterilization in healthcare settings and prompted the development of infection control supplies. Infection control measures became a priority in various settings during pandemic and consecutively sterilization processes gained importance. Safety and regulatory changes were made to address pandemic-related challenges. The pandemic also raised awareness of the critical role of sterilization in public health and safety.

Sterilization Services Market Trends

The readiness for the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on infection control practices. It prompted healthcare facilities and institutions to enhance their infection control measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. The CDC has provided operational considerations and resources for ministries of health and other public health authorities to use to improve the adoption and integration of infection prevention and control into national pandemic preparedness and response planning for COVID-19.
 

• Strict infection prevention and control protocols were established, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and the implementation of isolation and quarantine measures
   
• The frequency and thoroughness of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and facilities were intensified to reduce the risk of virus transmission
   

The pandemic emphasized the significance of public awareness and education regarding infection control measures, resulting in a rise in adherence to guidelines, which is expected to drive market growth in the forecast period.
 

Sterilization Services Market Analysis

The sterilization services market by method is categorized into gas modalities, radiation modalities, dry heat sterilization and others. The gas modalities segment garnered USD 1.8 billion revenue size in the year 2022. Gas modalities is further bifurcated into ethylene oxide (EtO) Sterilization, hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization, and others. These can effectively sterilize a wide range of materials and equipment, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and sensitive electronic components. Therefore, this versatility drives demand.

In light of HAIs and the need for stringent infection control measures, gas modalities are crucial for maintaining sterile healthcare environments
 

• Hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization is a low-temperature sterilization process, which makes it suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive devices.
   

The familiarity of hydrogen peroxide in households provides users a sense of confidence with hydrogen peroxide as a non-toxic, environmentally safe solution. Therefore, gas modalities account for a considerable market share in sterilization services market.
 

Based on business type, the market is segmented into contract and validation sterilization services. The contract sterilization services segment dominated the market and accounted for over 78% market share in the year 2022. High segment share can be attributed to following factors as mentioned below;
 

• Contract sterilization allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving the sterilization process to experts, which can be more cost-effective and efficient
   
• Contract sterilization providers can accommodate varying sterilization needs, whether it's for small batches or large-scale production, offering scalability that in-house facilities may struggle to provide
   
• Overall, the demand for contract sterilization services continues to grow as various industries recognize the benefits of outsourcing sterilization to specialized providers. This allows businesses to maintain the highest standards of sterility while focusing on their core operations.
   

The sterilization services market by end-use is categorized into healthcare facilities, medical device companies, pharmaceutical & biotech companies, and others. Healthcare facilities segment garnered USD 1.9 billion revenue size in the year 2022.
 

• Healthcare facilities must maintain high levels of sterility to prevent HAIs and protect patients. Sterilization is a critical component of infection control measures.
   
• Sterilization of surgical devices is a fundamental requirement for surgical procedures to minimize the risk of post-operative infection. Hence, healthcare facilities are subject to stringent regulatory requirements that mandate the use of effective sterilization methods to ensure patient and staff safety. Thereby, fueling market growth.
   

U.S. sterilization services market accounted for USD 706 million revenue size in 2022 and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline.
 

• The U.S. is a hub for medical device manufacturing. Sterilization services are crucial for ensuring the sterility of these devices, and the growth of this industry contributes to demand.
   
• The occurrence of emerging infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the importance of effective sterilization in healthcare settings, driving demand.
   

Sterilization Services Market Share

The sterilization services industry is consolidated, with major players such as Steris Corporation dominating the market. The companies are focused on continuous product innovation to secure a significant market share. For instance, in July 2023, STERIS introduced X-ray sterilization services at its established facility in Malaysia, which already provided gamma and ethylene oxide sterilization. Hence, this expansion in processing capabilities ensures company to provide customers with a broader range of services, including routine options and processing redundancy, contributing to market growth.
 

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the sterilization services industry include:

• Steris Corporation
• Stryker Corporation
• 3M Company
• Ecolab Inc.
• Cantel Medical Corp.
• Sterigenics International LLC
• Cretex Companies
• E-BEAM Services, Inc.
• Noxilizer, Inc.
• Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH & Co. KG
• Cosmed Group, Inc.
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Centurion Medical Products
• Anderson Products, Inc.
• Doyen Medipharm
   

Sterilization Services Industry News:

• In June 2023, E-BEAM Services unveiled a partnership with ELIX Polymers, a global specialist in specialty plastics manufacturing, to introduce electron beam crosslinking services for ELIX's specialty materials. This partnership aimed at improving company’s product offerings, market reach, and staying competitive in the specialty plastics industry.
   
• In April 2023, Cantel Medical Corp, now under the umbrella of STERIS plc, introduced the ADVANTAGETM PLUS Pass-Through Automatic Endoscope Reprocessor (AER). This innovative system delivers high-level disinfection and enhanced efficiency in the reprocessing of endoscopes.
   
• In May 2022, Sterigenics initiated an expansion of its electron beam facility situated in Indiana. This facility plays a vital role in providing electron beam sterilization services to enhance the safety of pharmaceuticals and medical devices used in the global healthcare industry.
   

Sterilization services market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD from 2018 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Sterilization Services Market, By Method, 2018-2032 (USD Million)

• Gas modalities
  • Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization
  • Hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization
  • Other gas modalities
• Radiation modalities
  • Gamma radiation sterilization
  • X-ray sterilization
  • Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization
  • Electron beam (E-beam) sterilization
  • Other radiation modalities
• Dry heat sterilization
• Other methods

Sterilization Services Market, By Business Type, 2018-2032 (USD Million)

• Contract sterilization services
• Sterilization validation services

Sterilization Services Market, By Mode of Delivery, 2018-2032 (USD Million)

• On-site sterilization services
• Off-site sterilization services

Sterilization Services Market, By End-use, 2018-2032 (USD Million)

• Healthcare facilities
• Medical device companies
• Pharmaceutical & biotech companies
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa