Sterilization Services Market Size, Share, Growth by 2030

The global market for sterilization services is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 6,210.13 million by 2030, up from US$ 3,367.88 million in 2022. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2022 to 2030.

Several key factors are propelling this market expansion, including the rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections and an increasing volume of surgical procedures performed globally. However, the market's growth is somewhat hindered by strict regulations concerning chemical emissions. In the United States, the growth of the sterilization services sector is particularly influenced by the escalating rates of healthcare-associated infections and the surge in surgical operations, which are critical drivers in this region.

Opportunities in the Medical Device Sector Fueling Sterilization Services Growth

The medical device sector is anticipated to witness substantial growth, driven by ongoing technological innovations. The demand for enhanced healthcare services has prompted developing nations to invest in technology-driven healthcare solutions. Additionally, the growing elderly population, the rise in chronic disease cases, and the need for pediatric care have all contributed to the increased demand for advanced healthcare services. Major medical device manufacturers are heavily investing in research and development for advanced technologies and sterilization services.

Medical devices and equipment play a crucial role in patient monitoring. Sterilization is a vital step in the manufacturing process of these devices. The choice of sterilization method depends on various factors, including material compatibility, available processes, location of processing, physical characteristics of the device, regulatory approvals, costs, and registration requirements in different countries. Proper sterilization of medical devices is essential both during production and prior to use. Inadequate sanitization can lead to health risks and complications in obtaining market approval from regulatory agencies like the FDA. Therefore, healthcare organizations must effectively manage sterilization processes to ensure patient safety. Consequently, the expanding medical device industry presents significant opportunities for key players in the sterilization services market.

Regulatory Challenges Impacting the Sterilization Services Market

The sterilization services market has seen rapid growth in recent years, largely due to the increasing application of sterilization across a variety of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is a prevalent method in the medical device industry. According to the FDA, over 20 billion medical devices are sold annually in the United States, with approximately 50% being sterilized using EtO. However, growing concerns regarding the toxicity of EtO residues have led the Environmental Protection Agency to impose restrictions on its use, and the closure of several sterilization facilities has created challenges for medical device manufacturers.

Insights Based on Mode of Delivery

The sterilization services market is categorized by mode of delivery into offsite and onsite sterilization services. In 2022, the offsite sterilization segment held a larger market share, but the onsite sterilization segment is expected to experience a higher CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. The offsite sterilization segment dominated the market in 2022 with a share of 59.30% and is projected to maintain its leading position, accounting for 58.48% of the total market by 2030.

Insights Based on Methodology

The sterilization services market is also segmented by method into ethylene oxide, chlorine dioxide, gamma ray, electron beam, autoclave steam, and others. The ethylene oxide segment held the largest market share in 2022, while the chlorine dioxide segment is expected to achieve the highest CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. The ethylene oxide segment led the market in 2022 with a share of 31.16%, but gamma ray sterilization is anticipated to dominate the market by accounting for 30.51% of the total market by 2030.

Insights Based on Service Type

The sterilization services market is divided by service type into contract sterilization and microbial reduction services, testing and validation services, equipment, and others. The contract sterilization and microbial reduction services segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. This segment led the market in 2022 with a share of 40.72% and is expected to maintain its dominance, accounting for 42.15% of the total market by 2030.

Insights Based on End Users

The sterilization services market is segmented by end user into medical device companies, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, hospitals and clinics, and others. The medical device companies segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to achieve the highest CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. This segment led the market in 2022 with a share of 45.82% and is projected to retain its leading position, accounting for 47.42% of the total market by 2030.

Key sources referenced in the preparation of this report on the sterilization services market include the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EUA (Emergency Use Authorization), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).