Sterilization Equipment Market

Sterilization Equipment Market Size

The global sterilization equipment market size was valued at around USD 9.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 7.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Increased incidences of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have necessitated an urgent need for sophisticated sterilization equipment for efficient infection control in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

For example, based on 2022 article of World Health Organization (WHO), in developed nations about 7% of patients contract at least one HAI while in hospital, while in low- and middle-income countries this number is about 10%. These staggering figures highlight the imperative necessity for effective sterilization solutions to protect patient health in healthcare environments.

Regulatory demands also propel the use of cutting-edge sterilization technologies to satisfy rigorous international standards. For instance, in January 2024, the U.S. FDA acknowledged vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) as an established process for medical device sterilization due to its demonstrated safety and long history of effectiveness. The U.S. FDA revised its final guidance, Submission and Review of Sterility Information (SRSI) in premarket notification (510(k)) submissions for devices labeled as sterile, to add VHP as an example of an established “Category A” sterilization process. These approvals encourage the utilization of validated sterilization procedures to guarantee compliance and safety.

Sterilization equipment involves devices and instruments that remove microbial life such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and spores from surfaces, environments, and equipment. Sterilization equipment is vital for use in hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutics facilities, and the food factories to maintain sterility, to prevent contamination, and to promote safety measures.

Sterilization Equipment Market Trends

• Advances in recent years in the sterilization technology have contributed considerably to infection control practices across health care setting. The use of low-temperature sterilization technologies and auto-processes has enhanced working effectiveness and uniformity.
  
• For example, in August 2024, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) and PENTAX Medical bought U.S. FDA clearance for the ULTRA GI Cycle in the STERRAD 100NX Sterilizer with ALLClear Technology. This cycle was tailored to reprocess duodenoscopes by means of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, providing an efficient and safe solution for essential medical devices. Such developments are influencing consumer behavior and creating strong demand for contemporary sterilization technologies.
  
• The integration of IoT devices into sterilization equipment has enabled real-time tracking, analytics, and predictive maintenance. For instance, certain models of steam sterilizers and low-temperature sterilizers made by STERIS (such as AMSCO 600 Medium Steam Sterilizer) and Getinge (GSS67F) now feature IoT sensors. Such amalgamation increases operational efficacy and compliance with sterilization protocols.
  
• Moreover, the healthcare sector is also leaning more towards reusable medical devices due to requirements for cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly solutions. This practice requires efficient sterilization processes to safeguard patients and maintain compliance with regulation.
  
• Furthermore, with the increasing adoption of reusable instruments among healthcare providers, the need for efficient and modern sterilization technology continues to grow, further increasing the demand for innovation in this market.
  

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The steel, aluminum, and electronic component tariffs are expected to significantly increase the production cost for sterilization equipment manufacturers that will rely on raw materials or subassemblies from regions/countries such as China and the EU.
  
• Increased import costs might lead to various manufacturers increasing prices charged to hospitals, laboratories, and surgical facilities, which will result in lower procurement budgets and postponed purchases, particularly from small to medium-sized health facilities.
  
• Tariffs are expected to compel companies to re-engineer and restructure global supply chains. As a result, this is likely to cause longer lead times and the necessity to diversify sources away from traditional manufacturing sites, which will impact efficiency in production.
  
• Overseas manufacturers of sterilization equipment, owing to higher US tariffs on exports, are expected to put expansion strategies on hold, reducing investments in domestic operations and hiring new workers for U.S. healthcare machinery.
  
• Domestic U.S.-based sterilization equipment firms with country-based supply chains will have fewer rivals and may strategize to take market share, primarily on government contracts where cost-effectiveness and timely delivery will be the determining factors.
  

Sterilization Equipment Market Analysis

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Based on product, the market is segmented into heat sterilizers, low-temperature sterilizers, sterile membrane filters, radiation sterilization devices, and consumables and accessories. The consumables and accessories segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 34.5% in 2024.

• Items such as wraps, pouches, sterilization indicators, biological indicators and trays are used in every cycle of sterilization. Diagnostic devices, complex surgical kits and medicines for intricate medical procedures all require these consumables during the sterilization process which greatly increases the demand for these consumables.
  
• Increased understanding of HAIs and compliance with strict infection control protocols also drives the demand for sterilization consumables and accessories. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in an average day, roughly 1 in 31 patients in hospitals has one or more healthcare-associated infections.
  
• These statistics point to a very high significance of effective sterilization procedures in health institutions, and hence there has been a rising demand for sterilization accessories and consumables.
  
• Additionally, the increase in surgeries and increased use of medical devices in hospitals creates a higher demand for sterilization accessories, resulting in long-term demand for reliable products. For example, according to the Karolinska Institute, surgical conditions contributes to about 30% of the global burden of disease, which reiterates the vital role of sterilization accessories in maintaining patient safety and preventing the spread of infection.
  

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Based on end use, the sterilization equipment market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, food and beverage industry, and other end-users. The hospitals and clinics segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 2.7 billion in 2024.

• The increasing use of reusable medical devices in clinics and hospitals, that requires proper sterilization processes, is driving the revenue growth in the segment. These compliances helps to meet optimum health standards, ensure patient safety, and avoid infection among the patients.
  
• For instance, according to the World Health Organization 2022 report, among every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in high-income countries, and 15 patients in low-and-middle-income countries, are expected to acquire at least one HAI, while admitted in the hospital. This underscores the importance of proper sterilization of medical devices to avoid HAIs in hospitals and clinics.
  
• Additionally, the ongoing growth of healthcare facilities, such as new hospitals and clinics, especially in developing economies, is creating a growing need for sterilization equipment, as healthcare facilities adopt infection prevention policies. For example, according to the Caixin Economic Information Center, total number of hospitals in China increased from 35,394 to 39,000 during 2020-2024.
  

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North America: The U.S. sterilization equipment market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 6.2 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 7.4%.

• The increasing rate of HAIs in US hospitals and health facilities have necessitated the regulatory authorities to establish stringent sterilization protocols to maintain the safety of patients and minimize the infection rate.
  
• For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health, HAIs each year result in 44,000 to 98,000 deaths in the U.S. that can be avoided through adherence to sterilization protocols. Further, the therapeutic cost of HAI is estimated between USD 17 billion to USD 29 billion.
  
• Such data have emphasized the regulatory authorities such as U.S. FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish strong need for sterilization measures across healthcare facilities. The recent 2021 updated FDA guidance for reprocessed medical devices have emphasized towards maintaining standards of validated sterilization processes to prevent infections. The rigorous policies have included sterilization as a crucial component of patient safety measures across hospitals in the U.S.
  
• Additionally, growth in pharmaceutical and biosimilar production is also contributing to an increasing demand for sterilization equipment in the country. According to the U.S. FDA about 70 biosimilars were approved in the country as of April 2025, which are contributing to an increasing demand for sterilization protocols across manufacturing facilities, further driving the revenue growth in the U.S. market.
  

Europe: The sterilization equipment market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.

• The rising cases of HAIs across the UK have put extra emphasis on holistic sterilization procedures. For example, Nanosonics UK estimates that 300,000 individuals in the UK contract HAIs annually, with a rate of 6.4%.
  
• This trend has heightened demand for state-of-the-art sterilizing machines to better secure patients and improve infection control protocols in the country.
  
• In addition, the UK health sector is regulated by stringent sterilization regulations by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
  
• Hospitals and healthcare professionals are driven by the regulations to maintain certain levels of sterilization with proper investment in equipment.
  

Asia Pacific: Japan sterilization equipment market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.

• Japan's aging population has created a growing need for health care services, especially for sterilization equipment that provides safe and effective medical treatment.
  
• For example, as per the World Health Organization (2023), Japan has 29.1% of its population aged 65 years and older, the highest percentage in the world. The demographic change has amplified demands for sterile medical devices in healthcare facilities.
  
• Moreover, Japan's healthcare industry focuses on automated systems and low-temperature sterilization processes to improve healthcare efficiency and patient safety. Such a high rate of adoption of advanced sterilization technology shows Japan's dedication to upholding high healthcare standards.
  

Middle East and Africa: The sterilization equipment market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.

• Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is growing with government investment, rising health expenditure, and initiatives such as Vision 2030. All these developments are intended towards improving healthcare facilities and services, thereby driving the demand for sterilization equipment to offer patient safety and regulatory compliance.
  
• Furthermore, growth in surgical procedures and improvement of specialized healthcare care in Saudi Arabia necessitates the need for effective sterilization technology for instrument safety and avoiding infection.
  
• For example, surgeons performed 290,140 standard interventions in Saudi Arabia in 2022 across different surgical specialties, as reported by the Saudi Ministry of Health. The high number of such interventions illustrates the high demand for effective sterilization instruments to minimize healthcare-related infections and ensure patient safety.
  

Sterilization Equipment Market Share

The market for sterilization equipment is competitive, and it has a presence of large international companies along with many smaller companies. Companies such as STERIS, Getinge, Sotera Health, 3M Company, and Fortive contribute to approximately 70% of the market share. Market players are mainly interested in focusing their investing towards developing sophisticated sterilization equipment, like low-temperature sterilization, automated sterilization systems, real-time monitoring, and biological indicators and smart indicators.

Research collaborations and partnership with healthcare providers are essential to combine latest technologies and expand distribution, allowing companies to meet increased demand for sterilization equipment as well as provide cost-saving products. Regulatory assistance and efficient approval processes continue to fuel innovation and entry into the market, ensuring the place of companies in the expanding market.

 Sterilization Equipment Industry News: 

• In January 2021, STERIS announced the acquisition of Cantel Medical Corporation, a provider of infection prevention services and products. Through this acquisition, STERIS offered a broader range of infection prevention and procedural products and services to a more diverse set of customers, enabling the company to expand its reach in the sterilization equipment market.
  
• In March 2023, Getinge announced the acquisition of Ultra Clean Systems, a leading U.S. manufacturer of ultrasonic cleaning technologies used in hospitals and surgery centers to decontaminate surgical instruments. This acquisition was expected to enhance Getinge's product portfolio and strengthen its position in the infection prevention market, ultimately improving patient safety and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.
  
• In October 2023, Getinge made the acquisition of Healthmark Industries, a top company in supplying new instrument care and infection control consumables, for about USD 320 million. The acquisition boosted Getinge's sterile reprocessing position in the US and facilitated its expansion globally.
  
• In March 2024, Getinge introduced Poladus 150, its newest low-temperature sterilization innovation intended for heat-sensitive surgical equipment. Featuring cutting-edge cross-contamination barrier technology, the Poladus 150 was key in helping prevent healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The introduction expanded Getinge's infection control portfolio and solidified its position in the worldwide sterilization market.
  

Sterilization Equipment Market Companies

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

• Anderson Products
• Belimed
• Cardinal Health
• Fortive
• Getinge
• Matachana Group
• Melag
• Merck
• MMM Group
• Sotera Health
• STERIS
• Stryker
• Systec
• Tuttnauer
• 3M Company
  
• STERIS provides a broad portfolio of sterilization technologies such as steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide systems. STERIS differentiates itself through end-to-end solutions involving equipment, consumables, and services for the hospital, pharmaceutical, and life sciences markets. STERIS differentiates itself as well through compliance, training, and technical support focus, making it a dependable partner in infection prevention.
  
• Getinge has the reputation for advanced and energy-efficient sterilization systems, including low-temperature sterilizers and washer-disinfectors. Getinge focuses on automation, traceability, and infection control using scalable solutions that work equally well in small clinics as well as in big hospitals. Getinge's international network of service and integration into IT platforms for workflow optimization place it ahead of its competitors in the battle.
  
• 3M is the sterility assurance world leader with an integrated portfolio of biological indicators, chemical indicators, and sterilization monitoring systems. Its solutions are used widely to validate and monitor sterilization and offer regulatory compliance and patient safety. 3M's global leadership in scientific expertise, quality, and innovation establishes it as a prominent supplier of healthcare and industrial sterilization markets.
  

The sterilization equipment market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Heat sterilizers
  • Depyrogenation oven
  • Steam autoclaves 
• Low-temperature sterilizers
  • Ethylene oxide sterilizers
  • Hydrogen peroxide sterilizers
  • Other low-temperature sterilizers
• Sterile membrane filters
• Radiation sterilization devices
  • Electron beams
  • Gamma rays
  • Other radiation sterilization devices
• Consumables and accessories

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals and clinics
• Biotech and pharmaceutical companies
• Medical device companies
• Food and beverage industry
• Other end use

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

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