Biohazard Bags Market Size - By Capacity Type, By Material Type, By End Use, Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Biohazard Bags Market Size

The global biohazard bags market size was valued at USD 439.1 million in 2024 and is projected to exhibit 7.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for biohazard bags and favourable regulatory guidelines for effective waste management across the globe are driving the revenue growth in the market.
 

Favourable regulatory guidelines for effective waste management are significantly driving the growth of the biohazard bags market by mandating the safe disposal of medical and hazardous waste to prevent environmental contamination and public health risks. Legislations such as the U.S. EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the European Union's Waste Framework Directive have established stringent regulations on waste segregation and disposal, compelling the use of biohazard bags in medical and laboratory applications. The World Health Organization (WHO) approximates that over 16 billion injections are administered annually worldwide, generating a large amount of biomedical waste that needs to be disposed of safely, thereby increasing the need for biohazard bags.
 

In addition, the increasing demand for biohazard bags is further driving market growth since healthcare facilities and laboratories are increasingly depending on these products to dispose of waste safely and efficiently. The trend is further boosted by the increase in the number of diagnostic and research procedures that generate an enormous volume of infectious waste to be dealt with according to safety measures.
 

Biohazard Bags Market Trends

• The biohazard bag industry has undergone significant technological development that is propelling it through greater safety, performance, and environmental sustainability. Possibly the most important advancement is the use of biodegradable and compostable materials that offer environmentally friendly disposal without compromising the level of durability needed for hazardous waste storage. This addresses the increasing plastic pollution problem and is in line with global sustainability goals.
   
• The second innovation is tamper-evident and leak-proof design of biohazard bags that offers greater security by minimizing the risk of contamination while handling and transport. Multi-layer construction with puncture-resistant materials is also now widely used to offer additional security against infectious or sharp waste.
   
• Additionally, the combination of antimicrobial and odor-neutralizing technologies is more popular now as well, creating higher hygiene and convenience, mainly in healthcare settings and laboratories.
   
• Furthermore, for better waste monitoring and management, smart technologies such as RFID tags and barcodes are being incorporated into biohazard bags. This ensures that medical waste is properly tracked from the point of generation to the final disposal, thereby guaranteeing proper handling and compliance with regulations.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The duties on foreign raw materials such as polyethylene (used in biohazard bags) is expected to increase production costs, compelling firms to either absorb the costs or transfer them to healthcare and laboratory clients.
   
• Most U.S. biohazard bag companies may continue relying on Chinese-made polymers. However, high tariffs on those imports are expected to cause delays and shortages, disrupting just-in-time inventory systems.
   
• Hospitals, laboratories, and waste management companies might face higher biohazard bag costs due to tariff-induced cost increases, putting pressure on budgets in an already cost-conscious healthcare sector.
   
• Long-term tariff risks are likely to deter some manufacturers from increasing production capacity, potentially postponing innovations in environmentally friendly or high-tech containment biohazard bag technologies.
   
• Unstable material costs and supply volatility are expected to make it challenging to meet EPA and OSHA regulations, as some companies may use substitute, less-tested materials to maintain profitability.
   

Biohazard Bags Market Analysis

Based on capacity type, the biohazard bags market is segmented into less than 15 gallon, 15 to 35 gallon, and more than 35 gallon. The more than 35 gallon segment dominates the market with a share of 48.2% in 2024.
 

• Hospitals, laboratories, and industrial units of large capacity generate large amounts of biohazard waste like contaminated medical devices, biological samples, and chemical residues. According to the WHO October 2024 factsheet, it is estimated that around 15% of the waste generated within healthcare facilities is biohazard waste. These larger capacity bags are necessary to effectively collect, transport, and dispose of such waste, with the added benefits of minimizing handling frequency and boosting operational efficiency.
   
• Moreover, utilizing biohazard bags that can hold more than 35 gallons reduces the use of numerous smaller bags, thus saving material and logistics costs. Moreover, their capacity to manage bulk waste in one unit streamlines segregation and transportation of waste, thus becoming the ideal choice for massive operations.
   

Based on material type, the biohazard bags market is segmented into polypropylene, polyethylene, plastic, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and other material types. The polypropylene segment dominated the market with a share of 32.4% in 2024.
 

• Polypropylene possesses exceptional tensile strength, superb puncture resistance, and capacity to resist exposure to hard chemicals and biological agents. All these ensure secure containment and transportation of dangerous materials, qualifying it as a strong option for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and research institutions dealing with biohazardous waste.
   
• Moreover, polypropylene can withstand high temperatures, thus finding application in autoclaving and other sterilization procedures. Such a property is essential in medical and industrial uses where biohazard waste should be sterilized prior to disposal, hence pushing its universal application.
   
• Further, polypropylene production is relatively cost effective, making it a preferred material for biohazard bags. This is highly relevant for products utilized across healthcare settings where high quantities are needed.
   

Based on end use, the biohazard bags market is segmented into hospitals, laboratories and research centers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, clinics and diagnostic centers, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market with a share of 31.5% in 2024.
 

• Hospitals are major sites of patient treatment, surgeries, and medical procedures, which generate huge quantities of biohazardous waste in the form of discarded syringes, gloves, medical tapes and bandages, and other infected materials. The regular and heavy waste generation in such settings creates a continuous demand for biohazard bags for safe disposal and adherence to waste management regulations.
   
• Further, hospitals deal with different categories of waste such as bodily fluids, syringes, soiled dressings, and other potentially hazardous materials, necessitating special handling. Biohazard bags of different sizes, colors, and materials for various types of medical wastes make hospitals a primary end-user for such products.
   
• Moreover, hospitals are required to follow strict waste disposal and management procedures in order to avoid cross-contamination of infectious diseases and environmental pollution. This necessitates high-quality biohazard bags that conform to regulatory requirements, further making this segment leader in the market.
   

In 2024, the U.S. led the North America biohazard bags market, generating a revenue of about USD 162.3 million.
 

• The U.S. has strong regulatory systems like the Medical Waste Tracking Act and OSHA guidelines, which make disposing of biohazardous waste in approved bags mandatory. Such policies have created high demand for biohazard bags throughout healthcare establishments.
   
• Moreover, the increasing number of healthcare facilities have contributed to a high increase in medical waste. This has created a greater need for reliable biohazard bags to ensure safe, effective, and compliant waste disposal.
   
• Furthermore, the U.S. annually performs an overwhelming volume of medical procedures, surgeries, and diagnostic tests which contribute additional biohazardous waste. The American College of Surgery states that approximately 15 million surgical procedures are performed every year in the U.S. This demand is vast and requires biohazard bags in sufficient supply to contain the waste created.
   

Europe: The UK is set to see a robust expansion in its biohazard bags market from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The UK has strict waste management procedures, including the Hazardous Waste Regulations, which guarantee clinical waste segregation and disposal. This has increased the use of biohazard bags in clinics and hospitals.
   
• In addition, the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centers to address increasing health demands has also created a high demand for biohazard bags in the nation. For example, as reported by the Government of UK, 13 new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) are opening across the country to achieve up to 160 centres by 2025.
   
• Furthermore, the publicly funded healthcare system in UK is vast, and is primarily represented by the National Health Service (NHS), which provides medical care to millions of individuals. With such a vast network of hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and healthcare facilities, there is a constant need for biohazard bags for the safe disposal of medical waste.
   

Asia Pacific: Japan's biohazard bags market is set for lucrative growth from 2024 to 2034.
 

• Given the demographic shift toward an older population, Japan is witnessing an increase in chronic medical conditions, surgical interventions, and long-term care which has fostered into an increase in biohazard waste. With almost 29% of Japan's population being over 65 years old, the rising healthcare demands are creating more and more biohazardous waste, thus propelling the market growth.
   
• Further, Japan is also famous for its revolutionary waste disposal technologies that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling (3Rs), as a result, high-end biohazard bags have found increased demand for safe and successful disposal.
   
• Japan also encounters a unique set of public health issues, including infectious disease outbreaks (H1N1 influenza, SARS outbreak) and natural disasters. These events heighten the amount of biohazard waste produced, especially in emergency healthcare facilities, driving the demand for advanced biohazard bags.
   

Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia's biohazard bags market is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period.
 

• Growing healthcare consciousness and stringent Saudi Arabian laws on waste disposal are driving demand for biohazard bags. With growth in the healthcare sector, demand for successful and safe medical waste management products also grows.
   
• In addition, to curb the spread of infectious diseases, Saudi Arabia strictly enforced a regulation on medical waste management (Uniform Law for Medical Waste Management) from February 2019, which is driving demand for biohazard bags in the healthcare and diagnostic sectors.
   
• Within the Middle East, Saudi Arabia stands out as a pioneer in healthcare tourism, attracting patients from various areas who require advanced medical care. This boosts the level of specialization and the subsequent healthcare waste disposal management system, increasing the need for biohazard bags.
   

Biohazard Bags Market Share

The biohazard bag industry is segmented and controlled by a dynamic mix of international and domestic players providing innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for efficient and safe waste disposal in laboratory and healthcare use. Companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Stericycle, VWR International, Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, and Bel-Art Products are some of the dominated competitors in the market accounting for a combined market share of approximately 40%.
 

Competition in this area arises from continuous technological developments in construction and materials, absolute adherence to waste disposal legislation, and the ability to offer customized solutions for pharmaceutical companies, clinics, laboratories, and hospitals. In developing nations, due to the priority given to cost, multinational companies are squeezed to offer biohazard bags that are both affordable and of quality. Domestic manufacturers take advantage of this demand by providing cheaper alternatives, which make multinationals alter their price strategy while maintaining the safety, ruggedness, and regulatory acceptability of the products.
 

Biohazard Bags Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the biohazard bags industry include:

• Abdos Labtech
• Action Health
• Bel-Art Products
• Cole-Parmer Instrument Company
• Desco Medical
• Heathrow Scientific
• Lithey
• Medegen Medical Products
• Sharps Compliance
• Stericycle
• ThermoFisher Scientific
• Tilak Polypack
• Transcendia
• TUFPAK
• VWR International
   
• Thermo Fisher Scientific offers wide range of products such as autoclavable, puncture-resistant, and multi-layered OSHA, DOT, and EPA compliant biohazard bags. Its extensive global distribution network ensures prompt availability, while its emphasis on sustainability (recycled and green products) finds favor with green healthcare and lab facilities. Its integration with laboratory waste management systems also offers end-to-end solutions, thus acting as a one-stop solution for biohazard containment requirements.
   
• Stericycle majorly has its focus on medical waste management, providing not only biohazard bags but also compliant disposal solutions, such as incineration, autoclaving, and tracking solutions. Their Secure Seal leak-proof technology provides enhanced safety, and their compliance know-how enables hospitals and labs to become compliant with federal and state waste regulations.
   
• Cole-Parmer’s specializes in laboratory and scientific precision, offering high-performance biohazard bags with enhanced chemical resistance and sterilization compatibility. Their bags are specifically designed for autoclaving (up to 121°C/250°F) and leak-tight seal, making them ideal for use with infectious waste, pharmaceutical labs, and biomedical research.
   

Biohazard Bags Industry News:

• In December 2021, ATS Automation Tooling Systems announced the completion of its acquisition of SP Industries. The acquisition aimed to enhance ATS’s capabilities in biopharma processing equipment and laboratory solutions. SP Industries is known for its high-grade biopharma processing equipment, life sciences equipment, and lab apparatus products.
   
• In May 2021, Stericycle announced its partnership with UPS Healthcare to take control of managing the reverse logistics of medical waste which includes waste classification and disposal. Through this partnership, UPS and Stericycle will offer full logistical services to the healthcare sector.
   

The biohazard bags 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 Capacity Type

• Less than 15 gallon
• 15 to 35 gallon
• More than 35 gallon

Market, By Material Type

• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Plastic
• High-density polyethylene
• Other material types

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Laboratories and research centers
• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
• Chemical industry
• Other end use

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

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Peru
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel