Sterilization Services Market Analysis and Forecast to 2031: By Method (ETO Sterilization, Gamma Sterilization, E-Beam Sterilization, Steam Sterilization, X-ray Irradiation), Type (Contract Sterilization Services, Sterilization Validation Services), Mode

Sterilization Services Market Analysis and Forecast to 2031: By Method (ETO Sterilization, Gamma Sterilization, E-Beam Sterilization, Steam Sterilization, X-ray Irradiation), Type (Contract Sterilization Services, Sterilization Validation Services), Mode of Delivery (Off-Site Sterilization Services, On-Site Sterilization Services), End-use (Hospitals & Clinics, Medical Device Companies. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies) and Region

The global sterilization services market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2021 and it is anticipated to grow up to USD 9.1 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 11.0% during the forecast period.


Sterilization services are recognized as the way of eliminating unwanted microorganisms present in the environment. In sterilization services, physical or chemical methods are used to kill spore, microbes, and viruses. In hospitals & other medical facilities, the risk of cross-infection from equipment, surface & skin of patient, and healthcare staff as well as contamination of pharmaceutical or other products has increased considerably. Thus, sterilization services serve as an ideal method to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Different types of sterilization services include ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization, gamma sterilization, and e-beam sterilization.

Market Trends and Drivers

Growing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) will positively impact the market growth during the forecast period. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are nosocomial infections that occur during a patients stay at hospitals and related facilities and are not observed at the time of admission. Over the years, they have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common bacteria associated with HAIs include C. difficile, MRSA, Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, and the Pseudomonas species. Using infected medical devices during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is a major cause of HAIs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 1.7 million hospitalized patients in the US annually acquire healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) while being treated for other health issues, and more than 98,000 of these patients (one in 17) die due to HCAIs.


In addition, 32% of all HAIs in the country are urinary tract infections, 22% are surgical-site infections, 15% are lung (pneumonia) infections, and 14% are bloodstream infections. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of individuals aged 65 and above was estimated at 52.3 million in 2019; this figure is expected to increase to 83.7 million by 2050. The rising geriatric population and the increasing incidence of chronic diseases will result in increased hospitalization rates, which, in turn, will increase the occurrence of HAIs. This is expected to boost the demand for sterilization services of medical instruments and other devices..

Market Restraints and Challenges

Concerns regarding the safety of reprocessed instruments may restraint the market growth. Healthcare providers reprocess reusable medical devices to save money and reduce waste. Examples of reusable medical devices include surgical forceps, endoscopes, and stethoscopes. However, there are concerns about the safety and performance of reprocessed devices. Inadequate cleaning and sterilization of instruments can result in the retention of blood, tissue, and other biological debris in reusable devices, which increases the risk of surgical-site infections (SSIs) in patients. The debris can allow microbes to survive the subsequent disinfection or sterilization process, which could then lead to HAIs. Inadequate reprocessing can also result in other adverse patient outcomes, such as tissue irritation from residual reprocessing materials such as chemical disinfectants. These factors are limiting the acceptance of reprocessing among hospital administrators and physicians.

Global Sterilization Services Market Segmental Overview

The report analyses the global sterilization services market based on method, type. Mode of delivery, end use, and region.

Global Sterilization Services Market by Method

Based on method, it is segmented into ETO sterilization, gamma sterilization, and e-beam sterilization, Steam Sterilization, X-ray Irradiation and Others. The ETO sterilization segment accounted for the largest share of the global sterilization services market in 2021. This is due to the extensive usage in various applications, including medical device sterilization, food testing, pharmaceutical sterilization, and sterilization and disinfection in the life sciences industry. Moreover, the main advantage is that it can sterilize heat- or moisture-sensitive medical equipment without deleterious effects on the material used in the medical devices. However, disadvantages associated with ETO are the lengthy cycle time, the cost, and its potential hazards to patients and staff such factors impede the segmental growth over the analysis timeframe.

Global Sterilization Services Market by Type

Based on type, it is segmented into contract sterilization services and sterilization validation services. The contract sterilization services segment accounted for the highest CAGR of the sterilization services market during the forecast period. The growing preference for contract sterilization by medical device companies and the increasing outsourcing of sterile processing by hospitals to specialized third-party vendors to reduce in-house costs related to sterilization are the major factors driving the growth of this segment.

Global Sterilization Services Market by Mode of Delivery

Based on mode of delivery, it is segmented into off-site sterilization services, and on-site sterilization services. The off-site sterilization services segment is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. The limited availability of space in in-house sterile processing departments, better efficiency of contract sterilization processes than in-house sterilization, greater output with less financial risk, and cost reduction benefits are the key factors supporting the growth of the off-site sterilization services segment.

Global Sterilization Services Market by End-use

Based on end-use, it is segmented into hospitals & clinics, medical device companies, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, and others. The medical device companies segment accounted for the largest share of the sterilization services market in 2021. Growth in this market is majorly attributed to the rising prevalence of HAIs and increasing adoption of single-use medical devices. Moreover, growing medical devices industry, rising number of surgical procedures worldwide and increase in outsourcing of sterilization services among pharmaceutical & medical device companies across the globe will propel the segmental as well as overall market growth.

Geographical Analysis of Global Sterilization Services Market

Region-wise, it is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America dominated the sterilization services market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 and expected to witness considerable growth over the forecast period. Growing demand and adoption of sterilization services because of the rising focus on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention among consumers. A surge in the geriatric population in the coming years and the subsequent increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for sterilization services to minimize the prevalence of HAIs, and implementation of favorable government initiatives and stringent regulations for sterilization services are also propelling the sterilization services market in the region.

Major Players in the Global Sterilization Services Market COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, with hospitals being overwhelmed due to the increasing influx of patients. Temporary hospitals are also being set up to deal with the growing number of cases. Hence, the spread of COVID-19 has spurred a surge in demand for sterilization services due to the growing cases of HAIs in hospital settings. The increasing healthcare expenditure in North America and the increasing number of temporary hospitals are some of the major factors driving the demand and uptake of sterilization services in the region. Factors such as the increasing demand for hospital beds and ICUs in North America, proliferation of isolation facilities, increasing awareness among consumers on sterilization services for medical devices and single-use products, and preventive healthcare have greatly boosted the demand for sterilization services. Furthermore, with the current COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc across the globe, various measures are being taken by companies as well as government bodies to drive market growth. For instance, the FDA has recommended that Sterigenics should reopen its ethylene oxide-based sterilization plant in the US. The plant had been shut due to harmful emissions, which were believed to be carcinogenic. In March 2020, the company received permission to reopen the plant for 21 days to sterilize PPE for healthcare workers to use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such developments are anticipated to drive the growth of this market.

Recent Developments

• In August 2021, Amcor announced the launch of a proprietary healthcare lidding technology that will be utilized for combination products – those consisting of two or more regulated components (devices, drugs, or biologics).
• In January 2021, STERIS acquired Cantel, a global provider of infection prevention products and services, through a US subsidiary, to diversify its vast portfolio of sterilization services.
• In March 2021, Sterigenics S.A.S., a subsidiary of Sotera Health Company, expanded its ethylene oxide (EO) facility located in Rantigny, France, thereby increasing its European sterilization capacity.
• In August 2020, Sotera Health Company acquired Iotron, a key outsourced provider of E-beam sterilization services in North America. This acquisition helped expand its electron beam (E-beam) footprint and added new expertise to its Sterigenics business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How big is the sterilization services market?Ans. The global sterilization services market size was USD 3.2 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to reach USD 9.1 billion in 2031, growing at a rate of 11.0% from 2022 to 2031.
Q2. What is the sterilization services market growth rate?Ans. The growth rate of the sterilization services market is 11.0%.
Q3. Which region holds a major market share for the sterilization services market?Ans. North America holds a major market share of the sterilization services market in 2021.
Q4. Which segment accounted for the largest sterilization services market share?Ans. By end user, the medical devices companies segment accounted for the largest sterilization services market share.
Q5. Who are the key players in the sterilization services market?Ans. The global sterilization services market report includes players such as
Q6. What are the factors driving the sterilization services market growth?Ans. The major factors driving the growth of the market are the Increase in incidence of hospital-acquired infections coupled with surge in number of surgical procedures that need high intensity infection prevention & control.
Q7. What are the key growth strategies of sterilization services market players?Ans. The key growth strategies of sterilization services market players are product launch and product approval.
Q8. Which region will provide more business opportunities for the sterilization services market during the forecast period?Ans. The Asia-Pacific region will provide more business opportunities for the sterilization services market during the forecast period.

Please Note: This report will be delivered by publisher within 3-4 business days of order confirmation.