Sterilization Equipment Market Size & Insights Report [2033]

Sterilization Equipment Market Overview

The Sterilization Equipment Market size was valued at USD 1463.2 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1931.49 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1 % from 2025 to 2033.

The sterilization equipment market plays a vital role in infection control across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries. In 2024, more than 62% of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were linked to improperly sterilized instruments, underscoring the demand for advanced equipment. Globally, over 1,800 million surgical procedures required sterile tools, with sterilization equipment used in over 95% of cases in developed hospital systems.

Steam sterilizers accounted for approximately 48% of all units sold, followed by ethylene oxide (EtO) systems at 21%, low-temperature hydrogen peroxide at 17%, and others at 14%. The number of hospitals deploying centralized sterile services departments (CSSDs) grew by 15% between 2022 and 2024, driven by regulatory mandates in over 34 countries. As of 2024, more than 52,000 hospitals globally operate some form of sterilization unit.

Growth in minimally invasive surgeries—estimated at over 278 million annually—has elevated demand for low-temperature systems compatible with delicate instruments. In addition, 740,000 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities globally reported using sterilization chambers or autoclaves for critical process assurance. This sector is driven by increased risk awareness, particularly post-pandemic, and expanding procedural volumes in outpatient and ambulatory settings, which now account for 29% of sterilization device use globally.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Stringent regulatory compliance and rise in hospital-acquired infections.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America holds the leading share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and mandatory sterilization guidelines.

SEGMENT: High-temperature sterilization leads, utilized in over 60% of hospitals worldwide.

Sterilization Equipment Market Trends

A growing global emphasis on infection control is driving technology upgrades in sterilization equipment. In 2023, over 41,000 new hospital sterilization units were installed globally, marking a 12% increase from 2022 installations. Key players are transitioning from traditional autoclaves to integrated, digitally-monitored systems. For example, more than 68% of new installations in urban hospitals feature real-time temperature, pressure, and cycle monitoring. IoT-enabled sterilizers increased their market share to 23% in 2023, up from 16% in 2021. Hydrogen peroxide-based low-temperature sterilizers gained traction in over 14,000 hospitals due to compatibility with heat-sensitive instruments, especially in ophthalmology and endoscopy units. In the pharmaceutical industry, sterilization tunnels and depyrogenation systems saw a 19% increase in global demand in 2023. More than 10,000 pharmaceutical sites upgraded or replaced their sterilization units to meet new GMP and FDA standards. Automated and robotic sterile processing systems are also trending, particularly in high-volume CSSDs. In 2024, robotic loading arms were installed in over 3,100 hospital sterilization departments to reduce technician exposure and error. Manufacturers are also emphasizing compact, mobile sterilization systems for remote and emergency settings. Nearly 4,800 such units were distributed to field hospitals and military applications globally in 2023. Sustainability trends are influencing product design. Over 22,000 sterilization systems now incorporate water-saving and energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy consumption by up to 35%. Additionally, self-auditing sterilizers—capable of recording over 1,000 sterilization cycles for traceability—have been adopted in over 6,700 hospitals worldwide. Mobile sterilization vans equipped with low-temperature gas plasma systems have been deployed in rural India and Sub-Saharan Africa, increasing accessibility in over 190 districts. The integration of ultraviolet (UV-C) sterilization chambers for surface disinfection—especially in laboratories and ICU rooms—expanded by 28% year-on-year in 2023. The broader adoption of digital tracking software for sterilization cycles grew from 31% to 45% between 2022 and 2024, particularly in North America and Europe.

Sterilization Equipment Market Dynamics

The sterilization equipment market is influenced by a dynamic interplay of factors including rising healthcare demands, stringent regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements. Drivers such as increasing surgical procedures, growing awareness of hospital-acquired infections, and rapid expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing are accelerating adoption across both developed and emerging economies. Restraints such as the high initial cost of advanced sterilizers and widespread use of refurbished units in cost-sensitive markets limit market penetration in low-income regions.

DRIVER

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

Global pharmaceutical manufacturing is expanding rapidly, with over 9,400 new drug applications filed in 2023. Every formulation and packaging site must adhere to strict sterilization protocols. More than 89% of these facilities use high-efficiency steam or EtO sterilization chambers. The trend toward biologics and injectables—comprising 42% of global new drug launches—requires sterile processing environments, increasing the need for isolators and depyrogenation tunnels. Over 29 million sterile injectable units are processed daily worldwide, demanding constant, validated sterilization cycles. Regulatory audits in 2023 led to 7,800 sterilization equipment upgrades across Europe and Asia.

RESTRAINT

Demand for refurbished equipment.

In developing regions, cost-saving initiatives are encouraging refurbished sterilization systems, which accounted for 18% of units sold in 2023. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Egypt have recorded over 6,200 refurbished sterilizer installations. These systems often lack the latest safety features, including advanced monitoring and fail-safes. Moreover, refurbished units can have inconsistent cycle validation, increasing the risk of infection transmission. Regulatory authorities have flagged over 1,000 facilities in South Asia in 2023 for compliance lapses involving outdated or refurbished sterilizers.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in personalized medicines.

The global surge in precision and personalized medicine is boosting the demand for flexible, small-batch sterilization systems. As of 2023, over 3,300 personalized drug production units require bespoke sterilization protocols. These units utilize compact isolators, hydrogen peroxide-based plasma systems, and UV-C cabinets. Over 700 hospitals have established gene therapy labs, each needing sterilization solutions tailored for sensitive vectors and reagents. The projected increase of 35% in cell and gene therapy trials between 2023 and 2026 provides strong potential for specialty sterilization systems tailored for biotherapeutics.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and expenditures.

The average price of high-capacity sterilizers rose by 17% from 2021 to 2023 due to increased material and compliance costs. For instance, stainless steel used in chamber construction surged 24% in cost in 2023 alone. Additionally, training and validation costs for advanced equipment exceeded $22 million across 500 hospitals globally in 2023. Hospitals in mid-income countries reported delays in sterilization equipment procurement due to constrained capital budgets, with over 4,200 tenders postponed in 2023 due to cost-related challenges.

Sterilization Equipment Market Segmentation

The sterilization equipment market is segmented by type and application, addressing specific functional and operational requirements. By type, it includes high-temperature and low-temperature sterilization systems, while applications span hospitals and clinics, pharmaceuticals, and others including laboratories and military field units.

By Type

High Temperature Sterilization: High-temperature systems such as steam autoclaves operate at 121°C to 134°C and are used in 61% of hospitals globally. More than 88,000 such units are in operation globally. These are ideal for metallic instruments, surgical tools, and drapes. In 2023, over 1.2 billion surgical kits were sterilized using steam-based methods. These systems often complete cycles within 15–30 minutes and are considered the gold standard in surgical sterilization. Over 47% of newly built hospitals worldwide opt for high-temperature sterilizers as their primary disinfection tool.
Low Temperature Sterilization: Low-temperature methods—such as hydrogen peroxide plasma and ethylene oxide (EtO)—account for 39% of sterilization usage globally. These systems operate at 30°C to 55°C, enabling sterilization of heat-sensitive tools like endoscopes, cameras, and plastic-based equipment. In 2023, over 15,000 hospitals adopted low-temperature sterilizers, and 82% of gastroenterology units reported dependence on such systems. The average cycle time ranges from 45 to 75 minutes. Use in ophthalmology rose 22% year-on-year due to increased adoption of sensitive diagnostic instruments.

By Application

Hospitals and Clinics: Hospitals accounted for 72% of sterilization equipment installations globally. Over 3.4 million surgeries performed daily necessitate reliable sterilization. CSSDs processed over 18 billion instrument packs in 2023, primarily using automated high-temperature sterilizers. Emergency and trauma centers reported 17% increased use of portable sterilizers in 2023.
Pharmaceutical: Pharmaceutical facilities used sterilization tunnels, autoclaves, and isolators for sterilizing vials, stoppers, and liquid formulations. Over 740,000 such units were operated in 2023, with aseptic fill-finish applications accounting for 59% of usage. Drug manufacturers adopted automated validation tools in over 27,000 facilities to ensure sterilization efficiency.
Others: Other applications include military, veterinary, and research laboratories. Field hospitals used over 4,800 mobile sterilization units in 2023. Veterinary clinics worldwide utilized 67,000 sterilizers last year, primarily steam-based. Research institutions invested in 2,300 new hybrid sterilization systems for handling sensitive bioreagents.

Regional Outlook for the Sterilization Equipment Market

Sterilization equipment adoption is significantly shaped by regulatory enforcement, surgical volumes, and pharmaceutical output across different regions. The regional outlook for the sterilization equipment market reflects significant geographic variation driven by infrastructure maturity, healthcare policy, and industrial activity. North America dominates the global landscape due to established hospital networks, strict infection control regulations, and early adoption of digital sterilization technologies.

North America

North America leads the market, with over 145,000 sterilization units operating across hospitals and pharma manufacturing. The U.S. alone accounted for 62% of North American installations in 2023. More than 85% of CSSDs are automated. Canada saw a 16% rise in low-temperature sterilizer procurement for pediatric and ophthalmology applications. Nearly 11,000 hospitals across the region use data-logged sterilization validation systems.

Europe

Europe holds strong market adoption due to EN 285 and ISO 17665 compliance across healthcare systems. Over 108,000 sterilizers were in active use in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK collectively accounted for over 68% of the regional demand. The shift towards energy-efficient and water-saving sterilizers grew by 19%, with more than 12,000 retrofitted units in 2023.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific saw the highest volume growth, with over 67,000 new units installed in 2023. China and India together represent more than 53% of the market volume in the region. Over 24,000 rural clinics in India were equipped with mobile sterilizers. In Japan, over 6,000 advanced hydrogen peroxide systems were deployed for robotics-assisted surgeries. South Korea invested in 1,800 robotic sterilization units for public hospitals.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa are emerging markets, with more than 21,000 units sold in 2023. UAE and Saudi Arabia led adoption with over 5,000 high-capacity sterilizers. African nations deployed over 9,300 solar-powered sterilizers in field hospitals. WHO supported 780 mobile sterilization deployments in conflict and disaster-hit regions.

List of Top Sterilization Equipment Companies

Getinge
Steris
Belimed
Advanced Sterilization Products
Tuttnauer
Shinva
Steelco
MMM Group
Fedegari
Systec
Matachana
Sakura Seiki
Cisa Production
MELAG Medizintechnik
Laoken

Getinge: Getinge operates in over 40 countries and is a global leader in sterilization systems. In 2023, the company manufactured more than 16,000 autoclaves and steam sterilizers for hospitals and pharma industries. Over 12,000 healthcare facilities across 80 nations use Getinge’s integrated CSSD solutions. Their GSS series saw a 22% rise in adoption across high-volume surgical centers.

Steris: Steris serves over 100 countries and holds a top market share in North America. In 2023, the company produced more than 18,400 sterilization units, with a strong focus on low-temperature hydrogen peroxide systems. Over 9,300 hospitals upgraded to Steris' V-PRO series in 2023, especially in cardiac and neuro care units.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Global investments in sterilization equipment are accelerating, driven by healthcare infrastructure development, regulatory enforcement, and the shift to minimally invasive procedures. In 2023, over 1,150 new hospital projects globally included dedicated sterilization departments, amounting to an estimated 98,000 sterilizer unit orders. Investment in automation and digital integration systems grew by 34% in hospital settings. Over 25,000 sterilizers installed in 2023 had embedded IoT tracking modules, supporting predictive maintenance and data logging. Private equity firms contributed over $3.8 billion in sterilization startups between 2022 and 2024. These startups focused on rapid-cycle sterilizers, hybrid systems (UV + chemical), and AI-integrated monitoring. Countries such as China, India, and Brazil reported public investments exceeding $950 million for sterilization upgrades in public hospitals and regional health centers. In India alone, the government allocated funding for 7,600 sterilization units across tier-2 cities in 2023–24 under the PM-ABHIM health mission. Opportunities exist in portable sterilization technologies designed for mobile medical units. Over 3,000 field hospitals globally invested in compact sterilizers in 2023. These systems weigh less than 40 kg and operate on solar-powered batteries, reducing dependency on grid power in rural areas. Additionally, investment in container-based sterilization labs has surged, with more than 400 units deployed across Africa and Southeast Asia by global aid organizations.

New Product Development

Product innovation is reshaping the sterilization equipment market through digital, compact, and eco-friendly technologies. In 2023, over 280 new sterilization equipment models were launched globally. One key development includes the miniaturization of hydrogen peroxide sterilizers that now weigh 30–40 kg with full-cycle capabilities. These are ideal for outpatient clinics and mobile units, which accounted for 22% of new equipment sales in emerging markets. Steris introduced the V-PRO maX 2 Low-Temperature Sterilization System, equipped with integrated RFID for cycle tracking. Over 1,400 units were deployed in high-dependency hospital units. Getinge launched its GSS610H, a high-speed steam sterilizer that can process 30 trays in 45 minutes. This model was adopted by 700+ surgery centers globally in 2023. Tuttnauer rolled out T-Edge 11 Autoclave with a 26-liter chamber and plug-and-play installation. Over 2,800 units were delivered to dental clinics in Europe and Latin America. Belimed introduced Stericool, a low-temperature sterilizer with environmental heat recovery modules. Over 1,000 units were sold in 2023, reducing average energy use per cycle by 29%. In terms of digital innovations, Shinva’s Smart CSSD Suite integrates sterilization, transport, and documentation into a single platform. Over 600 Chinese hospitals adopted it within 18 months of launch. Fedegari launched FGW washers with integrated vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide sterilization, adopted by 430 pharmaceutical sites in 2023.

Five Recent Developments

Steris launched the V-PRO 60H2O2 system with RFID tracking, installed in over 1,100 hospitals by Q4 2023.
Getinge introduced the GSS610H series in February 2023, achieving 21% faster cycle times in 600 facilities.
Belimed partnered with Siemens to integrate IoT in sterilization units in 400 CSSDs worldwide by late 2023.
Tuttnauer expanded its European factory in July 2023, boosting annual capacity by 15,000 units.
Shinva rolled out its AI-integrated sterilizer with adaptive cycles in over 850 hospitals in China by Q1 2024.

Report Coverage of Sterilization Equipment Market

This sterilization equipment market report covers a comprehensive analysis of equipment used for sterilization across medical, pharmaceutical, and research sectors. The study includes high-precision sterilization tools ranging from steam autoclaves and gas-based systems to UV and ozone-integrated chambers. Over 230,000 active sterilization units across hospitals, laboratories, and industrial settings were analyzed for usage, trends, and performance. The report includes data from more than 110 countries, covering installations in 52,000+ hospitals, 740,000 pharmaceutical units, and 17,000 research laboratories. It categorizes the market by product type, application area, and geography. Segmentation by sterilization method includes high-temperature (steam), low-temperature (EtO, plasma, formaldehyde), and radiation or UV systems. Application categories include hospitals, pharma production, outpatient clinics, and mobile medical units. In this report, over 160 key players were reviewed, and product portfolios of 80 leading companies were analyzed. Sterilization cycle duration, energy use, traceability features, and load capacity were core metrics of assessment. The scope also includes emerging markets where 18% of demand is driven by portable or solar-powered equipment. Equipment with IoT integration and automation features was tracked across 13,000 installations. Procurement patterns in public and private hospitals, government health programs, and field deployment trends were covered. The study also documents hospital sterilization SOPs in 24 countries, with comparison benchmarks for cycle validation, microbial kill rates, and equipment redundancy.