Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The global irradiation sterilization services market size was valued at USD 2.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.42 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.58% from 2024 to 2033.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Key Takeaways

• The North America irradiation sterilization services market size surpassed USD 990 million in 2023 and is predicted to attain USD 2,730 million by 2033.
• North America led the market with the largest market share of 42% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific is observed to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period.
• By product, the gamma irradiation segment has accounted for the highest market share of 46% in 2023.
• By product, the X-ray irradiation segment is expected to grow at a notable rate during the forecast period.
• By application, the medical instruments segment has held the major market share of 32% in 2023.
• By application, the food & laboratory segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market in the U.S. 2024 to 2033

The U.S. irradiation sterilization services market size reached USD 740 million in 2023 and is expected to be worth USD 2,050 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.72% from 2024 to 2033.

North America held the dominant share of the irradiation sterilization services market in 2023. The region is observed to witness prolific growth during the forecast period. Factors such as sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, presence of key market players, increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections, technological advancement in healthcare facilities, stringent regulatory policies of the government increasing focus on food safety and medical devices, rising research and development spending, and rising demand for sterilized food products and medical devices.

The U.S. market has witnessed a robust growth rate owing to the increasing number of companies offering irradiation sterilization services to meet the sterilization needs of pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and food producers. The market players in the irradiation sterilization services industry are adopting advanced technologies and adhering to strict quality control measures to ensure the highest levels of safety. The increasing demand for packed food & beverages is due to changing lifestyles in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases has led to a surge in patient admission rates.

• According to the report published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024, the FDA has evaluated the safety of irradiated food for more than 30 years and has found the process to be safe. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have also endorsed the safety of irradiated food. The FDA has approved a variety of foods for irradiation in the United States including beef and pork, fresh fruits and vegetables, lettuce and spinach, poultry, seeds for sprouting, shell eggs, and others.

The Asia Pacific market is observed to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period due to several factors including increasing investment in the healthcare infrastructure, stringent government policy, rising use of sterilization technology, rise in healthcare expenditures, and advancements in radiation facilities. Asia Pacific countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and India witnessed robust growth in the healthcare sector, increasing number of hospitals and clinics, rising funding from the public and private sectors for infection prevention and control, increasing cases of HAI diseases, rising incidence of food-borne illness and rising consumer demand for packed food & beverages which has increased emphasis on quality packaging, contributing to the market’s revenue in the region.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market in the Asia Pacific 2024 to 2033

The Asia Pacific irradiation sterilization services market size was calculated at USD 520 million in 2023 and is projected to expand to USD 1,440 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.72% from 2024 to 2033.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Overview

Radiation helps to kill germs that cause disease and neutralize harmful organisms. Sterilization with ionizing radiation eliminates microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, pathogens, and others.  This process is widely used to sterilize medical devices, pharmaceuticals drugs, and food products which ensures the products and devices are reliable and safe. Several life-saving equipment are sterilized with radiation. Radiation is a cost-effective method for sterilizing single-use medical devices including surgical gloves and syringes. It also allows already-packaged products to be sterilized.

This process is commonly used to sterilize medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food products. By sterilizing medical equipment effectively, patient-to-patient pathogen transmission can be avoided. With the increasing focus on product safety, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and supply chain integrity. Medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, packaging suppliers, and food manufacturers to in-house or outsource irradiation sterilization services to maintain product efficacy and meet all regulatory requirements.

• According to the (IAEA), more than 160 gamma irradiation plants globally are operating to sterilize medical devices. Around 12 million m3 of medical devices are sterilized by radiation annually. More than 40% of all single-use medical devices produced worldwide are sterilized with gamma irradiation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assists its Member States set up radiation facilities and provides guidelines for the use of sterilization applications that use radiation.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Growth Factors

• In recent years, the demand for irradiation sterilization services has significantly increased owing to the rising concerns over foodborne illnesses and hospital-acquired chronic infections.
• The growing adoption of irradiation sterilization services in the healthcare and food & packing industries is expected to contribute to the growth of the irradiation sterilization services market during the forecast period.
• The increasing number of surgeries conducted in clinics and hospitals is projected to create a greater requirement for sterilize surgical equipment which is likely to boost the market’s growth in the coming years.
• The rising requirement for decontamination of medical instruments, drugs, and food products to ensure the safety of public health is the essential factor anticipated to propel the demand for irradiation sterilization services.
• The increase in healthcare expenditure, particularly in emerging nations has reformed healthcare infrastructure growth and improved research and development activities.
• The adoption of advanced sterilization technology is anticipated to provide lucrative opportunities for irradiation sterilization services market expansion. Irradiation is used to sterilize foods and can be stored for years without refrigeration. Sterilized foods are useful in hospitals for patients with severely impaired immune systems, such as patients with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy. 

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Scope

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Dynamics

Driver: Increasing prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

The prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is expected to boost the growth of the irradiation sterilization services market during the forecast period. HAIs are infections that patients acquire and suffer while receiving medical treatment in hospitals or clinics. These infections are usually caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens which are often associated with medical devices, surgical procedures, and less prioritized infection control practices. Gradually, patients are becoming more aware of the risk associated with HAIs and the significance of receiving proper treatment in healthcare facilities with excellent infection control practices. Healthcare facilities are investing heaviliy in sterilization methods to reduce the prevalence of HAIs which is anticipated to boost the market’s expansion.

Healthcare-associated infections are more susceptible to the growing elderly populations and patients in intensive care units with chronic diseases. Proper sterilization of medical instruments to be used in surgeries assists in preventing these infections which spurs the demand for reliable sterilization services such as irradiation. In addition, increasing incidence of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney diseases, cancer, and respiratory problems are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Restraint: High cost

The high cost associated with irradiation sterilization services is anticipated to be projected to hamper the market's growth. Setting up an infrastructure for irradiation sterilization services requires significant investment in facilities, tools, equipment, and skilled professionals which often gets impacted due to budget constraints, which may limit the adoption and restrict expansion of the global irradiation sterilization services market.

Opportunity: Stringent regulatory framework and rapid advancement in technology

The stringent regulatory framework and rapid advancement in technology is projected to offer a lucrative opportunity for the irradiation sterilization services market during the forecast period. Government agencies recognized the significance of infection control to enhance public health and safety. The authorized regulatory bodies are implementing various regulations that require thorough sterilization of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food product as well as compelling to meet regulatory expectations in sterilization and contamination control. Governments around the world run several public health campaigns to spread awareness about the risks of infections and the importance of using sterile products.

The irradiation sterilization services market is positively influenced by the imposition of stringent regulatory policies which increases the adoption of irradiation sterilization. In addition, the rapid advancements in technology including the development of innovative irradiation techniques and equipment and precise and efficient sterilization processes to improve sterilization efficiency technology is expected to drive growth of the market.

Product Insights

The gamma irradiation segment accounted for the dominating share in the irradiation sterilization services market and is also projected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. Gamma irradiators are powered by Cobalt-60 and are highly effective in killing microorganisms with very little temperature effect and no residues. It is characterized by its deep penetration capability and low dose rates. The amount of radiation to be received varies depending on the type of product and its dose requirements. Moreover, in treating a wide range of products with different densities, gamma irradiation is preferable as it seems to be more reliable, secure, and highly effective.

The production and distribution process are extensively assisted by gamma irradiation to ensure effective sterility of the product by sterilizing both unprocessed materials and packaged goods. Gamma Irradiation is well suited for single-use medical products, packaged products, food products, cosmetics, implantable medical devices (stents, heart valves, orthopedics), pharmaceutical products, and raw materials. Such factors accelerate the growth of the segment.

• In March 2023, Symec Enginers Pvt Ltd, a member of iia, partnered with Ansell Sterile Solutions Pvt Ltd to set up India’s first integrated medical glove manufacturing, packaging and sterilization facility at SIPCOT Industrial Park, Perundurai, Tamil Nadu.  For many multinational medical product manufacturers like Ansell, setting up a gamma Irradiation facility in India is an increasingly attractive proposition due to the industry friendly policies of the Indian Government as well as the long-term reliability, availability & cost competitiveness of cobalt-60 supply within India. 

The X-ray irradiation segment is observed to grow at a notable rate in the global irradiation sterilization services market over the forecast period. X-rays are generally produced by reflecting a high-energy stream of electrons off a target substance into food. Photon radiation is used in the X-ray irradiation process for numerous purposes including decontamination, sterilization, and material modification. While treating products with different densities, X-ray irradiation is considered dependable and risk-free. Thus, fueling the segment’s growth.

• Ionisos announced in November 2023 that it would be building a new X-ray sterilization facility in Henriville, France. The new location, which is expected to be finished in 2025, represents a significant turning point in the ongoing development of the Ionisos network and service portfolio.  It is anticipated that the Henriville location will be crucial to the business's capacity to satisfy Europe's expanding need for dependable and cutting-edge sterilizing services.

Application Insights

The medical instruments segment held the largest share of the irradiation sterilization services market in 2023, the segment is expected to sustain the position throughout the forecast period. Irradiation sterilization services help to maintain the safety and integrity of medical instruments and adhere to stringent regulatory standards for optimal patient outcomes. Irradiation sterilization offers a reliable and efficient decontamination method that results in reducing infection risks associated with medical procedures. Proper sterilization of medical instruments reduces the risk of infection within healthcare settings. Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are becoming more common which increases the demand for sterilized medical equipment effectively.

Thereby, boosting the segment growth during the forecast period. On the other hand, the food & laboratory segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Irradiation sterilization services assist the food industry and laboratory settings to ensure the safety, quality, and longevity of products. These services decontaminate and sterilize laboratory equipment and ensure that the tools are free from any contaminants for accurate research outcomes. Irradiation sterilization services in the food sector aid in extending shelf life while maintaining nutritional value. Irradiation eliminates harmful pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food products. These services are very helpful for foods that are easily susceptible to contamination, such as poultry, seafood, and meat. Therefore, irradiation enables an effective means of ensuring safety and quality in both the food and laboratory industries.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year worldwide, unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 420,000 deaths. 30% of foodborne deaths occur among children under 5 years of age. WHO estimated that 33 million years of healthy lives are lost due to eating unsafe food globally each year. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guidance, “Whole genome sequencing” as a tool to strengthen foodborne disease surveillance and response.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Recent Developments 

• In May 2022, Sterigenics broadened its electron beam facility situated in Columbia City, Indiana. The Sterigenics Columbia City facility offers essential E-beam sterilization services in order to ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment used throughout the global healthcare industry.
• In May 2023, STERIS announced a new E-beam facility in Italy to meet the sterilisation requirements associated with continuing growth in medical device manufacturing, STERIS has also announced plans for additional electron beam processing capacity at its facility in Biassono, Italy. The planned investment complements the existing EO, e-beam and testing services that are available at the site.
• In April 2024, IBA Industrial Solutions, member of the iia, has signed a contract to install its Be-Efficient electron beam irradiation solution in Germany. The contract includes two Rhodotron accelerators along with supporting systems for polymer crosslinking applications. Typically priced between EUR 11 million to EUR 18 million, this solution offers versatility whilst being ecofriendly.
• In May 2022, Sterigenics announced the expansion of its electron beam (E-beam) facility located in Columbia to support healthcare industry needs. This facility was purposed to increase the capacity for the sterilization of medical and pharmaceutical products to ensure the safety of medical devices across the healthcare industry.

Irradiation Sterilization Services Market Companies

• Swanm Morton
• SteriTek
• STERIS
• Rochling Group
• Sterigenics
• Scapa Healthcare
• Beta-Gamma-Service
• Taisei Kako
• China Biotech Corporation
• Ionisos
• E-BEAM Services

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application

• Medical Instruments
• Drug
• Food & Laboratory
• Others

By Product

• Gamma Irradiation
• X-ray Irradiation
• E-beam Irradiation

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa