The growth of the sterilization equipment market is driven by the growing incidence of hospital-acquired infections, the rising number of surgical procedures, the growing need for sterilization in the food industry to prevent food-borne diseases, increasing demand for sterilization equipment from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, outsourcing of sterilization processes to specialized service providers in non-healthcare sectors. However, the market growth is constrained by the harmful effects of ethylene oxide and concerns regarding the safety of reprocessed instruments.
Additionally, the increasing adoption of e-beam sterilization, the growing demand for sterilization products in emerging markets, the rising use of CO2 sterilization technology in the medical device industry, and an increased emphasis on infection control in both healthcare and non-healthcare sectors are expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in the market. However, non-compliance with sterilization standards in the healthcare sector and the transition from reusable to disposable medical devices may hinder market growth.
An overview of the top 10 players in the market is as below:
STERIS plc (U.S.)
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ohio, U.S., STERIS plc specializes in infection prevention and procedural products. The company operates through three reportable segments: Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST), and Life Sciences. It offers sterilization products and services across all these business segments.
The Healthcare segment offers sterility assurance products, sterilizers, essential equipment for sterile processing departments (SPDs), and instruments used in operating rooms. The Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST) segment provides various sterilization modalities and laboratory testing services that support the manufacturing of sterile products. The Life Sciences segment supplies sterility assurance products and steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers. STERIS serves a diverse clientele, including hospitals, surgery centers, medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and research laboratories.
STERIS has a direct presence in more than 100 countries through distribution centers, R&D sites, manufacturing facilities, and offices across the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, France, Canada, and Brazil. Some of its subsidiaries operating in the sterilization equipment market are STERILMED France (France), Me disafe UK Limited (U.K.), Eschmann Holdings Limited (U.K.), STERIS Japan Inc. (Japan), STERIS Holdings B.V. (Netherlands), STERIS IMS Canada Inc. (Canada), and STERIS Instrument Management Services, Inc. (U.S.).
Getinge AB (Sweden)
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Getinge AB is a medical technology company that provides products and solutions to hospitals and life science institutions aimed at optimizing procedures in cardiovascular care, infection control, and endoscope reprocessing. The company operates through three reportable segments: Acute Care Therapies, Life Science, and Surgical Workflow. In the sterilization equipment market, Getinge primarily focuses on the Life Science and Surgical Workflow segments. The Life Science segment offers equipment designed to prevent contamination in biopharmaceutical production, biomedical research, medical device manufacturing, and laboratory applications. Conversely, the Surgical Workflow segment emphasizes the efficient disinfection and sterilization of surgical instruments and operating tables.
Getinge has a direct presence through manufacturing sites and offices across India, China, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the U.S., Poland, Turkey, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, China, Belgium, Thailand, the U.K., Canada, and Austria. Some of its subsidiaries operating in the sterilization equipment market are Getinge UK Limited (U.K.), Getinge Finland Oy Ab (Finland), Getinge Sterilization AB (Sweden), Getinge Disinfection AB (Sweden), Getinge Infection Control SAS (France), and Getinge Group Japan KK (Japan).
Advanced Sterilization Products, Inc. (U.S.)
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in California, U.S., Advanced Sterilization Products, Inc. offers a range of solutions focused on infection prevention, high-level disinfection, low-temperature sterilization, healthcare antisepsis, and automated area decontamination. These products are designed to ensure infection-safe environments for patients, healthcare workers, providers, and communities. The company operates worldwide, with offices and affiliates in 40 countries to deliver its products and solutions.
The company’s sterilization products are part of Fortive Corporation's Advanced Healthcare Solutions segment. Manufacturing facilities are located in North America, Europe, and Asia. The products are distributed through independent distributors and direct sales personnel in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
Sotera Health Company (U.S.)
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ohio, U.S., Sotera provides sterilization solutions, laboratory testing, and advisory services tailored to the healthcare industry. With over 2,800 customers across 52 countries, the company serves various sectors, including the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Sotera provides a range of services, including contract sterilization, microbiological and analytical testing, consulting, radiation processing, and microorganism reduction. The company operates through three reportable segments: Sterigenics, Nordion, and Nelson Labs, offering sterilization services primarily through the Sterigenics and Nordion segments. Sotera utilizes advanced sterilization technologies, such as gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide processing, electron beam irradiation, and nitrogen dioxide technology.
The company operates 63 facilities, encompassing manufacturing plants, regional subsidiaries, and a distribution network across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Notable subsidiaries include Sterigenics Belgium Fleurus S.A. (Belgium), Sterigenics France S.A.S. (France), Sterigenics Germany GmbH (Germany), Sterigenics NV (Belgium), Nordion (Canada) Inc. (Canada), Sterigenics UK Limited (U.K.), and Sterigenics Radiation Technologies Holdings, LLC (U.S.).
SteelcoBelimed AG (Switzerland)
In November 2023, Steelco S.p.A. (Italy) and Belimed AG (Switzerland) established a joint venture named SteelcoBelimed AG, with its headquarters located in Zug, Switzerland. Steelco, founded in 2001 and based in Balegante, Italy, operates as a subsidiary of Miele & Cie. KG (Germany). The company specializes in the design and manufacture of cleaning and sterilization solutions for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and research laboratory sectors. Belimed, founded in 1968, complements this offering with its expertise in advanced sterilization technologies.
SteelcoBelimed AG offers a comprehensive range of steam sterilizers, low-temperature sterilizers, and biological and chemical indicators tailored for the sterilization equipment market. As a subsidiary of Metall Zug AG (Switzerland), Belimed AG specializes in the development, production, and marketing of solutions for the cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization of medical and surgical instruments. Together, Steelco S.p.A. (Italy) and Belimed AG (Switzerland) merge their expertise in Infection Control and Life Sciences, collaborating to develop and provide advanced sterilization equipment and services under the SteelcoBelimed AG brand.
Steelco S.p.A. maintains a robust geographic presence across Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Benelux, Belgium, the Nordic countries, Norway, Spain, Hungary, the U.S., China, Mexico, and the Middle East & Africa. This extensive footprint is supported by its research and development facilities, manufacturing sites, subsidiaries, and a comprehensive distribution network. The company operates ten production plants and 14 commercial subsidiaries, including ICOS PHARMA S.p.A. (Italy), Steelco Switzerland, Steelco Benelux (Netherlands), Steelco Nordic (Denmark), and Steelco USA.
Belimed AG has a significant geographic presence in the U.S., Switzerland, Austria, China, France, Germany, Benelux, Slovenia, and the U.K., supported by its research and development facilities, manufacturing sites, and subsidiaries. The company distributes its products in over 80 countries through a network of partnered distributors. Key subsidiaries include Belimed Ltd. (U.K.), Belimed pomivalni sistemi d.o.o. (Slovenia), Belimed BV (Benelux), Belimed GmbH (Germany), and Belimed SAS (France).
Tuttnauer (Netherlands)
Founded in 1952 and headquartered in Breda, The Netherlands, Tuttnauer specializes in the manufacturing and supply of sterilization and infection control equipment for a range of sectors, including medical, dental, laboratory, veterinary, and industrial applications. The company also provides comprehensive solutions and consulting services for equipment design and installation. Additionally, the company partners with research institutions and universities to drive technology research and the development of advanced offerings.
Tuttnauer provides a diverse range of autoclaves, sterilizers, and washer disinfectors tailored for hospitals, clinics, dental practices, laboratories, medical devices, and pharmaceutical organizations.
The company operates in over 130 countries through a network of 200 distributor partners and maintains manufacturing facilities in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, China, and Hungary. It delivers services to healthcare providers of all sizes worldwide.
Consolidated Sterilizer Systems (U.S.)
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Massachusetts, U.S., Consolidated Sterilizer Systems, previously known as Consolidated Machine Corporation, specializes in manufacturing and providing sterilization solutions and autoclaves. The company’s product offerings are categorized into laboratory autoclaves and healthcare sterilizers. Additionally, it provides validation services, preventive maintenance, quality testing, and a range of accessories. Consolidated Sterilizer Systems serves multiple industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as academic institutions.
The company markets and sells its products in over 70 countries through sales teams and distribution partners. Its diverse clientele includes prominent organizations such as Novartis AG (Switzerland), Genzyme (U.S.), General Electric Company (U.S.), Tufts University (U.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital (U.S.), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.), Massachusetts Eye and Ear (U.S.), the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.), the American National Red Cross (U.S.), GSK plc (U.K.), General Foods Corporation (U.S.), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (U.S.).
Antonio Matachana, S. A. (MATACHANA GROUP) (Spain)
Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, Matachana Group is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and commercialization of steam sterilization equipment, low-temperature sterilization solutions, and washing and disinfection systems. The company provides equipment to various sectors, including hospitals, research laboratories, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and waste treatment industries.
Matachana offers a range of sterilization solutions, including low-, medium-, and high-capacity steam sterilizers, low-temperature sterilizers, biological and chemical indicators, as well as instrument packing and pouches for sterilization equipment. Additionally, it holds several certifications, including EN ISO 13485:2016, EC Certificate, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ASME U Stamp certification.
The company maintains a strong presence in France, Germany, Argentina, and Indonesia through its R&D and manufacturing subsidiaries, and it sells its products in over 120 countries via partnered distributors. Its manufacturing facilities are located in Barcelona, Cardedeu, and Tudela in Spain. Key subsidiaries include MATACHANA FRANCE (France), MATACHANA GERMANY GmbH (Germany), MATACHANA ITALY (Italy), MATACHANA PORTUGAL, UNIPESSOAL LDA (Portugal), and MATACHANA ASIA PACIFIC (Indonesia).
Stryker Corporation (U.S.)
Incorporated in 1941 and headquartered in Michigan, U.S., Stryker Corporation provides a diverse range of products and services across the Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopedics, and Spine treatment sectors. The company operates through two primary segments: MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and Orthopedics and Spine. The MedSurg segment encompasses surgical instruments, technologies designed for patient and caregiver safety, navigation systems, and additional related products. Neurotechnology focuses on neurosurgical, neurovascular, and craniomaxillofacial implant solutions. Additionally, the company supplies sterilization equipment and consumables within its MedSurg and Neurotechnology offerings, supporting sterile processing needs.
The company holds approximately 5,200 patents in the U.S. and around 7,700 patents internationally. Its products are distributed to 75 countries via subsidiaries and a robust distribution network. Manufacturing and distribution facilities are primarily located in the U.S., including states such as Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Internationally, facilities are situated in countries such as China, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey. Notable subsidiaries include Berchtold Holding Switzerland GmbH (Switzerland), Jiangsu Chuangyi Medical Instrument Company Limited (China), MAKO Surgical Corp (U.S.), and Stryker Czech Republic s.r.o. (Czech Republic), among others.
Benchmark Scientific Inc. (U.S.)
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in New Jersey, U.S., Benchmark Scientific is a supplier of laboratory equipment catering to research and life sciences. The company provides an extensive array of products, including COVID-19-related items, centrifuges, shakers, mixers, rockers, incubators, homogenizers, autoclaves, sterilizers, electrophoresis systems, scales, balances, thermal cyclers, and cell counters. Benchmark Scientific has a strong presence in the U.S., supported by its R&D and manufacturing facilities, subsidiaries, and distribution network.
