Autoclaves Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Gravity Autoclave and Vacuum-induced Autoclave), By Modality (Floor Standing, Bench Top, Wall Mounted, and Portable), By End User (Plastic and Paper), By Application (Hospitals, Office-Based Clinics, Academic and Research Institutes, Research Laboratories, Pathology Laboratories, Biopharmaceutical Companies, and Food and Beverages Companies), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Autoclaves are used in the chemical industry for pre-surgical sterilization and for coating curing, hydrothermal synthesis and rubber vulcanization. Moreover, industrial autoclaves are used in industrial applications, especially in the production of composites. Most autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure at 121°C (250°F), 15 psi above atmospheric pressure (205 kPa or 2.02 atm), to sterilize equipment and consumables. The autoclave was invented by Charles Chamberland in 1879. However, its precursor known as the steam melter was invented by Denis Papin in 1679. The name ultimately comes from the Greek auto-, meaning self, and the Latin clavis, which means self-locking device.

Sterilizing autoclaves are widely used in microbiology and mycology, pharmaceutical and prosthetic manufacturing, tattooing and piercing, and funeral practices. They vary in size and function depending on the medium to be sterilized and are also called retorts in the chemical and food industries. Typical loads comprise laboratory glassware, surgical instruments, other materials and waste, and medical waste. Recently, the treatment and sterilization of waste, including pathogens generated from hospital waste, has been observed. Equipment in this group work on the similar principles as conventional autoclaves in that they use pressurized steam and superheated water to neutralize potential sources of infection.

The other type of waste converters can recycle rubber materials, culture media, bandages, aprons, gloves, and others. The same results can be achieved without a sterilization pressure vessel. These are especially useful for materials that cannot withstand the high temperatures of a convection oven. Autoclaves are also widely used in composites processing, especially for melting multiple layers without voids that reduce material strength and for rubber vulcanization. The high heat and pressure generated in the autoclave reproduce the best physical properties. Sailboat manufacturers have autoclaves over 50 feet long and 10 feet wide and some aerospace autoclaves are large enough to house an entire laminated composite aircraft fuselage.

Autoclaves, also called steam sterilizers, are often used in the industrial or medical field. The device uses pressurized steam to destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, mold, and spores from items placed in a pressure vessel. Items are heated to the correct sterilization temperature for a period of time. The bacterial spores and protein structures are destroyed by the heat transferred to the material by the moisture in the vapor.

Hospitalizations due to the coronavirus increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The number of hospitalizations increased significantly over time as the prevalence of disease surged and the demand for healthcare rose. As the number of hospitalizations increases, the need for sterile surgical interventions in the hospital increases, requiring the use of autoclaves.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Micro Macro Economic Indicators


• Drivers, Restraints, Trends, and Opportunities


• Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Autoclaves Market


• Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players

Segmentation

Analysis by Application

Pathology laboratories & biopharmaceutical companies are the major end-users driving the growth of the global autoclave market. This includes hospitals, clinics, PACs, and outpatient clinics. Several factors such as the high prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and large number of available suppliers are responsible for increasing the demand for the steam autoclave market in this segment. There is a requirement to ensure sterilization of medical equipment or devices to ensure patient safety. Autoclaves are preferred due to reliability, quality, safety, and ease of adjustment. In addition, there are large autoclaves for large-scale sterilization of medical devices and consumables, which is another factor fueling market growth in this segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

The global autoclave market is divided into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The Asia Pacific is set to lead the global market for autoclave equipment.   

The regional market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Several factors contribute to this trend. First and foremost, the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the growing awareness of the importance of sterilization in healthcare settings have driven the demand for autoclaves.

North America is estimated to contribute a major share to the global market growth during the forecast period. Increasing public and private research and development expenditure in the region, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and numerous suppliers are responsible for the growth of the regional market.

In addition, Europe healthcare industry, the expanding industrial sector in countries such as U.K. and Germany have also played a crucial role in the market growth. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research laboratories heavily rely on autoclaves for sterilizing equipment and ensuring aseptic conditions.

• For instance, according to 2023 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated number of 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year. Moreover, cancer is common among the population and is another disease for which surgical intervention is recommended.

By region, the distribution of the autoclaves market is as follows:

• North America – 36%


• South America – 4%


• Europe – 25%


• The Middle East and Africa – 3%


• Asia Pacific –32%

Key Players Covered

Key players in the market include Steris, Getinge, Belimed, Fedegari Srl., Shinva, Sakura Seiki, Tuttnauer, Yamato, Astell Scientifics, and Steelco S.p.A.

Key Industry Developments

• December 2023: Getinge introduced a modular, fully automated goods handling solution for continuous combination with the company's GEV terminal sterilizers. Apart from its safety benefits for operators, the new Getinge Roller Conveyor System (GRCS) optimizes productivity in pharmaceutical production.


• February 2023: STERIS completed the previously announced acquirement of the surgical instrumentation, laparoscopic instrumentation, and sterilization container assets from Becton, Dickinson and Company.