Market Forecast for Global Infection Protection Products 2023

Report Overview

The global infection protection products market grew 6.3% annually. 

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $49.2 billion global infection protection industry. It presents historical demand data (2017-2023 annual) and forecasts (2027 and 2032) by product (protection barriers, cleaning & disinfection products, sterilization products, endoscope reprocessing products, and other infection protection products), by protection barrier type (surgical protection barriers, respiratory barriers and other protection barriers) and by end-user (hospitals & clinics, pharmaceutical & medical device companies and other end uses). Demand is provided in dollars. The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on industry competitors including Steris Plc, 3M Company, Getinge AB, Ecolab, Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., and Belimed AG. 

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This report describes and explains the infection protection products market and covers 2017-2022, termed the historic period, and 2022-2027 termed the forecast period, along with further forecasts for the period 2027-2032. The report evaluates the market across each region and for the major economies within each region.

Infection protection refers to the policies and procedures implemented to control and minimize the dissemination of infections in healthcare settings. It is a practical, evidence-based approach that aims to prevent patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infections. Infection prevention and control is an essential part of the infrastructure of healthcare, and it requires constant action at all levels of the health system, including policymakers, facility managers, health workers, and those who access health services. Infection protection products are essential for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

The infection protection products market consists of sales of infection protection products by entities (organizations, sole traders or partnerships) that manufacture infection protection products that are used to control infection at healthcare settings or companies.

The infection protection products market is segmented by type into sterilization products, cleaning and disinfection products, protection barriers, endoscope reprocessing products and other infection protection products. The infection protection products market is segmented by end users into hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical and medical device companies and other end users.

Major Trends Shaping Infection Protection Products

Introduction of New Digital Product Platforms for Infection Prevention

Infection protection products manufacturers are focusing on offering new digital product platforms for infection prevention, to provide reliable products to their customers and to strengthen their market position. Digital products streamline infection prevention processes and automate certain tasks, reducing the risk of human error and improving efficiency. For instance, in July 2021, Nanosonics, an Australia-based company that manufactures and distributes ultrasound probe disinfectors and other related technologies, launched a new digital product platform called Nanosonics AuditPro for infection prevention. Nanosonics AuditPro aims to improve infection prevention by providing a digital solution for tracking and reporting compliance with infection prevention protocols. The platform can be used to monitor the use of medical devices and ensure that they are being properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of infections. The platform can also help healthcare facilities comply with regulatory requirements and improve patient safety.

Implementation of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Infection Prevention

Companies operating in the infection protection products market are focusing on using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor compliance with infection prevention protocols. AI is being used to improve infection prevention by analyzing data and identifying patterns that can help prevent the spread of infections. For instance, in June 2023, Shimadzu, a Japan-based company that offers infectious disease protective covers that contain a drape cover, dome cover, and drape sheet, partnered with Shyld, a US-based that provides AI innovative technology platform for detecting, preventing, and monitoring infection risks, to launch an AI-based UV-C disinfection solution that is safe for humans. This strategic partnership has resulted in an innovative AI-enhanced UV-C disinfection technology, which aims to revolutionize healthcare and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

Launch of Advanced Sterilization Products Such as Pre-Vacuum Class B Sterilizers

Infection protection products manufacturers are focusing on offering advanced sterilization products to strengthen their product portfolio. Advanced sterilization techniques, such as pre-vacuum Class B sterilizers, ensure that instruments and equipment are thoroughly sterilized, reducing the risk of infections. For instance, in January 2023, W&H, an Austria-based company that provides infection prevention management solutions introduced the Lexa Plus sterilizer, a pre-vacuum, Class B sterilizer that provides more capacity and energy-saving features compared to previous models. The Lexa Plus sterilizer is equipped with an advanced traceability system that allows for easy tracking and monitoring of the sterilization cycle.

Advancements in Innovative Surgical Wound Dressing Solutions

Companies in the infection protection products market are focusing on developing innovative surgical wound dressing products to provide improved moisture management, wound protection, and infection management. Surgical wound dressings are used to prevent postoperative wound infections by ensuring good general hygiene, operative sterility, and effective barriers against the transmission of infections. For example, in October 2021, Healthium Medtech Limited, an India-based medical devices company, launched TRUSHIELD™ NXT surgical wound dressing, which is a notable addition to the infection prevention products market. It offers a comprehensive wound care system with patented infection prevention technology, reducing the need for repeated dressing changes and minimizing the risk of infection.

Development of Next-Gen Innovative Disinfectant Wipes

Companies operating in infection protection products are focusing on innovative disinfectant wipes to provide improved effectiveness in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Disinfectant wipes are portable and easily accessible, allowing for on-the-go disinfection in various settings. This makes them convenient for healthcare professionals, travelers, and individuals who prioritize cleanliness and infection prevention. The market has experienced recent product launches of improved disinfectant wipes by market players. For instance, in March 2022, PDI Healthcare, a US-based company that designs infection prevention products, launched two innovative disinfectants to assist infection prevention professionals in the fight against rising healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The new products are Sani-24® Germicidal Disposable Wipe, Sani-HyPerCide® Germicidal Disposable Wipe and Sani-HyPerCide® Germicidal Spray. Sani-24 wipe is the first and only EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-registered disinfectant that uses CAD (computer-aided design) technology to control healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by microorganisms. Sani-HyPerCide disinfectant is a powerful and ready-to-use cleaner available in wipe and spray formats.

Advancements in Coating Technology for Medical Devices

Major infection protection products manufacturers are focusing on advanced coating technologies for medical devices to strengthen their position in the market. Coating technologies for medical devices offer customization options to meet specific infection prevention needs. For instance, in April 2022, BioInteractions, a UK-based biomaterial technology company, launched TridAnt, a new coating technology for medical devices that represents a paradigm shift in infection prevention and protection against a broad range of pathogens. TridAnt is a biocompatible covering for medical equipment that combines active and passive elements to more successfully, effectively and continuously fight healthcare-associated infections.

Focus on Launch of New Protection Barriers Such as Lightweight Nitrile Exam Gloves

Companies in the infection protection products market are focusing on launching new protection barrier products such as lightweight nitrile exam gloves to strengthen their product portfolio. For example, in March 2023, SafeSource Direct, a US-based company that manufactures personal protective equipment, introduced new, lightweight nitrile exam gloves. The new nitrile exam glove is made of chemo-rated nitrile and has received FDA 510(k) clearance. It offers superior tactile feedback and is suitable for busy medical professionals who go through large numbers of gloves in a day.  Nitrile gloves are widely used in the healthcare, beauty and food care industries to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of viral and bacterial infections.