The global infection control market is witnessing steady and sustained growth as healthcare systems worldwide intensify efforts to prevent infections and improve patient safety. The market is projected to grow from USD 57.31 billion in 2025 to USD 77.67 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period.
This expansion is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), the increasing volume of surgical procedures, and continuous advancements in sterilization and reprocessing technologies. Growing awareness around infection prevention in healthcare, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is further strengthening demand. At the same time, technological improvements in sterilization equipment and a rising trend toward outsourcing infection control services among hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers are reshaping the market landscape.
However, despite favorable growth dynamics, the infection control market faces challenges related to safety concerns around reprocessed instruments, the health and environmental impact of chemical disinfectants, and the high cost of endoscope reprocessing, coupled with limited reimbursement frameworks in certain regions. Even so, emerging economies, novel sterilization modalities, and expanding healthcare infrastructure present strong growth opportunities for market participants.
Key Market Drivers: Rising Prevalence of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Increasing Burden of HAIs
The rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remains the most significant driver of the infection control market. HAIs pose a serious challenge to healthcare systems globally, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and rising healthcare costs. Factors such as frequent invasive procedures, antibiotic resistance, aging populations, and longer hospitalization periods have amplified infection risks in healthcare settings.
To combat this growing burden, healthcare facilities are increasingly investing in advanced sterilization, disinfection, and hygiene solutions. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities are prioritizing infection prevention strategies to improve patient outcomes and comply with regulatory standards. This heightened focus on infection prevention has resulted in consistent demand for infection control products and services, driving sustained market growth.
Market Opportunities: Expansion of Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Industries in Developing Economies
Emerging Markets Driving Demand
The expanding presence of medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies in developing economies represents a significant opportunity for the infection control market. Rapid urbanization, rising healthcare expenditure, and government-led investments in healthcare infrastructure across Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are fueling demand for high-quality infection prevention solutions.
As healthcare facilities in these regions seek to align with international quality and safety standards, the adoption of sterilization, disinfection, and hygiene protocols is accelerating. Increased awareness of infection risks and regulatory compliance is encouraging healthcare providers to implement robust infection control practices, opening new growth avenues for manufacturers and service providers.
Technological and Service-Based Growth Opportunities
Additionally, the reintegration of ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, the growing utilization of electron beam (E-beam) sterilization, and the outsourcing of sterilization and reprocessing services are expected to further support market expansion. These trends enable healthcare providers and manufacturers to improve efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and maintain consistent compliance with safety standards.
Market Challenges: Evolving Technologies and Changing Healthcare Practices
Despite strong growth prospects, the infection control market faces several challenges. The sterilization of advanced and complex medical devices, particularly those with intricate designs and sensitive materials, remains technically challenging. Moreover, the emergence of alternative surface disinfection methods, including antimicrobial coatings and self-disinfecting surfaces, may reduce reliance on traditional chemical disinfectants.
Another key challenge is the increasing adoption of single-use medical devices, which can limit demand for conventional reprocessing and sterilization methods. While single-use devices reduce infection risks, they also shift the market dynamics, prompting manufacturers to adapt their product portfolios and service offerings accordingly.
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Product Type: Cleaning & Disinfection Products to Grow at the Fastest Rate
Based on treatment type, the infection control market is segmented into sterilization products & services, cleaning & disinfection products, protective barriers, endoscope reprocessing products, and other infection control solutions. Among these, the cleaning and disinfection products segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.
Cleaning and disinfection products play a critical role in eliminating harmful pathogens from surfaces, medical equipment, and healthcare environments. Their routine and frequent use makes them the first line of defense against infection transmission. These products are widely utilized across hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, and public spaces, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards and minimizing cross-contamination risks.
The ease of use, broad applicability, and essential role in preventive infection control measures contribute to their widespread adoption, reinforcing their position as a high-growth segment within the market.
By End User: Hospitals & Clinics Dominate the Market
Based on end user, the infection control market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, medical device companies, pharmaceutical companies, life science industries, and other end users. Among these, the hospitals & clinics segment holds the largest market share and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.
Hospitals and clinics face the highest risk of infection transmission due to large patient volumes, frequent surgical interventions, and intensive use of medical devices. To mitigate these risks, healthcare facilities must implement stringent sterilization, disinfection, and hygiene protocols. Compliance with regulatory guidelines, accreditation standards, and patient safety mandates drives continuous investment in infection control products and technologies.
Regional Analysis: North America Leads the Global Infection Control Market
Geographically, the infection control market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and GCC countries. North America accounted for the largest market share in 2024 and is projected to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period.
The region’s dominance is attributed to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, stringent regulatory environment, high healthcare spending, and strong emphasis on patient safety. Rising surgical volumes, widespread adoption of sterilization technologies, and the presence of major industry players further support sustained demand in North America.
Competitive Landscape: Key Players in the Infection Control Market
The global infection control market is characterized by the presence of several well-established players focused on innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion. Prominent companies operating in the market include:
- STERIS (US)
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc. (UK)
- Fortive (US)
- Sotera Health (US)
- Solventum (US)
- Getinge AB (Sweden)
- Ecolab, Inc. (US)
- Olympus Corporation (Japan)
- Envista (US)
- PAUL HARTMANN AG (Germany)
Conclusion The global infection control market is poised for steady growth through 2030, driven by the rising burden of healthcare-associated infections, expanding surgical volumes, and ongoing advancements in sterilization technologies. While challenges such as cost pressures and evolving healthcare practices persist, emerging markets, innovative sterilization methods, and service-based models present compelling opportunities for sustained market expansion.
