Sharps Container Industry Analysis in Europe

Industry Outlook for Sharps Container in Europe from 2024 to 2034

The sharps containers landscape in Europe is forecast to generate US$ 172.1 million in 2024. The industry is expected to generate US$ 262.2 million by 2034. Over the forecast period, a 4.3% CAGR is expected for the landscape

Trends and Highlights in Sharps Containers in Europe

Sharps containers are growing rapidly due to the increasing amount of medical waste around the world. Healthcare facilities are under increasing pressure to diagnose and treat various health disorders, resulting in much medical waste.

Healthcare is closely associated with the sharps containers business. Regulatory authorities recommend disposing of hazardous materials quickly using sharps containers. Sharps containers are available at traditional pharmacies, medical centers, companies that provide medical supplies, and on the internet.

• Increasing healthcare infrastructure and aging populations are expected to increase demand for sharps containers.
• Regulations governing medical waste disposal, including sharps disposal, drive demand.
• Material and technological advances have contributed to the development of sharps containers.
• Safer and more efficient disposal methods are made possible through innovations in design.
• Growing consumer awareness about environmental sustainability and disposable methods to drive demand.
• Sharps containers have developed eco-friendly and recyclable materials as healthcare practices shift towards sustainability.
• As healthcare facilities increase their focus on safety measures, sharps disposal risks are becoming a greater concern for both healthcare professionals and the general public.

2019 to 2023 Historical Analysis vs. 2024 to 2034 Industry Forecast Projections

Sharps containers in Europe generated US$ 166.8 million in 2023. The industry showed a growth rate of 3.1% from 2019 to 2023. Increasingly complex healthcare systems are creating new demands on sharps containers, which is expected to increase their sales size in the future. With the expansion and upgrade of healthcare facilities, safe disposal solutions will become more important.

Sharps disposal is an integral part of infection control in the clinical setting. Several studies have demonstrated that patients with suppressed immune systems can become infected with microorganisms from reusable, reprocessed medical devices. Various businesses offering infectious waste disposal offered both reusable and single-use containers.

As chronic diseases such as diabetes become more prevalent, they require regular medical treatment. As a result, medical sharps are used more frequently, resulting in a greater demand for safe disposal options. Medical waste disposal regulations will likely continue to be strictly enforced by governmental and regulatory bodies. Sharps containers will be used more frequently due to compliance with these regulations.

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Industry Drivers for Sharps Containers in Europe

• Significant progress has been made in the development of materials and designing technologies that enable the creation of sharpser, more functional, and safer containers. Adopting tamper-resistant products, overfill protection mechanisms, and simple disposal methods will likely increase the industry's share. The growing number of medical procedures, like surgeries, diagnostics, and treatments, produce considerable waste. Consequently, the demand for scalable and efficient waste disposal processes increases.
• The emergence of compliant containers can be attributed to strict regulations and guidelines governing the treatment and disposal of medical waste, including sharps. Disposal solutions are in constant demand due to these regulations, which require healthcare facilities to follow appropriate disposal practices.
• HIV and hepatitis are increasing in prevalence, which emphasizes the necessity of disposing of sharps safely. A growing awareness of sharps containers can contribute to the industry's growth. Medical workers are at risk of bloodborne disease and needlestick injuries due to bloodborne pathogens. Due to occupational safety concerns, sharps containers could be safer and more secure in healthcare settings.

Restraints on Sharps Containers in Europe

• The poor training provided to staff handling hazardous waste is one of the major problems.
• An insufficient understanding of how to properly dispose of sharps containers.
• Failure to comply with regulations and disposable methods might decline the demand.
• As the sharps container industry continues to grow, businesses may face difficulties adhering to safety standards.
• Organizations may face a major obstacle due to the high costs of these containers and their unavailability.

Country-wise Insights

The following table shows the top five countries by revenue, led by Spain and the United Kingdom. Europe sharps containers are likely to become more popular as a result of innovative materials and smart waste management systems. These two countries are expected to increase their sharps container sales through 2034.

Forecast CAGRs of 2024 to 2034

Healthcare Infrastructure in the United Kingdom Will Drive Demand for Sharps Container

Sharps containers are experiencing rapid growth in the United Kingdom. A CAGR of 4% is projected for the industry through 2034. As healthcare becomes more prevalent and high-quality equipment becomes more widespread, sharps containers will be in high demand. Over the next few years, demand is expected to increase due to increasing investments and research and development studies.

Approximately 538,600 tons of medical waste are generated by the National Health Services of the United Kingdom every year compared to 5.9 metric tons of medical waste that is generated in the United States, according to a study published in March 2021, titled "The Carbon Footprint of Waste Streams in a UK Hospital.”

Increasing surgical procedures and vaccinations in the country may boost sharps container sales. In addition, government regulations governing the proper disposal of medical waste will contribute to the growth of the industry.

Safety Issues in Germany will Fuel the Demand for Sharps Containers

Germany's need for sharps containers is expected to grow rapidly with the growing economy. The industry is expected to exhibit a 3.1% CAGR over the next few years. As key manufacturers increasingly establish themselves in Germany, sharps containers will see considerable demand in the years ahead.

"German Heart Surgery Report 2020: The Annual Updated Registry" was released by the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in June 2021. It documented 92,809 heart surgeries. Isolated coronary artery bypass surgeries accounted for 29,444 procedures, while isolated heart valve surgeries accounted for 35,469, and isolated heart transplant operations accounted for 340 procedures.

Increasing volumes of medical waste and the introduction of multipurpose containers grew in demand. Due to the growing concerns over worker safety and environmental concerns, reusable sharps containers are becoming more popular. A number of regulations and guidelines in Germany governs medicinal waste management.

Technological Advancements Will Boost Sharps Container Demand in Spain

Sharps containers are the most popular products in Spain. The industry is expected to record a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. As hospital-acquired infections increase and waste management needs become more complex, the medical waste container industry is expected to grow.

As chronic infections increase and automated disposable systems become more prevalent, sharps containers will become more in demand. Technology adoption and the construction of smart sensors to track the activities of these containers are driving demand in the country.

Government Regulation is expected to Boost Sharps Container Demand in France

Sharps containers are becoming increasingly popular in France. A CAGR of 3.6% is anticipated for the industry by 2034. Government regulation and the introduction of new disposal methods are expected to increase demand in the next few years. Taking care of sharps was not just a concern in healthcare settings.

Patients who self-administer medications at home, like diabetics, are required to safely and properly dispose of needles and syringes. Individuals discarded sharps safely and securely in sharps containers without putting themselves and others at risk.

According to the French Finance Act 2009, pharmacies are responsible for disposing of home-generated medical waste. Approximately 1.4 million patients self-manage on French territory, generating 360 tons of medical waste yearly.

Syringe Demand in Italy will Increase Sharps Container Demand

The demand for sharps containers is expected to increase in Italy over the next few years. By 2034, the industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.7%. The growing use of reusable products, especially in hospitals, suggests that Italy could also benefit from sharps containers.

Growing syringe usage in the country will increase demand for sharps containers. As chronic diseases become more prevalent and the number of patients increases, the demand for various treatments will rise. As a result, demand for sharps containers will grow.

Category-wise Insights

According to industry forecasts, the reusable segment will hold 63.4% of the industry share in 2024. Hospitals are projected to hold an industry share of 36.3%.

Europe's Carbon Footprint will create a Need for Reusable Sharps Containers

Reusables are a rapidly growing segment over the coming years. Reusable containers is expected to hold an industry share of 63.4% in 2024. The use of reusable sharps containers is a safe, compliant, sustainable, and cost-effective way to dispose of sharps waste.

Sharps waste and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced significantly by converting from disposable to reusable sharps containers. The use and disposal of reusable sharps containers are both emphasized in OSHA's policies concerning reusable sharps containers. All these factors will drive demand for reusable sharps containers in the coming years.

Increasing Awareness of Single-use Needles at Hospitals May Boost Sharps Container Use in Europe

Based on the end use, the hospital segment is expected to be dominant in coming years. Hospitals are expected to hold a 36.3% of the revenue share by 2024. It is estimated that the amount of sharps waste in hospitals is increasing because of favorable reimbursement policies in private and public hospitals worldwide. As a result, the industry is expected to grow.

Increasing chronic illness rates are expected in the near future, resulting in an increase in demand for demand. The increasing availability of diagnostic laboratories and the number of blood tests have increased the demand for products within the industry.

Competitive Landscape

Several players are dominant in the industry. Product launches are carried out worldwide to meet the demands of users and maximize output. Investing significantly in research and development further enhances their business expansion. Mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations are some of the strategies used by the key players.

• In February 2023, Veolia strengthened its geographical foothold on the German waste management market with the acquisition of recycling and waste management activities of the German Hofmann Group. Contracts covering the sale were signed by Veolia Umweltservice GmbH. Veolia has acquired interest in several businesses, both within and outside Germany.

Report Scope

Industry segmentation for Sharps Containers in Europe

By Usage:

• Disposable
• Reusable

By Capacity:

• Up to 5L
• 5L to 10L
• Above 10L

By End Use:

• Hospitals
• Research Centres
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Other Government Institute

By Country:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Italy
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe