It is estimated that the global steam autoclaves market size will record substantial gains in the near future, driven by ongoing technological advances in the field. The reuse of sanitized or sterilized face masks could be crucial in addressing PPE shortages. In April 2020, two research studies conducted in China and Houston showed that steam sterilization does not damage surgical masks and N95 respirator masks, making them suitable for reuse amid the growing shortage of face masks.

The different types of steam autoclaves include, horizontal, vertical, high pressure, and floor standing autoclaves. The high pressure steam autoclaves industry size was estimated to be worth USD 442 million during 2020 and will witness a robust CAGR of over 9.8% up to 2027. The product is usually preferred on account of high efficiency.

Last year in November, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had collaborated with a group of engineers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to design a solar powered device that can generated high-pressure steam for autoclaves. The novel technology could help healthcare providers maintain cleanliness and sterility of medical devices and equipment in remote and rural locations where fuel is expensive and power can be unavailable or unreliable.

In terms of the technology, the steam autoclaves market is segmented into steam flush, pre-vacuum, and gravity displacement. The gravity displacement technology segment had generated more than USD 942 million during 2020 and it is likely to record a healthy CAGR of about 9.6% through 2027. Low overall cost makes gravity displacement autoclave technology highly preferable among healthcare providers.

Gravity displacement is one of the most common steam sterilization cycles used in the healthcare industry. In this method, the steam enters the sterilization chamber and gradually displaces the residual air via an open vent.

Steam autoclaves are widely used in medical, dental, and laboratory applications. The steam autoclaves industry share from medical applications was valued at over USD 1,089 million in 2020 and it is projected to witness a steady 9.5% CAGR over 2020-2027. The increasing number of medical facilities has augmented the application of steam autoclaves in healthcare applications.

Hospitals, clinics, research & academic institutes, and healthcare companies are some of the major end-users of steam autoclaves. The steam autoclaves market size from clinics segment had reached USD 213 million in 2020 and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 9.8% over the same forecast period, driven by the growing preference of patients towards clinics for treatment.

Considering the regional landscape, the steam autoclaves industry in the Middle East and Africa was estimated to be worth USD 155 million during 2020 and will grow at a notable CAGR of 10% over the next few years. The regional trends will be largely driven by the increasing healthcare expenditure and the widespread adoption of advanced medical devices, equipment, and technology among healthcare providers.