FMI’ Analyst view: “From Lab to Life: Transformative Applications of Medical Plastics”
The global medical plastics market size reached US$ 15,439.8 million in 2022. Demand for medical plastics registered a 6.6% year-on-year growth in 2022, indicating that the global market would reach US$ 16,462.6 million in 2023. Over the projection period from 2023 to 2033, global sales of medical plastics are expected to exhibit a 7.0% CAGR, ultimately totalling a market size of US$ 32,293.4 million by the end of 2033.
Medical plastic demand is on the rise worldwide due to their indispensable role in ensuring the safety and hygiene of healthcare settings. With a growing global population and increasing chronic diseases, the healthcare sector is expanding rapidly. It is projected to create a surging demand for medical equipment and devices.
Medical plastics serve as a critical component in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including syringes, IV tubes, catheters, surgical instruments, and diagnostic devices. These are projected to contribute to the growth in demand.
Advancements in medical technology and innovations are set to propel demand for medical plastics. As medical research progresses, there is a constant need for improved and specialized medical devices that are lightweight and durable.
Demand for unique medical devices that are compatible with various sterilization methods might also expand. Medical-grade plastics are set to offer an ideal solution. They can be molded into complex shapes, incorporate unique features, and maintain their functionality under demanding medical conditions.
Global focus on infection control and patient safety has further fueled demand for medical plastics. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are continuously seeking ways to minimize the risk of infections and improve patient outcomes.
Medical plastics possess inherent antimicrobial properties and can be easily cleaned & sterilized. They can help in reducing the potential for contamination and infection transmission, making them a preferred choice for medical equipment and disposable items.
Environmental considerations might also play a significant role in driving the demand for medical plastics. As sustainability becomes a priority for various sectors, including healthcare, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly medical solutions.
Medical plastics have evolved to be more environmentally friendly. Manufacturers are projected to use biodegradable and recyclable materials, reducing the environmental impact of medical waste.
Increasing focus on personalized medicine and minimally invasive procedures is likely to push demand for medical plastics worldwide. As healthcare shifts toward patient-centric approaches, there is a growing need for medical devices that can be customized to individual patient requirements.
Medical-grade plastics offer the versatility required to develop personalized implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools. Additionally, trend toward minimally invasive surgeries might augment demand for precision-engineered medical plastics.
Demand for innovative plastics that can deliver optimal performance while reducing trauma and scarring might increase. Versatility and adaptability of medical plastics would make them a crucial component in meeting the evolving demands of modern healthcare practices.
Which Factors Are Pushing Medical Plastic Demand Worldwide?
· Rapid Shift toward Minimally Invasive Procedures
Shift toward minimally invasive procedures has been a significant driver for growth in the medical plastics market. Minimally invasive procedures involve using small incisions or natural body openings to perform surgeries or medical interventions, instead of traditional open surgeries.
The approach offers numerous advantages, including reduced trauma to patients, faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring. Medical plastics play a crucial role in enabling these procedures by providing the necessary tools and equipment.
They are used to make a wide range of medical supplies and devices such as catheters, surgical instruments, implants, medication delivery systems, and diagnostic gadgets. These devices require materials that are sterile, biocompatible, and lightweight.
Materials that have exceptional mechanical properties are also required. Medical plastics can be utilized to create instruments and devices needed for minimally invasive procedures as they satisfy these requirements.
Rising demand for these procedures, driven by patient preferences and advancements in medical technology, has led to a corresponding increase in the demand for medical plastics. Manufacturers and healthcare providers’ efforts to satisfy demands of the expanding minimally invasive surgery sector are likely to accelerate the medical plastics industry.
· Self-administration of Drugs and Development of New Drug Delivery Technologies
Growing trend of self-administration of drugs and development of new drug delivery technologies are creating significant opportunities in the market. As patients increasingly take an active role in their healthcare, there is a rising demand for user-friendly and convenient drug delivery systems.
The trend has led to the development of innovative medical devices such as auto-injectors, inhalers, and wearable injectors. These might allow patients to self-administer medications at home or on the go. These devices often rely on medical plastics due to their versatility, biocompatibility, and ability to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Medical plastics enable the production of components such as drug cartridges, syringes, and inhaler parts, ensuring precise drug delivery and patient safety. Integration of electronics, sensors, and connectivity features in drug delivery devices might further enhance their functionality and patient monitoring capabilities.
Expanding space of self-administered drug delivery, coupled with advancements in technology, would present lucrative opportunities for the medical plastics industry. It is projected to develop innovative solutions that cater to patient needs, improve treatment adherence, and enhance healthcare outcomes.
Which Factors Might Impede Medical Plastic Sales Worldwide?
· Concerns over plastic waste and environmental impact might limit demand.
· Limited biodegradability and recycling options for certain medical plastics might hamper sales.
· Competition from alternative materials such as bioresorbable polymers and metals might impede demand.
· Reluctance among a few healthcare professionals to adopt new plastic-based medical technologies might obstruct sales.
Country-wise Insights
Why is Medical Plastic Demand Increasing Rapidly in the United States?
In North America, the United States is expected to lead the medical plastics industry by 2033. North America is estimated to hold around 34.1% of the global medical plastics market share in 2023.
Medical plastic demand is expected to surge in the United States due to increasing aging population. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, there is a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and a greater need for medical treatments and procedures.
Medical plastics might play a crucial role in various medical devices, equipment, and implants. They are likely to help in meeting the growing demand for healthcare solutions among the elderly population.
Emphasis on infection control and patient safety in healthcare settings has also led to an increased adoption of medical plastics. The United States healthcare sector is keen on preventing hospital-acquired infections and improving patient outcomes.
Medical plastics possess inherent antimicrobial properties and are easily sterilizable. This might make them an ideal choice for producing medical devices and equipment that adhere to the highest hygiene standards.
Why Are Medical Plastic Sales Surging Astonishingly in China?
Medical plastic sales are experiencing an astonishing surge in China due to the country’s rapidly expanding healthcare infrastructure. With a growing middle-class population and increased government investment in healthcare facilities, demand for medical devices has skyrocketed.
Medical plastics have become a preferred choice for manufacturers and healthcare providers in China. Ongoing modernization and development of hospitals & clinics across the country have further fueled the need for medical-grade plastics. These are set to help equip these facilities with cutting-edge medical technologies.
Another significant factor pushing the remarkable growth in China is the country’s thriving medical tourism sector. China has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism. It has been attracting patients from around the world seeking high-quality medical treatments at competitive prices.
As medical tourists flock to China for various procedures, there is a rising demand for medical devices and equipment, including those made from medical plastics. Ability of medical plastics to offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance might make them a key component in catering to diverse needs of patients. This burgeoning medical tourism sector is set to contribute substantially to the astonishing rise in medical plastic sales in China.
Competitive Landscape
Medical plastic manufacturers are investing in research & development to create innovative medical plastics that offer unique features, improved performance, and enhanced functionality. Developing new materials and technologies allows them to offer cutting-edge solutions to healthcare providers, giving them a competitive advantage over traditional products.
They are increasingly focusing on offering customized and personalized solutions to meet specific needs of healthcare facilities and end users. By providing tailor-made products and services, they can better address diverse demands of the healthcare sector and strengthen their customer relationships.
To remain competitive, a few manufacturers are optimizing their production processes to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality standards. Cost-effectiveness is crucial in a competitive market, as it enables them to offer competitive pricing to customers without compromising on product quality.
For instance,
· In March 2022, to fulfill the rising need for alternatives to fossil-based materials throughout the world, ABB Technology (ABB) automated NatureWorks’ greenfield bioplastics facility in Thailand. The new facility will produce 75,000 metric tons of Ingeo PLA (polylactic acid) biopolymer per year.
· In June, 2023, in order to provide colored grades of Ultrason high-performance polymers on the international market, Avient Corporation and BASF worked together. Through this partnership, consumers in the healthcare and other sectors are given a complete solution, starting with the base polymer and ending with the colored final product.
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