Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Market

Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections Boosts Sales of UVGI Systems

The high risk of acquiring diseases due to the contamination of water and air has opened up the market for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems. Alarming statistics by the World Health Organizations state that about seven patients out every 100 patients that are admitted acquire hospital-related infections (HAIs). Owing to these reasons, hospitals are making hefty investments in installing UVGI systems. In addition, restaurants, food joints, air-conditioned offices, residential buildings, and cold storage facilities are adopting these systems to prevent the dangerous possibilities of spreading diseases.

The Transparency Market Research report on the global ultraviolet germicidal irradiation market states that this market will be worth US$430.3 mn by 2023 from US$168.4 mn in 2014, expanding at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2015 to 2023. The growing awareness amongst consumers about advanced food packaging techniques and hygienic surroundings are augmenting the global UVGI market at a steady pace. This market is also thriving due to the stringent regulations laid down by governments about purity standards and need to control the spread of diseases.

Expensive Installation Costs Pose Challenge

The biggest challenge for the global UVGI market is the exorbitant cost of installations. The lack of technical labor to troubleshoot issues pertaining to equipment and systems is also adding to the costs of outsourcing, thereby discouraging consumers from investing in these systems. However, increasing awareness about the hygienic packaging of food and beverages is anticipated to open up new opportunities for this market.

The upper room systems sub-segment, which is a part of the air disinfectant segment, is anticipated to be the largest segment in the overall market. Its wide application in areas of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will help the expansion of its share in the overall market. Furthermore, upper room systems are known to consume less power in comparison to other systems, which will boost their demand in the foreseeable future.

In addition, the air disinfection UVGI system segment is also likely to play a crucial role in the soaring revenues of this market as emerging economies of China and India adopt UVGI systems in line with developing their healthcare infrastructure.

North America Emerges as Leading Segment

Currently, North America holds the lion’s share in the global UVGI market. This region held a share of 38.3% in the overall market in 2014 followed by Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of the World. The high incidence of HAIs in North America and the strict US FDA rules to curb them is driving the UVGI market in the region. About one in every 25 admitted patients acquires an HAI. Furthermore, the technological advancements in North America across various sectors is encouraging the growth of the UVGI market.

The top players operating in the global UVGI market are Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation, American Ultraviolet, General Electric, Philips, Halma plc (Aquionics), and UltraViolet Devices, Inc. These companies will have to up their game by providing effective and cost-effective solutions to raise their revenues and achieve their predetermined goals.

Need for Equipment to Control Infectious Diseases Key to Product Development Avenues in Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Market

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) techniques are rising in utilization for water and air disinfection. The technique is useful in controlling spread of certain infectious diseases, as it successfully kills microbes by damaging their DNA. Their safety and effectiveness drive the demand in the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation market. One primary demand avenue stems from self-contained room air disinfection units, while the UVGI techniques are also gaining uptake in HVAC systems. Advances made in highly UV-reflective materials have improved the performance of the technique for HVAC application, thereby reducing the maintenance costs and frequency. Over the past few months, the UV germicidal irradiation market has witnessed substantial sales from the growing use in disinfecting hospital operating rooms air notably. In such applications, the equipment is preferably installed in primary locations of disease transmission. OEMs are leaning on coming out with new design parameters to improve ergonomics and also to promote the adoption of UVGI in several commercial applications such as in schools and colleges in developed countries. In recent years, manufacturers are keen on developing devices that comply with the latest guidelines pertaining to air disinfection rates in developing countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth numerous unique challenges and opportunities across industries worldwide. The medical industry has also witnessed the relevance of new business and financial models in 2020 and beyond, including in ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation market. The pandemic-led restrictions on hospital visits on one hand and the need for compact and technologically advanced devices are key to paving way to new avenues. Most medical device manufacturers had suffered from severe shortage of labor from second quarter of 2020. Nevertheless, in the last few months, improving macroeconomic dynamics supported new demand and supply potential in the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation market. Further, rising concerns of infection spread from range of pathogens by healthcare providers have bolstered the demand for advanced technologies in the UV germicidal irradiation market.