Europe Medical Waste Management - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Europe Medical Waste Management Market size is estimated at USD 3.23 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.21 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.47% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Factors such as increasing initiatives on medical waste management by government authorities, as well as increasing awareness of medical waste, are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in March 2022, the European Commission proposed to amend the Industrial Emissions Directive. The proposal required industrial installations to set up actions to enhance the substitution of hazardous substances in the production process and prevent waste generation. Furthermore, in June 2023, the EU-funded Water and Environment Support project was launched to improve healthcare waste management in Palestine. Hence, such government initiatives are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Furthermore, the high burden of waste generation in Europe is further expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, as per the March 2024 update by the European Parliament, approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of waste were reported to be generated in Europe every year. Increasing awareness of medical waste is expected to drive market growth. For instance, according to an article published by Environmental Science and Pollution Research in April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory bodies in Europe initiated awareness programs across the countries to inform and help people understand the importance and need for proper medical waste disposal and threatening medical issue which can cost long-term consequences if not addressed properly. Thus, increased medical waste awareness is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Thus, the abovementioned factors, such as increasing awareness about medical waste management and the involvement of the government in coping with the same, are expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. However, high-capital investments are a constraint to the growth of the market.

Europe Medical Waste Management Market Trends

Treatment and Disposal are Expected to Witness Notable Market Growth During the Forecast Period

• The generation of medical waste has surged, necessitating effective and sustainable management practices. Proper treatment and disposal of medical waste are crucial for maintaining public health and environmental safety. Factors such as the rising awareness among healthcare providers about the potential health and environmental hazards associated with improper medical waste disposal have led to a growing emphasis on adopting safe and efficient waste management solutions.
• For instance, according to an article published by MDPI, in November 2022, member states in the European Union (EU) enacted legislation that complied with and served to implement European Commission (EC) directives on waste-related laws, directives, and standards. As a result, the EC urged EU member states to categorize medical wastes in line with Chapter 18 of the European Waste Catalogue (EWC), which prepares a list of waste descriptions for the various components of medical waste.
• As a result, there is an increasing preference for eco-friendly treatment options, such as recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, which not only reduce the volume of waste but also offer opportunities for resource recovery. Hence, the treatment and disposal of medical waste have become critical drivers of the medical waste management market's growth.
• Furthermore, the high burden of medical waste in European countries and significant regulations regarding the same further accentuate the demand for treatment and disposal, which is likely to drive the segment’s growth during the forecast period. For instance, in Germany, there are few legal regulations associated with medical waste disposal and management, such as the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), Biological Substances Ordinance (BioStoffV), KRINKO recommendations from the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention, and the guidelines for waste disposal from the state working group (LAGA).
• Various initiatives taken by key players and the government, such as various amendments and strategies, are expected to boost the market's growth during the forecast period. For instance, in March 2023, NHS England published the NHS clinical waste strategy in order to transform the management of clinical waste by eliminating unnecessary waste, implementing innovative ways to reuse, and ensuring waste is processed in the most cost-effective and sustainable way.
• Thus, owing to the increase in awareness programs and the rise in regulations and strategies related to the treatment and disposal of medical waste, the segment is likely to witness notable growth during the forecast period.

Germany is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period

• Germany is expected to witness healthy growth in the European medical waste management market due to the presence of a highly developed health sector and an increase in infectious and chronic diseases requiring advanced medical and surgical resources and treatment. Moreover, initiatives by the German government to curb medical waste contribute to the regional market's growth. For instance, according to an article published by MDPI in November 2022, the waste management system in Germany was well-developed, following numerous laws and principles. Germany is one of the key countries in Europe for waste recycling and uses a unique waste categorization system.
• The rising company activities in managing waste are contributing to the country's market growth. For instance, in September of 2022, University Hospital Bonn (UKB) launched a pilot project cooperating with Resourcify to reduce waste generation and recycle medical waste. Hospitals are the fifth largest waste producer in Germany, amounting to approximately 1.2 million tonnes per year, and have a variety of waste streams. These include packaging, medical devices, and hazardous materials. Such an initiative is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.
• Thus, owing to the increase in acceptance of proper waste management and strategic activities and pilot programs highlighting the importance of waste management in the country, the market studied is expected to grow during the forecast period in Germany.

Europe Medical Waste Management Industry Overview

The European medical waste management market is competitive and consists of several major players. Key market players are continuously involved in various strategic activities, such as partnerships and waste management service launches, in order to enhance their portfolio across Europe. Some of the key players in the market are Stericycle Inc., Veolia Environmental Services, SUEZ Group, Remondis AG & Co. KG, and Daniels Health.

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