PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1733440
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1733440
The medical plastics extrusion market is rising in response to the growing demand for high-performance, dependable medical devices and components. Plastic extrusion is a low-cost procedure that allows for the creation of complicated shapes and designs making it perfect for producing medical tubing, catheters, and other vital components by enabling the market to surpass a revenue of USD 903.99 Million valued in 2024 and reach a valuation of around USD 1224.94 Million by 2032.
The trend toward single-use medical devices to minimize infections and cross-contamination in healthcare environments drives up demand for medical plastics extrusion. Syringes, IV tubes, and drug delivery systems are becoming more popular due to their sanitary benefits. As healthcare systems around the world seek safer and more economical alternatives, medical plastics offer a durable and versatile option by enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 4.27 % from 2026 to 2032.
Medical Plastics Extrusion Market: Definition/ Overview
Medical plastic extrusion is a specialized manufacturing method that shapes plastic materials into continuous profiles to create a variety of medical devices and components. Medical-grade plastics such as PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene are melted and pressed through a specially designed die to make precise geometries such as tubes, catheters, and sheaths. The extrusion method provides high precision and consistency which is crucial for medical applications with tight tolerances and products that must fulfill demanding safety and regulatory criteria.
It is commonly used in the manufacture of a variety of medical devices such as catheters, tubing, and surgical tools. The technique entails melting and sculpting high-quality polymers into precise, customizable shapes that meet strict medical requirements.
The use of medical plastic extrusion is predicted to grow in response to increased demand for minimally invasive treatments and improved medical gadgets. As healthcare technologies advance, there is a growing demand for high-performance, biocompatible plastics that can withstand the harsh demands of medical applications. The development of novel polymer materials, especially bioresorbable polymers, is likely to improve the capabilities of extrusion technologies allowing the manufacturing of devices that can safely dissolve within the body once they have served their purpose.
The medical plastics extrusion market is expanding rapidly driven mostly by rising demand for minimally invasive procedures. This development is altering the healthcare industry presenting significant prospects for medical plastic extruders. The growing inclination for minimally invasive procedures is a major driver for the medical plastics extrusion industry as evidenced by compelling statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Health Statistics Reports, the number of ambulatory surgery visits in the United States increased by 32.8% between 2006 and 2018, from 11.9 million to 15.8 million.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) discovered that minimally invasive procedures cut hospital stays by an average of 2.4 days when compared to open surgeries. This shorter recuperation time influences patient preferences and hospital adoption. The need for catheter-based procedures which frequently involve extruded medical plastics is also increasing. According to the American Heart Association, there are roughly 1 million cardiac catheterizations conducted in the United States each year.
High material costs may constitute a substantial barrier to the expansion of the medical plastics extrusion market. Medical-grade plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, and polypropylene are frequently costly due to the stringent regulatory requirements they must follow to ensure safety and biocompatibility. These plastics must meet high medical standards which increases production costs. As a result, producers may struggle to remain profitable while meeting demand for high-quality, low-cost medical items.
Rising material costs may limit the usage of advanced extrusion technologies which are required for the production of complicated medical components such as catheters, tubing, and other healthcare devices. Smaller manufacturers may struggle to absorb the increased costs associated with premium raw materials resulting in lost market competitiveness. These high expenses may also be passed on to healthcare providers, thereby raising the price of medical devices and reducing patient affordability.
The medical tubing segment is predicted to experience the greatest increase in the medical plastics extrusion market during the forecasted period. The growing use of catheters and other medical equipment needs flexible, long-lasting tubing which is driving this increase. Furthermore, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population are driving up demand for various medical equipment, accelerating the growth of the medical tubing segment.
Medical tubing is essential in IV administration because it allows fluids, nutrients, and drugs to be delivered safely and efficiently directly into the bloodstream. The growing use of IV therapies in hospitals and at home has created a substantial need for dependable and flexible medical tubing. Furthermore, advances in plastic materials such as the creation of PVC alternatives and antimicrobial coatings have improved the adaptability and safety of tubing for a wide range of medical uses.
Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities make up the application sector of the medical plastics extrusion market. Hospitals are predicted to enjoy the most substantial growth over the projection period. The increasing demand for medical devices and consumables such as needle and syringe caps, tubing, catheters, and other extruded plastic components is a major driver of this growth. These products are essential for daily operations in hospitals where a high number of medical procedures and patient care activities occur.
The growing need for high-quality healthcare services is encouraging the use of modern medical technologies in hospitals such as extruded plastic components. These plastics have high resilience and flexibility, and they are simple to clean and sterilize making them perfect for usage in a variety of medical environments where hygiene and patient safety are critical. The growing emphasis on infection control and patient safety combined with rising healthcare spending in many places is likely to drive up demand for extruded plastic goods in hospitals positioning this industry for significant growth in the future years.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to become the dominating market for medical plastics extrusion owing to its rapidly increasing healthcare infrastructure. This expansion is especially notable in emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asian countries.
The growing healthcare infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region is a key driver of the medical plastics extrusion market as evidenced by compelling statistics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare spending in the Western Pacific Region which encompasses much of East Asia, rose from 6.4% of GDP in 2000 to 6.9% in 2018.
The region's aging population and increased chronic disease prevalence are also driving growth in the medical plastics extrusion market. The United Nations predicts that the number of persons aged 65 and up in Asia will rise from 395 million in 2020 to 954 million by 2050. Furthermore, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that the number of adults with diabetes in Southeast Asia will increase from 88 million in 2019 to 153 million by 2045. These demographic transitions and health trends drive demand for different medical equipment including catheters, tubing, and drug delivery systems which frequently use extruded medical plastics.
North America is predicted to be the fastest-growing region in the medical plastics extrusion market owing to its sophisticated technical specifications and high-quality standards. This rapid expansion is being driven by the region's strong healthcare infrastructure, major R&D investments, and rising demand for novel medical devices. Advanced technical criteria are propelling the medical plastics extrusion market in North America. As of 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported 6,954 registered medical device manufacturing establishments, many of which used advanced plastic extrusion processes.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for medical research reached USD 41.7 Billion in 2020, promoting breakthroughs that frequently result in new medical devices requiring complex plastic components. Furthermore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% increase in job opportunities for medical scientists from 2019 to 2029 faster than the average for all occupations reflecting continued research and development in the sector. The drive of downsizing in medical equipment with some components having dimensions as small as 0.10 mm, tests the limits of plastic extrusion technology.
The Medical Plastics Extrusion Market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support. The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions.
Some of the prominent players operating in the medical plastics extrusion market include:
GSH Industries
Nenplas Ltd
Saint Gobain
Atlantis Plastics, Inc.
Keller Plastics, Inc.
China Plastic Extrusion Ltd
Vesta
Teel Plastic
Biomerics
In November 2023, Davis-Standard announced in November 2023 that it would acquire the Extrusion Technology Group (ETG) from entities controlled by Dutch investor Nimbus. This acquisition aligns with Davis-Standard's commitment to providing top-tier extrusion equipment and converting systems, as well as comprehensive aftermarket support.
In April 2023, Wellspect HealthCare announced a significant development in its product line when the company introduced bio-attributed raw materials into one of its offerings, specifically the LoFric Elle female urinary catheter. This is significant in an industry that has traditionally relied on fossil-based plastics, signaling a significant step forward for medical device manufacturers who prioritize sustainable and bio-sourced materials.