Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component Type (UV Lamps), By Application, By End-use (Municipal), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global ultraviolet disinfection equipment market size was estimated at USD 3,857.3 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. The rising demand for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection equipment in healthcare organizations is likely to boost industry growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the supply of this equipment and its components since manufacturers are unable to satisfy the increasing demand and have reached their maximum production capacity. These firms should expand their manufacturing facilities to address the growing demand from end-users, which is not possible in a short period.

UV air purification is an established technique, and several organizations, such as WHO and CDC, have repeatedly promoted its usage in labs, hospitals, operating rooms, and colleges. Furthermore, UV air purifiers are advised to enhance the air quality in both the residential and commercial sectors by removing particulate matter and dust, which is thought to reduce coronavirus transmission.

Public health agencies have acknowledged UV disinfection systems as an effective technique for treating drinking, reclaimed, and wastewater. This has prompted nations worldwide to implement these systems since they are safe and do not require toxic chemicals to conserve water resources and meet sustainability goals.

In recent years, industrial water system companies have increasingly focused on using UV technology to inactivate viruses, volatile organic chemical compounds, bacteria, and other pathogens as the liabilities and safety risks associated with membrane breakage, ozone, and chlorine have increased. The most recent advancement is the commercialization of a UV system that uses a harmless, inert xenon gas instead of mercury to produce UV light. Improvements in UV lamp technology have reduced the operational and capital costs of UV disinfection and are expected to stimulate market growth over the next seven years.

UV disinfection systems have a minimum environmental impact compared to sodium hypochlorite and chlorine gas, as UV is mainly affected by the electrical grid composition. This makes UV a versatile technology. As more and more electricity sources become greener, UV is expected to reduce its environmental footprint over the coming years. As a result, countries across the globe are incorporating UV disinfection systems as they are safe and do not require any harmful chemicals to protect water resources and achieve sustainability goals.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium and the pace is accelerating. The market is characterized by a high degree of innovation, which is attributable to the rapid technological advancements. Moreover, market players are adopting organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as product launches, geographical expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and collaborations, to strengthen their position in the global market.

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market is experiencing a notable degree of innovation driven by technological advancements and growing awareness of the effectiveness of UV disinfection methods. Manufacturers are continuously improving UV disinfection equipment to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of use. Innovations include the development of more energy-efficient UV lamps, compact and portable devices suitable for various applications, and advancements in UV-C LED technology offering longer lifespans and increased disinfection capabilities. Moreover, integrating smart technologies such as IoT for remote monitoring and control further enhances the market's innovative landscape. With the ongoing emphasis on health and hygiene and stringent regulations, the UV disinfection equipment market is poised for continued innovation to meet evolving customer demands and industry standards.

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market is also characterized by a high level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players. Mergers and acquisitions in this market have primarily focused on strategic acquisitions of technology-driven companies to gain access to innovative UV disinfection solutions or to expand their geographic presence. Additionally, larger companies have acquired smaller players to diversify their offerings or to integrate their operations vertically. Factors driving M&A activity in the UV disinfection equipment market include increasing demand for disinfection solutions across various sectors, such as healthcare, water treatment, and air purification, as well as the need for companies to stay competitive by offering comprehensive solutions and expanding their global reach.

Regulations exert a profound impact on the ultraviolet disinfection equipment market by setting standards for product efficacy, safety, and environmental compliance. Compliance with these regulations, such as those governing disinfection efficacy and UV radiation exposure limits, is essential for market entry and consumer trust. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes, including stricter guidelines for water treatment and healthcare facilities, drive innovation in UV disinfection technology to meet increasingly stringent requirements. Companies must navigate these regulatory frameworks to ensure their products meet compliance standards and maintain competitiveness in the market, influencing product development strategies and market penetration efforts.

Product substitutes in the ultraviolet disinfection equipment market primarily encompass alternative disinfection methods such as chemical disinfection, filtration systems, and heat-based sterilization techniques. Chemical disinfection methods, like chlorine or ozone treatment, offer alternatives to UV disinfection, particularly in water treatment applications. Filtration systems, including membrane filtration and reverse osmosis, provide another means of removing contaminants from water without relying on UV light. Heat-based sterilization methods, such as pasteurization or autoclaving, are also utilized in healthcare settings for equipment sterilization. While UV disinfection offers advantages like rapid treatment and no chemical residue, the availability and effectiveness of these substitutes can impact market demand and adoption rates for UV disinfection equipment, especially in sectors where multiple disinfection options are viable.

End-user concentration in the ultraviolet disinfection equipment market varies across different sectors, with specific industries exhibiting higher concentrations than others. For instance, municipal and industrial facilities in water and wastewater treatment represent major end-users, often characterized by large-scale installations serving densely populated areas or industrial operations. Conversely, end-user concentration may be more dispersed in healthcare settings across hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, albeit with significant demand driven by stringent infection control requirements. Similarly, the food and beverage industry comprises diverse end-users, including bottling plants, food processing facilities, and agricultural operations.

Component Type Insights

The UV lamps component type segment dominated the global market in 2023 with a 37.2% market share. Various UV lamps, such as low-pressure bulbs, are generally used in applications with low flow rates and more prolonged exposure durations. In contrast, amalgam lamps are employed in commercial-type applications because they can effectively remove microbial contamination. As a result, increased demand for UV lamps is likely to fuel industry expansion.

Quartz sleeve fouling is typically caused by the accumulation of magnesium, algae, and calcium ions, as well as an iron layer, developed owing to poor equipment maintenance. According to the US EPA wastewater technology fact sheet, quartz sleeves are anticipated to last up to 8 years and are typically replaced after five years, thus propelling the product demand.

Application Insights

The water & wastewater treatment application segment led the market with a revenue share of 47.9% in 2023. Rapid industrialization in developing economies has resulted in rising water pollution and increased demand for clean and safe drinking water owing to the increasing population, which is expected to propel the product demand.

In the food & beverage industry, infection through contact with the surface is one of the most common causes of the contamination of foodstuffs with mold and bacteria. Microorganisms are found to reside in the equipment and their surfaces, and when these microorganisms come in contact with foods, they can often significantly reduce the shelf life of the products. In addition, bacteria such as E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella can present a health risk. Thus, the food industry can use ultraviolet disinfection systems to disinfect equipment such as machine housings, cutting blades, knives, deboning & conveyor belts, dough-rising surfaces, and other food preparation surfaces.

End-use Insights

The municipal end-use segment led the market with the largest revenue share in 2023 because of the increased penetration of the technology in water & wastewater treatment plants in developed countries. Municipal wastewater treatment plants have started adopting UV disinfection treatment solutions over conventional technologies, as they are cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly.

Open burning of household waste, seasonal agricultural burning practices, rapid urban development, reliance on coal-based energy sources, especially in the ASEAN countries, and seasonal forest fires are responsible for a substantial increase in suspended particulate matter in the air. As a result, governments across the globe have started live PM2.5 monitoring and providing subsidies for manufacturing technologically advanced purifiers, which in turn is expected to boost the product demand over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America led the market, accounting for 32.2% of the global revenue share in 2023. The growing investments in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food & beverage, and automotive sectors in the U.S. and Canada are likely to play a significant role in driving demand for wastewater treatment, and hence UV disinfection equipment, during the projection period.

According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), water stress in countries such as Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain is high and expected to deepen in the coming years owing to climate change. In addition, Europe is likely to witness increasing demand for potable water as the region has a large number of migrants from war-affected countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The factors above are anticipated to drive the demand for water treatment systems and positively impact the demand for UV disinfection equipment in the region.

Canada Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market in Canada is expected to be driven by the increasing investments by the government of Canada in providing affordable housing to low-income families through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) program and the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). It is anticipated to augment residential constructions in the country further. The government is planning an expenditure of USD 21.9 million till 2027 for the development of social infrastructure, including renovation and construction of residential buildings. The factors above and rising public awareness regarding water treatment are expected to drive the UV disinfection equipment market for water treatment.

Germany Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market in Germany is expected to witness growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for technologically advanced and sustainable air purification technology, which is projected to drive the market in this region over the forecast period. Furthermore, rising awareness towards reducing greenhouse emissions is expected to witness the use of eco-friendly treatment methods, boosting demand for UV disinfection equipment over the forecast period.

China Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market in China is expected to propel due to the expanding industrial sector coupled with regulations for wastewater treatment to prevent and control industrial pollution, which is anticipated to increase the demand for wastewater treatment plants, thereby positively impacting the demand for ultraviolet disinfection equipment over the forecast period.

Brazil Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market

Brazil’s ultraviolet disinfection equipment market is expected to propel owing to some of the major industries contributing to the country’s economic growth, including automobile, oil & gas, agriculture, iron & steel, and machinery & equipment. Water pollution is a major health and environmental concern in the country. Significant factors contributing to water pollution include industrial waste, sewage, and leaking landfills. Thus, rising concerns about water pollution are expected to drive the demand for water & wastewater treatment systems, benefiting the ultraviolet disinfection equipment market.

UAE Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market

The ultraviolet disinfection equipment market in UAE is anticipated to propel owing to the demand for water growing rapidly in the UAE. The market for UV water and wastewater treatment is expected to be driven by increased demand for potable water. Favorable regulations, such as the establishment of Independent Water and Power Projects to facilitate the installation of water & wastewater plants, are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.

Key Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market Company Insights

The market has been characterized by the presence of a wide array of large-scale and small-scale manufacturers, resulting in a significant concentration level. In addition, the global UV disinfection equipment market consists of various international and domestic players engaged in designing, developing, and marketing a diversified array of UV disinfection equipment. Key players in the market are focusing on multiple strategies, including acquisition, regional expansion, and product innovation, to achieve competitive advantage and, thereby, develop a strong foothold in the industry.

For instance, in May 2023, Xylem Inc. acquired Evoqua Water Technologies Corporation for USD 7.5 million. Together, these companies created advanced platforms to solve the problems related to critical water challenges.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, WellAir unveiled its latest innovation, a cutting-edge air-cleaning device, in the European market. Independently tested, this device demonstrates industry-leading effectiveness with a remarkable 99.9% efficiency in eliminating airborne pathogens. The launch signifies WellAir's commitment to advancing the standards for healthy indoor environments, particularly during a period where air quality holds unprecedented significance. This development marks a significant stride forward in enhancing indoor air quality and underscores WellAir's dedication to providing solutions for healthier living spaces.

Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market Report Scope

Global Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ultraviolet disinfection equipment market report based on component type, application, end-use, and region.

• Component Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • UV Lamps

    • Mercury

      • Low-Pressure

      • Medium-Pressure

      • Amalgam

    • Xenon/LED

  • Ballasts/Controller Units

  • Quartz Sleeves

  • Reactor Chambers

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Water & Wastewater Treatment

  • Air Treatment

    • Residential

    • Healthcare Facilities

    • Retail Shops

    • Offices

    • Hospitality

    • Schools & Educational Institutions

    • Industrial

    • Others

  • Surface Disinfection

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Municipal

  • Residential

  • Commercial

  • Industrial

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • France

    • Germany

    • Italy

    • UK

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • UAE

    • South Africa