Medical plastics include flexible and rigid plastics used in healthcare applications like medical devices, packaging, components and consumables. The key advantages of medical plastics include lightweight, are chemically inert, biocompatible, high impact & shatter resistance and easy to sterilize properties. Medical plastics have wide applications from surgery instruments, medical tubing & catheters to diagnostic devices, drug delivery systems and healthcare packaging.
The Medical Plastics Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 16,458.83 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights
Market key trends:
Increased demand for medical devices and healthcare packaging applications is driving the medical plastics market growth. The key factors influencing this demand include rising healthcare expenditure, higher disease incidence and aging population. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the demand for medical devices and packaging like syringes, vials and bags. Additionally, technological advancements in polymers are enabling development of innovative long-lasting, durable and lightweight medical plastics solutions. continued R&D is also helping manufacturers develop recyclable solutions to address concerns regarding plastic waste disposal.
Porter's Analysis
Threat of new entrants: The medical plastics industry requires high capital investment and stringent regulatory approvals which pose high barriers for new entrants. However, scope of customization provides opportunity.
Bargaining power of buyers: Large healthcare institutions and providers can negotiate prices down due to consolidation. However, complexity of products limits extensive bargaining.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Key raw material suppliers such as petrochemical companies have significant influence over pricing due to limited substitutes and supplier concentration.
Threat of new substitutes: While new biomaterial-based substitutes are emerging, regulatory compliance and performance compatibility make plastic materials difficult to replace in the short-term.
Competitive rivalry: The medical plastics industry has prominent global players with strong brand identity and differentiation through innovation. However, commodity products face high competition.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Wide applicability in medical devices & equipment due to desirable properties like sterilizability, biocompatibility and durability. Strong R&D focus on customized solutions has enhanced product portfolio.
Weakness: Fluctuating raw material costs and regulatory compliance requirements increase production expenses. Dependence on limited suppliers for key materials.
Opportunity: Rising healthcare investments and demand for minimally invasive procedures are driving the need for advanced medical plastics in emerging economies. Growing usage of 3D printing offers new opportunities.
Threats: Implementation of stringent regulations around product approvals and biocompatibility testing delay market entry. Concerns around plastic waste management abilities.
Key Takeaways
The global medical plastics market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period, due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and demand for improved healthcare infrastructure across major economies.
Regional analysis: North America represents the largest and fastest growing regional market for medical plastics and is expected to dominate over the forecast period supported by well-established healthcare systems, major players presence and significant R&D investments in the region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate owing to rising medical tourism, growing healthcare expenditure and expansion of healthcare facilities in countries such as China and India.
Key players operating in the medical plastics market are Arkema S.A., BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, Covestro AG, Royal DSM, DowDuPont Inc., Solvay SA, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Trinseo S.A., Trelleborg AB, The Lubrizol Corporation, Saint-Gobain S.A., Tekni-Plex, Inc., and Röchling SE & Co. KG. These players are primarily focused on new product development, mergers & acquisitions and capacity expansions to strengthen their market position and diversify product portfolios to tap high growth areas through technologically advanced solutions.
