Italy Infection Control Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Product (Disinfectants, Sterilization (Low-Temperature Sterilization, Heat Sterilization, Contract Sterilization)), By End User Industry (Healthcare, Food And Beverage, Chemical) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

Italy infection control market is valued at US$546.715 million in 2020. The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.20% to reach a market size of US$1079.161 million by 2027.

 Owing to various factors such as hospital-acquired infections (HIAs), cross-contamination of food leading to gastrointestinal infection, and the prevalence of sharing of needles among individuals who are addicted to substance abuse, the infection control market in Italy is witnessing a rising demand.

Further, the growing elderly population that has led to increasing incidences of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiac disorders, and respiratory disorders, to name a few, is also another major factor that will drive the market for infection control; products in the country. 

High rate of virus infections in the population

Moreover, data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows that Italy has the highest rate of hepatitis C virus infections in the general population, at 5.9% for first-time blood donors. Italy also reports the highest hepatitis C virus infection rate among migrants from Eastern Europe, at 7.1% (Source: Italy: Country Health Profile 2017, State of Health in the EU). Further, 89% of people (mainly children) were not vaccinated, and 6% had received only the first dose of the vaccine, which increased the likelihood of contagion.

Thus, to prevent further deterioration of health due to the administration, the country in May 2017 introduced new measures to increase vaccination coverage among children to reduce the risk of epidemics of infectious diseases (Source: Italy: Country Health Profile 2017, State of Health in the EU). Thus, the aforesaid is also an example of the inclination of the regularity authorities to institutionalize policies that will in turn catapult eh the infection control market to a new zenith.

Further, the increasing awareness of personal hygiene and the increasing focus on sterilization will even push the infection control market in Italy. As the world turns into a fast-paced hub of business transactions that are increasingly transcending physical space, individuals are left with very little time to sanitize themselves at frequent intervals through traditional means like under the faucet and so on. In this scenario, this activity has been increasingly supplanted by hand sanitizers that have become an integral aspect of daily life just like any other toiletry.

Exotic food storage to increase demand for sterilization

Moreover, there is an increasing focus on food sterilization due to the sheer quantum of demand for exotic food products that necessitate the storage of the same. This necessity has created a demand for low-temperature sterilization products, especially in the food and beverage segment.

For example, ZHEROX by an Italian company AM Instruments is a bio-decontamination system designed to apply a mist of hydrogen peroxide precisely and effectively. It uses strong oxidants with high antimicrobial power both against many bacteria and bacterial spores. Further, coupled with regulatory measures as enshrined in article 39 in the EC Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice – Revision to Annex 1 – Manufacture of Sterile Medicinal Products - September 2003, "Fumigation of clean areas may be useful for reducing microbiological contamination in inaccessible places." Thus, such product innovation augmented with regulatory measures is going to catapult the growth of the infection control market in Italy.

Key Developments

• September 2021: Polti, a leading Italian company in disinfection and steam applications, participated in the 25th edition of Issa Pulire, a cleaning and hygiene specialized trade fair. The company showcased the collection of its best products and steam disinfection devices like POLTI SANI SYSTEM, POLTI VAPORETTO, and POLTI CIMEX ERADICATOR. The products follow the French standard AFNOR NF T72-110 for various bactericidal, fungicidal, and other similar effects.
• June 2022: A new guideline by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority was implemented in the Netherlands because of the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Italy. As per the new guideline, all vehicles coming from Italy in the country require additional cleaning and disinfection. The supervisor at the approved centre will complete the evidence of cleansing and disinfection after the mandatory 2nd cleaning and disinfection.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 impact on the Italian infection control market was favourable for market growth. New guidelines and regulations were implemented adhering to appropriate disinfection and cleaning standards. ESCRS published recommendations based on lessons from Italy, like disinfection of hands at the workplace, and also recommended cleaning of surfaces in the workplace like door handles, computer mouse, and keyboards. The implementation of guidelines and increasing coronavirus cases led to the demand and market growth of the infection control market in Italy, thereby having a positive impact.

Segmentation

• By Product
  • Disinfectants
  • Sterilization
    • Low-Temperature Sterilization
    • Heat Sterilization
    • Contract Sterilization
• By End User Industry
  • Healthcare
  • Food and Beverage
  • Chemical