The Sterilization Shift Europe’s Hospitals Can’t Ignore

Hybrid sterilization reshapes Europe’s hospitals with flexible, traceable systems built for modern medical devices

9 Jan 2026

Europe’s hospital sterilization systems are entering a period of change as medical devices grow more complex and regulatory scrutiny intensifies. Hospitals across the region are reassessing how surgical instruments are reprocessed, with many turning to hybrid-style sterilization approaches that combine low-temperature methods with digital monitoring and automation. The shift reflects mounting pressure on Central Sterile Services Departments to deliver reliable outcomes while meeting stricter compliance demands.

Hybrid sterilization generally refers to integrated workflows that employ multiple complementary low-temperature or chemical-based processes. These approaches are designed to accommodate delicate instruments used in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, which often cannot withstand traditional high-heat sterilization. As such tools become routine in operating rooms, hospitals are seeking systems that balance speed with consistency, while reducing the risk of damage or incomplete sterilization.

The trend is reshaping supplier strategies. Established equipment manufacturers, including Getinge, alongside specialist firms such as ClorDiSys, are broadening their portfolios to include multi-mode and low-temperature solutions, according to company statements and industry analysts. Rather than relying on a single platform, suppliers are emphasizing modular designs, automation and compatibility with a wider array of devices, a shift that analysts said could encourage partnerships and targeted acquisitions.

Regulation forms a critical backdrop. Under Europe’s Medical Device Regulation, hospitals are required to demonstrate validated reprocessing and full traceability for each instrument. Although the rules do not mandate specific technologies, they have increased demand for systems that support digital tracking, data capture and audit-ready documentation. Solutions that reduce administrative burden are drawing interest as inspections become more frequent and detailed.

Sustainability considerations are also influencing purchasing decisions. Many hybrid processes use less energy and fewer chemicals, lowering operating costs and environmental impact, an advantage for publicly funded systems under financial strain. While advanced systems require staff training and upfront investment, healthcare leaders often view these challenges as preferable to the operational and compliance risks of aging infrastructure. As adoption widens and integration improves, sterilization is increasingly seen as a strategic function shaping safety and efficiency in Europe’s hospitals in the years ahead.