Why European Hospitals Are Ditching Ethylene Oxide

Low-temperature sterilization is set for 11.25% CAGR growth as Europe tightens ethylene oxide rules

11 Jun 2026

Europe's sterilization equipment market is shifting course. Stricter environmental rules on ethylene oxide emissions are forcing hospitals and medical device manufacturers to abandon long-established sterilization methods, with hydrogen peroxide-based platforms emerging as the primary alternative.

Regulatory momentum accelerated in January 2024, when the FDA formally designated vaporized hydrogen peroxide as a Category A sterilization process, a classification that signals broad scientific acceptance and gives procurement teams a clear basis for switching.

The financial case is building alongside the regulatory one. Low-temperature sterilization systems are projected to grow at an 11.25 percent compound annual rate through 2026, nearly double the broader sterilization equipment market's 7.39 percent rate. Facilities are adding hydrogen peroxide and ozone capacity on top of existing steam infrastructure rather than replacing it, a hybrid approach that satisfies compliance requirements without disrupting operations.

Suppliers are responding. STERIS and Getinge are releasing hydrogen peroxide equipment designed for lower energy use and reduced chemical residuals, targeting European hospital procurement teams for whom sustainability now carries real budget weight. Sotera Health is also competing for supply contracts as facilities seek multiple vendor relationships.

Switching costs are declining. Newer equipment is designed to fit existing facility layouts, and hospitals report that projected running costs are falling as energy and waste-disposal expenses come down.

Tighter emission standards across Europe and expanding net-zero commitments in public health systems suggest demand will continue to outpace current projections.