Emerging Trends in the Medical Tubing Market: Applications to Watch

The global medical tubing market was valued at USD 11 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by increased access to healthcare products and the rising demand for medical devices with effective tubing. Innovations in drug delivery systems have created a need for customizable medical tubes, especially in drug delivery systems. Additionally, growing collaborations in the medical device sector are expected to enhance the global reach of disposable medical devices, boosting market growth during the forecast period.

The market is further supported by the aging population, which has increased the demand for medical devices equipped with tubing. With the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, and other conditions requiring complex surgeries, the need for minimally invasive treatment methods is growing. This, in turn, has increased the use of nylon, plastic polymers, silicone, and other materials ideal for producing catheters and other medical tubing solutions.

In the United States, factors like a substantial geriatric population, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and higher patient disposable incomes are boosting the healthcare sector, consequently driving demand for medical tubing. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the population of individuals aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, which will significantly impact the demand for catheters, drug delivery systems, and other related applications.

In terms of material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was estimated to be the largest segment in terms of revenue. However, concerns regarding the presence of toxic bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) content in PVC tubing are expected to slow demand. To address this, manufacturers are increasingly shifting toward DEHP-free PVC medical tubing to comply with regulatory standards. This transition is anticipated to support the continued growth of PVC medical tubing in the years to come.

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Application Insights

In 2023, the bulk disposable tubing segment dominated the medical tubing market, accounting for 34.5% of revenue. This segment includes products like urological devices, surgical instruments, syringes, and needles. The increasing focus on preventing cross-patient infections is expected to fuel growth in this segment.

Key materials used are silicone and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), known for their strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance, making them ideal for medical implants, feeding, and draining applications.

Catheters, another important tubing type, are in high demand due to the rising number of chronic conditions. Made from silicone and PVC, silicone catheters are particularly advantageous as they are latex-free, flexible, and offer reduced encrustation, making them suitable for patients with latex allergies. Additionally, silicone has been widely tested and trusted over time, reinforcing its use in medical applications. These properties, combined with increasing cases requiring hospitalization, are driving demand for catheters and contributing to market expansion.

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