Needles Market Research Report - Segmented By Type (Conventional Needles, Smart Needles, Safety Needles), by delivery mode (Hypodermic Needles, Intravenous Needles, Intramuscular Needles, Intraperitoneal Needles), by material type (Stainless Steel Needles, Plastic Needles, Glass Needles, Others), by application (Medical, Industrial, Consumer); and Region- Size, Share, Growth Analysis | Forecast (2023 2030)

Market Size and Overview:

The Global Needles Market was valued at USD 9.45 Billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 15.88 Billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7%.

The needles industry encompasses various sectors, including medical, industrial, and consumer applications. Within the medical sphere, it involves the production and distribution of hypodermic needles for vaccinations, drug delivery, and blood collection, as well as surgical needles for various medical procedures. Industries like textiles, automotive manufacturing, and electronics also rely on specialized needles. Sewing, knitting, and tattoo needles represent a significant portion of the consumer market. The industry is marked by strict quality standards, technological advancements, and a growing demand for minimally invasive medical procedures, leading to innovations in needle design and materials. Needle disposal and sustainability are rising concerns, with a push toward eco-friendly materials and proper disposal practices.

Key Market Insights:

The global vaccination campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted the syringes and needles market. As per the World Health Organization, by September 10, 2022, over 12,589,972,108 vaccine doses had been administered, driving substantial growth in the needles market.

The Tenth edition of the International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas in 2021 indicated that approximately 74.19 million adults in India had diabetes, with projections estimating a rise to 92.97 million by 2030 and 124.87 million by 2045. With insulin administration crucial for diabetes treatment through syringes, the increasing diabetes prevalence is anticipated to further bolster the needles market.

Global Needles Market Drivers:

The expanding healthcare industry is the primary long-term growth contributor to the needles market.

The global healthcare sector's growth, driven by rising chronic diseases, increased healthcare spending, and the need for vaccinations and blood tests, is boosting demand for medical needles. Advanced drug delivery systems like pre-filled syringes and auto-injectors are driving specialized needle adoption for precise and patient-friendly medication administration.

Technological advancements in needle design are significantly driving market growth.

Continuous innovations in needle technology, including design, materials, and manufacturing processes, are enhancing safety, patient comfort, and procedure efficiency. For instance, ultra-thin and sharp needles reduce injection pain and improve surgical precision. Safety-engineered needles, designed to prevent healthcare worker injuries, are promoting safer practices and meeting regulatory guidelines.

Needles Market Restraints and Challenges:

Safety concerns and needle stick injuries pose challenges for manufacturers.

Needle stick injuries remain a significant safety concern, leading to the transmission of blood-borne diseases. Addressing safety regulations and promoting safer needle technologies across healthcare facilities is an ongoing challenge, as safety-engineered devices are more complex and costly to produce.

Waste disposal and sustainability issues are hindering market growth.

Single-use disposable needles contribute to medical waste, raising environmental concerns. Proper disposal and recycling practices are crucial to prevent contamination. Hence, there's a focus on developing environmentally friendly needle materials, but achieving widespread adoption and proper disposal remains a challenge.

Needles Market Opportunities:

The continuous growth in healthcare, rising chronic diseases, and an aging population present opportunities for the needles market. Innovations in needle technologies and minimally invasive procedures hold growth potential. Safer needle designs and eco-friendly disposal methods align with sustainability trends. Emphasis on vaccination programs, including COVID-19 immunization, elevates needle demand, making it crucial in fighting infectious diseases. Strategic collaborations, increased internet usage, more hospitals, self-administered drug usage, and higher healthcare expenditure will drive market growth in the foreseeable future.

Needles Market Segmentation:

Needles Market Segmentation: By Type:

• Traditional Needles
• Intelligent Needles
• Safety Needles

The most substantial segment within the needles market based on technology is the Traditional Needles category, commanding a market share of 73.5%. This prevalence stems from their extensive historical use and continued preference across both medical and non-medical domains. Their straightforward design, cost-efficiency, and widespread familiarity make them the preferred choice in various settings. Despite advancements in safety and intelligent needle technologies, Traditional Needles maintain market dominance due to their entrenched usage and overall cost-effectiveness, particularly in regions where advanced technologies might not be readily embraced or deemed essential for routine procedures. Meanwhile, the fastest-growing segment in terms of technology is Intelligent Needles, exhibiting a remarkable 24.4% CAGR. Intelligent Needles incorporate sophisticated sensors and technologies like ultrasound or electromagnetic tracking, enabling real-time guidance and precise targeting in medical procedures. This surge is propelled by the escalating demand for minimally invasive techniques and the quest for heightened precision in healthcare. Intelligent Needles hold significant value in critical applications such as biopsies and interventions, offering enhanced accuracy and real-time feedback, thus advancing patient care and elevating healthcare outcomes, positioning them as a rapidly evolving and transformative technology within the needles market.

Needles Market Segmentation: By Delivery Mode:

• Subcutaneous Needles
• Intravenous Needles
• Intramuscular Needles
• Intraperitoneal Needles

Subcutaneous needles dominate the delivery mode segment within the needles market, capturing an extensive market share of 70%. These needles are the most prevalent type used across diverse medical applications, including vaccinations, drug administration, and insulin delivery. Their versatility allows for the administration of a broad spectrum of medications and treatments. The global emphasis on vaccination drives the escalated demand for subcutaneous needles, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, solidifying their position as the leading segment. Concurrently, the fastest-growing segment in delivery mode is Intravenous Needles, with a robust 21.8% CAGR. This growth is attributed to the expanding utilization of intravenous therapy across various medical spheres, encompassing drug administration, fluid and nutrition infusion, and critical condition treatments. Intravenous needles offer a swift and efficient avenue for delivering medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream, proving indispensable in emergency and critical care scenarios. The rising prevalence of chronic ailments and the necessity for rapid and efficient drug delivery, coupled with an aging population, fuel the substantial growth of intravenous needles in the healthcare sector.

Needles Market Segmentation: By Material Type:

• Stainless Steel Needles
• Plastic Needles
• Glass Needles
• Others

Stainless Steel Needles command the largest share in the needles market by material, boasting over 78% of the market. Their dominance is attributed to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and extensive applicability across medical, industrial, and consumer domains. Stainless steel's robustness and resistance to corrosion render these needles suitable for repeated use while maintaining sterility. Their versatility and compatibility across diverse medical and industrial procedures, coupled with long-term performance, cement their position as the leading segment. On the other hand, the fastest-growing segment is anticipated to be Plastic Needles, projected to grow at a substantial CAGR of 16.4%. This growth trajectory is propelled by material engineering advancements, the pursuit of lightweight and disposable medical products, and the cost efficiency of plastic needles. Plastic needles offer advantages such as reduced risk of cross-contamination, heightened patient comfort, and ease of disposal, aligning with evolving healthcare standards and infection control needs. Their versatility across medical and non-medical applications positions plastic needles as a rapidly expanding segment within the market.

Needles Market Segmentation: By Application:

• Medical
• Industrial
• Consumer

The predominant segment in the needles market by application is Medical, holding a commanding market share of 79%. This dominance is primarily attributed to the extensive utilization of needles in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. The medical segment encompasses a wide array of applications, including vaccinations, drug delivery, blood collection, surgeries, and various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The persistent demand for medical needles in routine healthcare, disease management, and emergency scenarios, alongside global healthcare infrastructure emphasis and public health initiatives, solidifies medical applications as the largest and most enduring segment within the needles market. Meanwhile, the Consumer category represents the fastest-growing segment, exhibiting a robust growth rate of 17.8%. This growth is propelled by the increasing preference for home healthcare and self-administration of medications. With a growing population seeking convenience and accessibility in healthcare, the consumer segment witnesses heightened utilization of needles for insulin injections, vaccinations, and other self-administered medical procedures. The proliferation of over-the-counter medications and the inclination towards at-home medical care contribute significantly to the rapid expansion of the consumer segment within the needles market.

Needles Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis

• North America
• Asia-Pacific
• Europe
• South America
• Middle East and Africa

North America emerges as the leading segment by region within the needles market, commanding a substantial revenue share of 36%, owing to its well-established healthcare infrastructure and elevated healthcare expenditure. The region's dominance is further bolstered by extensive medical facilities, advanced research and development, and a strong focus on healthcare safety standards. Additionally, North America spearheads technological advancements and safety enhancements in needle designs, further solidifying its significant market share. The region's robust healthcare system and commitment to innovation position it as a frontrunner in the needles market. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific region emerges as the fastest-growing segment by region within the needles market, showcasing a robust CAGR of 26.3%. This growth trajectory is primarily fueled by the region's burgeoning healthcare infrastructure, population expansion, and increasing healthcare awareness. The Asia-Pacific region witnesses heightened investments in healthcare facilities, escalating demand for medical procedures, and a pronounced focus on vaccination programs, significantly propelling the need for needles. Favorable government initiatives, economic development, and a shift towards more advanced healthcare technologies contribute to the rapid expansion of the needles market in this region.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Needles Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a positive impact on the needles market, chiefly driven by the unprecedented global vaccination campaigns. The heightened demand for syringes and needles for COVID-19 vaccine administration, coupled with the acceleration of self-administered drug delivery systems, bolstered market growth. Furthermore, the pandemic heightened awareness of healthcare safety, leading to increased adoption of safe needles and practices. These factors, coupled with the growing emphasis on telehealth and remote healthcare services, resulted in an overall expansion of the needles market during the pandemic. While there was an initial disruption in the supply chain, primarily related to manufacturing and distribution due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, the market rebounded as the healthcare sector refocused efforts on COVID-19 response initiatives, including vaccination campaigns, thereby amplifying the demand for needles. Overall, the needles market showcased resilience and adaptability, evolving to meet the evolving dynamics of the healthcare landscape during the pandemic.

Latest Trends/Developments:

A prominent trend within the needles market is the emergence of "smart needles," integrating technology to augment precision and safety during medical procedures. These needles often incorporate sensors like ultrasound or electromagnetic tracking, enabling healthcare professionals to precisely target specific anatomical structures or assess tissue characteristics in real time. Smart needles prove particularly valuable in minimally invasive surgeries and biopsies, where accurate needle placement is imperative. This trend underscores the growing integration of digital technology into medical devices, aimed at improving patient outcomes.

A significant development within the needles market is the escalating focus on developing environmentally friendly needle materials. Recognizing the environmental concerns associated with disposable medical waste, manufacturers are actively working on creating needles using biodegradable or recyclable materials. These sustainable needle alternatives aim to mitigate the environmental impact of discarded medical products and align with the broader global shift towards more environmentally responsible healthcare practices. This development reflects the increasing importance placed on sustainability and responsible waste management within the medical industry.

Key Players:

• Becton, Dickinson and Company

• Terumo Corporation

• B. Braun Melsungen AG

• Smiths Medical

• Nipro Corporation

• Novo Nordisk A/S

• Montmed, Inc.

• Covidien (now part of Medtronic)

• Stryker

• Ethicon

In February 2023, Canada-based company Montmed, Inc. announced the granting of its second US Patent concerning Sitesmart Pen Needles.

In April 2022, Embecta Corp., situated in the United States, effectively completed its separation from Becton, Dickinson, and Company, thus initiating its worldwide endeavors as an autonomous and specialized entity focused on diabetes care.