인구 증가 및 의료 시설의 충실에 의해 세계적으로 의약품 폐기물의 발생량이 증가하고 있는 것이 큰 문제가 되고 있습니다. 사람들은 부적절한 의약품 폐기물 처리와 관련된 환경과 건강 위험에 대한 인식을 심화시키고 있습니다. 이러한 위험성을 줄이는 동시에 환경의 지속가능성을 확보하기 위해 적절한 의약품 폐기물 관리가 점점 중시되고 있으며, 이로 인해 시장은 2024년 1조 6,623억 5,000만 달러의 매출액을 돌파했고, 2032년에는 약 2조 6,315억 9,000만 달러의 평가액에 이를 전망입니다.
게다가 의약품 폐기물 처리를 관리하는 정부나 환경 단체에 의해 시행된 엄격한 규칙과 가이드라인이 효과적인 의약품 폐기물 관리 솔루션 수요를 밀어 올리고 있습니다. 의약품 폐기물의 악영향을 줄이기 위해 규제 기관은 안전하고 환경적으로 적절한 폐기를 확보하는 데 점점 더 주력하고 있습니다. 게다가 의약품 폐기물 관리 시장은, 고온 소각, 매립, 화학 치료나 오토 클레이브 등 비소각 방법 등의 선진 기술의 채용 증가에 의해서 견인되고 있습니다. 이러한 방법은 의약품 폐기물의 안전한 처분과 파괴를 촉진하고 부적절한 처분과 관련된 환경 및 건강에 대한 우려를 줄입니다. 의약품 폐기물 관리의 요구가 높아짐에 따라 시장은 2026-2032년 CAGR 5.91%로 성장할 전망입니다.
의약품 폐기물 관리 시장 정의 및 개요
의약품 폐기물 관리는 의약품의 수명주기 중에 발생하는 다양한 유형의 의약품 폐기물을 안전하고 효율적으로 처리하는 것입니다. 이 폐기물은 사용기한 만료 및 미사용 의약품, 오염된 포장, 의약품의 생산, 유통 및 투여에 사용된 기타 물품으로 구성됩니다. 의약품 폐기물 관리의 목적은 부적절한 폐기와 관련된 환경과 건강에 대한 우려 및 인체에 대한 잠재적인 위해를 경감하는 것입니다.
의약품 폐기물 관리는 의약품 제조 공장, 병원, 클리닉, 약국, 연구기관 등 여러 장면에서 이용되고 있습니다. 이들 조직에서는 사용기한 만료나 미사용 의약품, 오염된 포장, 실험용 화학품 등 상당량의 의약품 폐기물이 발생합니다. 적절한 폐기물 관리는 환경 요건을 충족하고 오염을 줄이며 공중 보건을 보호하기 위해 필수적입니다.
세계의 의약품 사업은 급속히 확대되고 있으며, 그 결과 폐기물 배출량이 증가하고 있습니다. IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science에 따르면 세계 의약품 지출은 2026년까지 1조 8,000억 달러에 달할 전망이며, CAGR 3-6%로 증가할 것으로 예상됩니다. 세계보건기구(WHO)에 따르면 세계 의약품 생산량은 1985년 3,000억 단위에서 2020년 10배인 3조 단위 이상으로 확대됩니다. 이 확대는 효과적인 처분을 필요로 하는 의약품 폐기물의 증가와 직결됩니다.
세계 각국 정부는 환경 문제에 대한 관심이 높아짐에 따라 의약품 폐기물 처리에 관한 보다 엄격한 법률을 제정하고 있습니다. 환경보호청(EPA)에 의하면, 미국에서는 7,000개가 넘는 의료 시설이 매년 1만 4,000톤 이상의 유해 의약품 폐기물을 배출하고 있습니다. 유럽의약품청(EMA)에 따르면 유럽연합(EU)에서는 신약 신청의 88%로 환경 리스크 평가가 필요하며 이는 2005년 10%에서 증가했습니다.
또한, 부적절한 의약품 폐기와 관련된 환경 및 건강 위험에 대한 일반 시민의 의식이 높아지면서 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry지에 게재된 연구에 따르면 가장 배합 빈도가 높은 93가지 약 중 88%가 지표수, 지하수, 식수에 미량으로 포함된 것으로 나타났습니다. 미국 지질조사소에 따르면 미국 하천의 80%에 미량의 의약품이 포함되어 있다고 합니다. 이러한 의식은 미국 마약단속국의 '전국 처방약 테이크백 데이'와 같은 적절한 폐기를 위한 추가 프로그램을 촉구하고 있으며, 2021년 10월에만 744,082파운드의 불필요한 처방약이 모였습니다.
의약품 폐기물 관리를 성공적으로 하는 데 필요한 많은 자본 지출은 병원, 의료기관, 제약 기업에 큰 장벽이 되고 있습니다. 이들 조직은 환경 요건을 준수하고 오염을 줄이는 선진적 폐기물 관리 시스템을 구축하기 위해 막대한 재원을 할애해야 합니다. 유해와 비유해 의약품 폐기물을 수집, 처리, 처분하기 위한 선진적 기술을 수반하는 이러한 시스템에는 높은 비용이 들기 때문에, 이러한 기관의 예산에는 큰 부담이 되고 있습니다.
의약품 폐기물 관리에 필요한 고액의 자본금은 소규모 의료시설 및 제약회사의 진입 장벽이 되어 시장의 확대를 저해합니다. 중소기업은 최신 폐기물 관리기술 도입에 따른 고액의 초기비용을 내지 못하고 대신 값싸고 효과가 낮은 선택지나 잘못된 폐기 기술을 택하게 됩니다. 이는 환경오염을 확대하고 의약품 폐기물 관리의 목표에 반해 공중보건을 위험에 빠뜨리게 됩니다.
The increasing volume of pharmaceutical waste generated globally owing mostly to population growth and improved healthcare facilities is a major concern. People are becoming more aware of the environmental and health risks associated with inappropriate pharmaceutical waste disposal. There is an increasing emphasis on proper pharmaceutical waste management to reduce these dangers while also ensuring environmental sustainability by enabling the market to surpass a revenue of USD 1662.35 Billion valued in 2024 and reach a valuation of around USD 2631.59 Billion by 2032.
Furthermore, severe rules and guidelines enforced by governments and environmental organizations governing pharmaceutical waste disposal are driving up the demand for effective pharmaceutical waste management solutions. To reduce the negative consequences of pharmaceutical waste, regulatory organizations are increasingly focusing on ensuring its safe and environmentally appropriate disposal. In addition, the pharmaceutical waste management market is being driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as high-temperature incineration, landfilling, and non-incineration methods such as chemical treatments and autoclaves. These methods facilitate the safe disposal and destruction of pharmaceutical waste lowering the environmental and health concerns associated with inappropriate disposal. The growing need for pharmaceutical waste management by enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% from 2026 to 2032.
Pharmaceutical Waste Management Market: Definition/ Overview
Pharmaceutical waste management is the safe and efficient disposal of various types of pharmaceutical waste created during the lifecycle of pharmaceutical products. This waste consists of expired or unused medications, contaminated packaging, and other items used in the production, distribution, and administration of pharmaceuticals. The goal of pharmaceutical waste management is to reduce the environmental and health concerns associated with inappropriate disposal as well as potential harm to human health.
Pharmaceutical waste management is used in a variety of settings including pharmaceutical production plants, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and research organizations. These organizations generate a substantial amount of pharmaceutical waste which includes expired or unused pharmaceuticals, contaminated packaging, and laboratory chemicals. Proper waste management is critical to meeting environmental requirements, reducing pollution, and protecting public health.
The global pharmaceutical business is rapidly expanding, resulting in increased waste output. According to the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, global pharmaceutical spending is expected to reach USD 1.8 Trillion by 2026, increasing at a 3-6% compound annual growth rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global pharmaceutical production has expanded from 300 billion Standard Units in 1985 to more than 3 trillion Standard Units in 2020, a 10-fold increase. This expansion directly adds to the increasing volume of pharmaceutical waste that requires effective disposal.
Governments around the world are enacting harsher laws for pharmaceutical waste disposal in response to growing environmental concerns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 7,000 healthcare facilities in the United States generate over 14,000 tons of hazardous pharmaceutical waste each year. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), environmental risk evaluations are now needed for 88% of new drug applications in the European Union, up from 10% in 2005, resulting in increased demand for proper waste management solutions.
Furthermore, the growing public awareness of the environmental and health dangers connected with inappropriate medication disposal is propelling market growth. A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry discovered that 88% of the 93 most often prescribed medications can be found in trace levels in surface, ground, and drinking water. According to the US Geological Survey, 80% of US streams contain trace levels of human pharmaceuticals. This awareness is prompting additional programs for proper disposal, such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which gathered 744,082 pounds of unneeded prescription medicines in October 2021 alone.
The large capital expenditure necessary for successful pharmaceutical waste management presents a substantial barrier for hospitals, healthcare institutes, and pharmaceutical corporations. These organizations must devote significant financial resources to creating sophisticated waste management systems that comply with environmental requirements and reduce pollution. The high expense of these systems which involve advanced technologies for collecting, processing, and disposing of both hazardous and non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste put a burden on these institutions' budgets.
The high capital requirements for pharmaceutical waste management stifle market expansion by acting as a barrier to entry for smaller healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical corporations. Smaller businesses are unable to afford the large upfront expenses associated with deploying modern waste management technology and instead choose cheaper, less effective options or incorrect disposal techniques. This increases environmental contamination and endangers public health contradicting the goals of pharmaceutical waste management.
The hazardous segment is estimated to dominate the pharmaceutical waste management market. Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders frequently necessitate extensive and long-term medical interventions such as surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medication. These treatments produce a large amount of hazardous medical waste which includes contaminated sharps, chemotherapeutic medications, pathological waste, and infectious materials.
As the global frequency of chronic diseases increases due to reasons such as aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary habits, so does the volume of hazardous medical waste generated. The increasing number of healthcare operations associated with chronic diseases is likely to have a major impact on the hazardous waste segment of the medical waste management market. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and specialized treatment centers must consequently establish appropriate waste management systems to properly and efficiently manage the rising volume of hazardous medical waste.
Furthermore, proper treatment of hazardous medical waste created during chronic disease operations is critical to maintaining public health and environmental safety. The regulatory rules for waste management are being edited and tightened to address the issues provided by the growing volume of hazardous medical waste. As a result, healthcare facilities are rapidly investing in innovative waste management technology and solutions to comply with these laws while reducing the environmental and health concerns connected with hazardous medical waste.
Hospitals accounted for the largest market share due to rising awareness campaigns and the introduction of new technologies. The healthcare industry is becoming more conscious of the necessity of effective medical waste management for maintaining public health and environmental safety. As a result, there has been an increase in awareness campaigns, conferences, and training sessions centered on new technology and best practices for medical waste management.
Furthermore, the introduction of new medical waste management technologies is critical to boosting the growth of the hospital and diagnostic laboratory markets. Healthcare facilities are progressively using advanced technologies to manage medical waste safely and efficiently, such as autoclaving, microwave treatment, steam sterilization, and chemical disinfection. These technologies have various benefits such as improved waste sterilization, less environmental impact, and cheaper operational costs. As a result, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare facilities are expanding their investments in modern technologies to improve waste management.
Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability is encouraging healthcare organizations to invest in innovative medical waste management technologies. Regulatory bodies are enforcing stricter norms and regulations for medical waste management and treatment to reduce environmental pollution and public health threats. As a result, rising awareness and the introduction of new technologies are likely to propel the end-user segment particularly hospitals and diagnostic laboratories into the medical waste management market.
North America is estimated to dominate the pharmaceutical waste management market during the forecast period. North America, particularly the United States, has one of the most severe regulatory regimes for managing pharmaceutical waste. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 7,000 healthcare facilities in the United States generate over 14,000 tons of hazardous pharmaceutical waste each year. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule, which were enacted in 2019, established tight standards for pharmaceutical waste treatment, resulting in market growth in this region.
Furthermore, North Americans are becoming more conscious of the proper disposal of unused or expired drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has witnessed a considerable turnout. The DEA stated in 2021 that their Take Back Day programs had gathered a total of 15,989,566 pounds (more than 7,995 tons) of prescription medicines since the program's commencement in 2010. This increased awareness and engagement in such programs is generating demand for pharmaceutical waste management services in the region.
Europe region is estimated to exhibit substantial growth within the market during the forecast period. Europe has enacted stringent laws for pharmaceutical waste treatment, resulting in market growth. The European Commission's 2020 pharmaceutical plan intends to minimize the environmental effect of medicines by 30% by 2030. According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), 88% of new medicine applications in the European Union now include an environmental risk assessment, up from 10% in 2005. This regulatory climate compels pharmaceutical businesses and healthcare facilities to invest in effective waste management solutions.
Furthermore, Europe has a high incidence of pharmaceutical use, which can be attributed in part to its aging population. According to Eurostat data, the proportion of people aged 65 and over is expected to rise from 20.3% in 2019 to 29.4% by 2050. According to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the European pharmaceutical market is estimated to be worth €213.4 billion in 2020. This high consumption rate, along with an aging population that normally requires more prescriptions, creates a substantial amount of pharmaceutical waste that must be properly managed.
The pharmaceutical waste management market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support. The organizations focus on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions.
Some of the prominent players operating in the pharmaceutical waste management market include:
Cardinal Health
Covanta Holding Corporation
US Ecology, Inc.
Stericycle
BioMedical Waste Solution LLC
Dickinson and Company
Waste Management, Inc.
Daniels Health
Sharps Compliance, Inc.
Stryker
Becton
In February 2021, Cardinal Health WaveMark(TM) Supply Management & Workflow Solutions partnered with HIMSS Analytics(R), a Certified Organization of the Clinically Integrated Supply Outcomes Model (CISOM), to help healthcare systems optimize and benchmark their progress in clinical and operational supply chains.
In February 2023, EcoSteris announced the development of a cutting-edge medical waste plant in Summerville, creating a unique and creative footprint in the business.
In May 2021, UPS Healthcare and Stericycle formed an ongoing relationship to manage medical waste reverse logistics, including trash classification and disposal. UPS and Stericycle hope to provide comprehensive logistical support to the healthcare industry as a result of their collaboration.