Market Overview
Global
Medical Polyoxymethylene Market size is expected to reach
USD 133.6 million in 2024 and is anticipated to value
USD 253.5 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.4%.
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a thermoplastic material obtained from formaldehyde, and it is also known as polyformaldehyde or polyoxymethylene glycol. POM resins are mostly used in the manufacturing of items that require excellent sliding properties & consistent size and shape.
This versatile material is applied across a range of sectors, like industrial, electrical & electronics, automotive, & medical delivery, where its robustness and longevity are highly appreciated. POM's capacity to uphold exact measurements and exhibit effortless sliding properties positions it as the preferred material for manufacturing a wide range of precision components used across various sectors.
The increasing emphasis on sustainable materials in the
healthcare sector, & rising environmental awareness, is expected to drive the demand for medical POM. Medical POM is used due to its biocompatibility, exceptional mechanical properties, & resistance to chemicals & sterilization processes, making it a widely used material in various medical applications.
As the production of medical devices and equipment continues to rise, the medical POM industry is expected to observe significant expansion in the upcoming years. It is extensively used in the production of healthcare devices, like catheters, surgical instruments, drug delivery systems, & implants contributing to its market growth.
Key Takeaways
- Market size: Global Medical Polyoxymethylene Market is expected to grow by 111.0 million, at a CAGR of 7.4 % from 2025 to 2033.
- Market Definition: Medical Polyoxymethylene, acetal or polyacetal, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used in various medical applications.
- Type Analysis: Based on type the medical polyoxymethylene market is segmented into homopolymer pom and copolymer pom. Copolymer is projected to be the dominant force in the market based on type capturing the largest revenue share of 63.1% in 2024.
- Application Analysis: The insulin pen is forecasted to hold the largest market share of 27.1% and dominate the market based on application in 2024.
- Regional Analysis: Asia-Pacific is anticipated to dominate the medical polyoxymethylene market, capturing a revenue share of 38.1% in 2024.
Use Cases
- Orthopedic Implants: Medical Polyoxymethylene is used in components of joint replacement implants, such as acetabular cups in hip replacements and components of knee implants as its mechanical strength and wear resistance ensure durability and longevity in load-bearing applications.
- Dental Applications: Adoption of POM in medical offers excellent biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-term functionality and reduced risk of complications which is required in dental implants.
- Laboratory Equipment: It is used in the manufacturing of laboratory equipment like test tube holders, clamps, and fittings due to its resistance to chemicals, low friction, and ease of machining.
- Respiratory Devices: It is used in critical components of ventilators, such as valve components and housing parts due to its ability to withstand repeated sterilization cycles ensuring the safety and hygiene of respiratory devices used in healthcare settings.
Market Dynamic
Drivers
Rising Demand in the Medical SectorPolyoxymethylene's outstanding properties, such as its high strength, stiffness, and excellent biocompatibility, make it well-suited for a wide range of
medical devices and components, including insulin pens,
surgical instruments, catheters, and diagnostic equipment parts. The continuous growth of the medical sector, driven by the increasing demand for pharmaceutical interaction and distribution purposes, is expected to contribute to the expansion of the POM market within the medical sector.
Environmental Awareness The continuous requirement for eco-friendly materials in the healthcare domain is driven by the rising consciousness of environmental concerns. In response to these concerns,
healthcare device manufacturers are integrating reclaimed polyoxymethylene within their product designs, aiming to reduce their environmental impact. These factors collectively drive the market in the U.S., positioning it for continued growth in the medical POM market.
Restraints
Health ConcernsMedical polyoxymethylene market faces challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature, which leads to plastic waste and environmental pollution. In addition, the use of formaldehyde in POM production raises health concerns for both consumers and workers, casting doubts on its biocompatibility and safety for medical device applications. Government authorities impose stringent standards, especially regarding long-term health impacts to ensure patient safety which requires rigorous testing.
High cost and unavailability of raw material
The high cost of polyoxymethylene compared to alternative materials is hindering the growth of the market in small and medium enterprises. POM is derived from formaldehyde, which in turn is produced from methanol. Fluctuations in methanol prices due to factors like supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, or changes in demand can significantly impact the cost and availability of POM.
Opportunities
Innovation in Medical Devices
POM has excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility which make it suitable for manufacturing intricate components for advanced medical technology. It emerges as a suitable material with the increasing demand for advanced medical and minimally invasive surgical procedures requiring materials with low friction and high precision.
Sustainability Initiatives
Manufacturers are developing bio-based or recyclable POM formulations to address plastic waste concerns while retaining its most desirable properties. Thus, there is greater emphasis on sustainability presents another avenue of opportunity.
Trend
Lightweight and Durable Medical Devices
It is advantageous for portable medical devices due to its lightweight nature which is another contributing factor for the growth of this market. The use of POM is expected to grow as the market players focus more on developing lightweight, sterilizable, and durable medical equipment.
Rising Demand for High-Performance Materials in Healthcare
The polyoxymethylene market trends indicate a growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials in various industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. POM is a high-performance material which highly valued for its ability to withstand repeated sterilization processes, such as autoclaving and chemical sterilization, without significant degradation. Thus, it is the preferred choice for medical applications where durability and sterilizability are crucial.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Type
Medical polyoxymethylene market is segmented into copolymer and homopolymer based on type. Copolymer is anticipated to hold a dominant position in the market with a maximum share of 63.1% in 2024. Copolymers are favored for their mechanical capabilities, making them a suitable alternative to metals in the production and manufacture of various medical devices and equipment. With properties like strength, thermal stability, hardness, ultra-high modulus, enhanced retention & rigidity, Copolymer Polyoxymethylene is in demand within the medical domain.
Meanwhile, Homo-polymer Polyoxymethylene exhibits properties such as hardness, durability, high strength & resistance to deterioration, making it apt for healthcare applications. However, its noxious emissions during combustion restrict its applicability and impact on the environment.
The Medical Polyoxymethylene sector is further fueled by ongoing research and development activities aimed at expanding the application scope in medical device production. Healthcare devices like inhalers, insulin pens, surgical instruments, and trays benefit from effective manufacturing and resource utilization, in addition to the ability to tailor for intricate medical apparatus & reduced weight. These factors are expected to fuel the demand for the market during the forecast period.
By Application
Insulin pen is anticipated to be the dominant application in the medical POM market with a revenue share of 24.8% in 2024 as it is used for administering insulin to diabetic patients. Their popularity is rapidly increasing due to their user-friendly design & cost-effectiveness. Rising demand for insulin pens, along with an increase in their production, is expected to drive the growth of the polymer engineering sector, such as POM.
They are known for their durability & resistance to continuous handling, which is commonly used in the production of these insulin pens. Additionally, the ability of medical POM to maintain its shape under changing pressures & temperatures ensures Peak pen performance and prevents damage or leakage to the insulin reservoir, making insulin pens the preferred choice.
Moreover, the amalgamation of diverse beneficial characteristics in thermoplastic materials, including POM, renders them apt for an extensive area of uses, such as metered-dose inhalers & dry powder inhalation devices. As the demand for inhalers increases, the market for medical polyoxymethylene (POM) is expected to witness significant growth.
The Medical Polyoxymethylene (POM) Market Report is segmented based on the following:
By Type
By Application
- Insulin Pen
- Handles for Surgical Instruments
- Pharmaceutical Closures
- Dialysis Machines
- Medical Trays
- Inhalers
- Others
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global medical polyoxymethylene market,
accounting for 38.1 % of the total revenue share in 2024. The region's robust growth is majorly accredited to the flourishing of the medical sector in emerging economies like Japan, China, India, & South Korea, presenting promising opportunities for the industry's growth. The existence of a solid industrial base & prominent manufacturers enhances the expansion of the POM market in the medical sector, in the Asia Pacific region.
Additionally, factors like heightened urban development and the growing prevalence of chronic illness drive market expansion in this region. The availability and supply of essential resources, combined with economically efficient labor, also contribute to the industry's growth of the medical POM.
Moreover, North America is experiencing significant growth in the medical POM industry due to increased healthcare device production, a high standard of living, & a growing aging population.
The region's advanced infrastructure and the existence of well-established manufacturers of medical equipment drive the advancement of the healthcare industry, creating ample application opportunities for the Polyoxymethylene Market in North America. Further, capacity expansion and plant upgrades by healthcare firms within the U.S. are anticipated to stimulate the need for medical POM.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
The Medical Polyoxymethylene market is characterized by high competition, with established players based on advanced technology, good quality products, and a strong brand image to drive revenue growth. Market Leaders in the medical polyoxymethylene (POM) market include Korea Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd., Innovative Plastics USA LLC, SPI Performance Coatings, and several others.
These industry participants are actively engaged in expanding the use of POM in the medical sector and exploring its applications. Key market players are introducing innovative medical instruments to diversify their product portfolios and extend their market reach. In response to the rapid technological advancements, medical device manufacturers are also focusing on both pre-and post-production processes.
Some of the prominent players in the Medical Polyoxymethylene (POM) Market are
- Daicel Corporation
- DuPont de Nemours Inc.
- BASF SE
- Celanese Corporation
- Jet-Hot, Inc.
- SABIC
- CLARIANT
- Avient Corporation
- SPI Performance Coatings
- China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd.
- ICD High-Performance Coatings
- Others
Recent Development
- In August 2023, DuPont finalized a firm agreement to transfer an 80.1% stake in the Delrin acetal homopolymer (H-POM) business1 to TJC LP (TJC), with the deal valuing the business at USD 1.8 billion.
- In June 2023, Polyplastics Group introduced a new range of acetal resins, specifically designed for medical applications, known as the Duracon POM PM (Polyoxymethylene/Acetal) series which aims to enhance its material supply to meet the growing demand in the medical and healthcare industries.
- In April 2023, Polyplastics Group offers an update on its resin offerings including POM, PPS, LCP, PBT, and COC, along with long-fiber thermoplastics (LFT) and how they meet the requirements of the medical and packaging industries as well as expectations for environmental sustainability.
- In October 2022, BASF introduced two innovative product lines aimed at sustainability: Ultraform LowPCF (Low Product Carbon Footprint) and Ultraform BMB. These new offerings are aimed to assist BASF's customers in achieving their sustainability objectives. Ultraform is BASF's brand name for its range of POM products which offers a Product Carbon Footprint that is at least 30 percent lower than the one of conventional Ultraform grades by leveraging green electricity and an energy-efficient technology.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2024) |
USD 133.6 Mn |
| Forecast Value (2033) |
USD 253.5 Mn |
| CAGR (2024-2033) |
7.4% |
| Historical Data |
2018 – 2023 |
| Forecast Data |
2024 – 2033 |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Estimate Year |
2024 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Type (Homopolymer, and Copolymer), and By Application (Handles for surgical instruments, Pharmaceuticals closures, Dialysis machines, Medical trays, Inhalers, Insulin Pen, and Others). |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
Daicel Corporation, DuPont de Nemours Inc., BASF SE, Celanese Corporation, Jet-hot Inc, SABIC, CLARIANT, Avient Corporation, SPI Performance Coatings, China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd., ICD High-Performance Coatings and Other Key Players. |
| Purchase Options |
Physio-Control Inc., Schiller, Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Zoll Medical Corporation, BIOTRONIK, Progetti Srl, LivaNova Plc, and Other Key Players |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Medical Polyoxymethylene Market size is estimated to have a value of USD 133.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 253.5 million by the end of 2033.
Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market share for the Global Medical Polyoxymethylene Market with a share of about 38.1% in 2024.
Some of the major key players in the Global Medical Polyoxymethylene Market are Korea Engineering Plastics Co. Ltd., Innovative Plastics USA LLC, SPI Performance Coatings, and many others.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 7.4 percent over the forecasted period.