Irradiation has been used since the 1960s to sterilize single-use medical devices and equipment as an alternative to heat or chemical sterilization processes. Irradiation technologies are very well established and are used to sterilize approximately 45% of the global single-use medical device market. About 90% of the sterilization market uses gamma irradiation, but the potential to use electron beam and
X-ray is increasing as technology becomes more advanced. The increasing complexity of products and the increasing use of nanotechnologies and biological products mean that the industry is increasingly engaging with research institutes and universities that are carrying out innovative research.