Mortuary Refrigerator Market

Market Overview

The global mortuary refrigerator market size was valued at USD 70.00 Million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 98.26 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2024–2032).

The global market for mortuary fridges is growing at a slow pace. These specialised fridges are essential for the respectful and practical storage of the deceased, due to the ageing population.  The market has two main applications: the storage of bodies, which is dominated by its use in funeral homes, hospitals and coroners' offices as well as forensic investigations with a smaller demand due to laboratory requirements. In the end user segment, funeral homes are a prime market driver and require fridges in all phases of their operation.

Due to a perfect storm of factors, the mortuary refrigerator market continues to grow. An aging population with increasing death rates globally necessitates proper storage for the deceased.  Demand for such specialised fridges is being stimulated by the increasing focus on hygiene in mortuary practices, as well as a shortage of burial space in certain parts of the country. These mortuary refrigerators play a vital role in respectful and practical body storage.

Market Dynamics

Global Mortuary Refrigerator Market Drivers

Rising Death Rates

The global population's silver wave is driving a cool (pun intended) market trend: mortuary refrigerators. There is a natural increase in mortality as more people live longer. This leads to an increase in demand for these specialised fridges.  Proper storage of dead bodies is required in funeral homes, hospitals and coroner's offices; mortuary refrigerators are designed to provide respectful and efficient care. For instance, according to the United Census Bureau, the global-female-geriatric population will reach 4,139 million by 2030 from 3,601 million in 2015.

Focus on Hygiene

The mortuary refrigerator market is experiencing a surge in hygiene awareness.  As the public become more aware of proper funeral procedures, demand for specialised freezers which focus on hygiene and temperature control is expected to increase. Fridges aren't just storage units anymore, they're essential tools in the dignified care of the dead. This focus on hygiene goes beyond aesthetics to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for workers and the deceased, by maintaining the right temperature to slow down decomposition and prevent the spread of bacteria.  In the coming years, this trend is expected to be a major driver of the mortuary refrigerator market, driven by a growing emphasis on public health and good practices.

Global Mortuary Refrigerator Market Restraint

Stringent Regulations

The mortuary refrigerator market is confronted with a chilling reality: stringent rules. In the interests of hygiene and the protection of the environment, these rules may be a double sword, but they may also be a double sword.  The high requirements of factors like temperature control, sanitation standards and energy efficiency can make it hard for manufacturers to meet.  It may take a long and complicated process to develop and introduce new innovations in mortuary refrigeration due to the strict verification and approval processes.  This may restrict the market's ability to benefit from emerging technologies, e.g. remote monitoring of temperature or integration of electronic logging systems. While regulations ensure the quality and safety of products, manufacturers on this evolving market still face difficulties in dealing with them.

Global Mortuary Refrigerator Market Opportunities

Increasing Technological Advancements

In the mortuary refrigeration sector, there is a flood of innovation. Modern technology, such as remotely monitoring temperatures and integrating electronic recording systems, is transforming the way in which funeral homes are operated.  In order to ensure an appropriate climate for good care, staff will be able to monitor refrigerator temperatures remotely from distant locations. Temperature data are automatically recorded and stored by digital logging systems, which make it easier to keep records as well as comply with the rules.  These advances not only enhance the efficiency of funeral staff, but also improve records keeping and alerts for temperature fluctuations that can be made remotely. The advent of this technology boom is about to change the way mortuary practices are conducted, giving staff and families a greater sense of security.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. In view of the increase in road accidents in this region, North America is expected to be the dominant market for morgue refrigerators worldwide. More academic institutes also require morgue refrigerators as bodies are stored so students and researchers may study the human body structure. Furthermore, the presence of developed economies and regulations by various authorities in the healthcare sector within the region boosts the market growth.

The United States mortuary refrigerators market. The number of organ donations in the United States has increased steadily. Consequently, the market for special refrigerator types is being driven by specialised mortuary fridges capable of keeping organs in optimum condition before transplantation.

The Canadian mortuary refrigerators market is poised to grow due to the growing elderly population requiring more procedures and rising surgery numbers are driving the demand of these devices.

These factors are estimated to drive the North American mortuary refrigerators market growth.

Asia-Pacific region is a pivotal market for the mortuary refrigerators industry, the explosive growth in the market due to boom in economies, leading to increased healthcare spending and investments in advanced medical devices.

China mortuary refrigerators market. The potential for significant growth in the mortuary refrigerator market is largely driven by China's large population, growing economy and increasing healthcare costs. This growth is likely to be driven by investments in advanced medical equipment and a growing number of surgical procedures.

India mortuary refrigerators market. The market for anaesthesia vaporizers is characterised by India's large population, growing economy and increasing focus on the development of health infrastructure. This potential is supported by increasing access to surgery, as well as an ageing population.

Thus, the factors above are estimated to boost the Asia-Pacific mortuary refrigerators market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global market is bifurcated into application and end user.

Based on application, the market is segmented into corpse storage and forensic investigation.

Corpse Storage dominates the application segment. In view of the large volume and diversity of needs, the mortuary refrigerator market is dominated by a corpse storage segment. This category is dedicated to the various stages of the funeral process, from temporarily housing individuals who have already passed away to their preservation for a longer period.  Funeral homes, hospitals and even coroners' offices all require refrigerated storage of corpses which makes it a much larger market compared to more specialized and less demanding forensic investigation segments.

Based on end user, the market is segmented into forensic labs, funeral homes, and hospitals.

Funeral Homes dominates the end user segment. Funeral homes are the undisputed leaders in the end user segment of the mortuary refrigerator. This dominance is due to their central role in the care of the dead. Funeral homes require mortuary refrigerators throughout the whole procedure, unlike hospitals or forensic laboratories with a shorter storage period.  Temporary storage on arrival, preparation for viewings or ceremonies, and even long-term storage of delayed services or unidentified remains are also covered. Funeral homes are the main market driver because of this continuous and diverse need for fridges in a variety of stages.

Recent Developments

• In January 2021, Mopec, the nationwide leader in pathology, anatomy, mortuary and necropsy equipment and supplies, announced a new all-inclusive cold storage container system available on a monthly rental basis to provide morgues, funeral homes, and healthcare organizations with increased decedent refrigeration capacity.

Analyst’s Perspective:

As per our research analysts, there’s a steady growth in the market, the ageing population, increasing death rates and increased demand for organ transplantation are expected to continue to increase the market for refrigerated storage. This market is projected to be positively affected by technological developments, including automation and energy efficiency models. However, there is still a lack of awareness and volatility in raw material prices.