1 Global Petri Dish Market Insight Analysis
The global petri dish market is valued at USD 235.51 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.38% from 2024 to 2033.
A Petri dish is a flat, covered container made of light clear glass or plastic used to grow microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Petri dishes often contain a nutrient medium in which cells can grow, and its transparent nature is critical for viewing the contents without removing the lid. Round Petri dishes are the most common shape, but square and rectangular ones are also available.
Figure Global Petri Dish Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2024-2033)

2 Petri Dish Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Growing demand for scientific research and medical treatment: With the increasing global attention to life science research and the continued in-depth exploration of disease diagnosis and treatment methods in the medical field, the demand for culture dishes, as key tools for experiments such as cell culture and microbial research, has increased significantly.
In infectious disease research, culture dishes are used to separate and culture pathogens, providing important support for disease diagnosis and prevention and control; in new drug development, pharmaceutical companies need a large number of culture dishes for drug screening and cell experiments to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drugs. The continuous development of these fields has led to a continuous increase in demand for culture dishes.
Rapid development of downstream industries: The downstream industries of culture dishes, such as laboratories, hospitals, food industries and pharmaceutical industries, are constantly developing. The increase in the number of laboratories and the enrichment of experimental projects have directly driven the consumption of culture dishes; the expansion of hospital scale and the advancement of medical technology have made the demand for culture dishes in clinical diagnosis and medical research more vigorous;
the food industry needs to use culture dishes for microbial testing to ensure food safety; the vigorous development of the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the field of biopharmaceuticals, has increased the demand for high-quality culture dishes. The prosperity of these downstream industries has provided a broad space for the development of the culture dish market.
Technological innovation promotes product upgrades: Technological innovation has injected new vitality into the culture dish market. On the one hand, the application of new materials continues to improve the performance of culture dishes, such as the use of medical-grade polymer materials and degradable materials, which not only meet the requirements of biosafety, but also are more environmentally friendly;
on the other hand, the improvement of production processes has improved product quality and production efficiency, such as the advancement of surface treatment technology, which makes culture dishes more conducive to cell growth and attachment. In addition, functional innovation also increases the added value of products. For example, culture dishes with special markings or better gas exchange functions can better meet the needs of different experiments.
Emerging markets have great potential: The rapid economic development in Asia, South America and other regions has driven the improvement of local medical and scientific research levels, and the demand for culture dishes has also increased. Taking China as an example, with the continuous increase in scientific research investment and the advancement of medical system reform, biomedical research and clinical diagnosis activities have become increasingly frequent, and the scale of the culture dish market has continued to expand. These emerging markets have great development potential and provide new impetus for the growth of the global culture dish market.
Raw material price fluctuations: The main raw materials of culture dishes are glass and plastic, and their prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors. The price of glass is affected by the prices of raw materials such as silica and calcium carbonate and energy costs, while the price of plastic is closely related to oil prices. The instability of raw material prices makes it difficult to control the production cost of culture dishes, which in turn affects product prices and corporate profits. When raw material prices rise, companies may face cost pressure. If the costs are passed on to consumers, market demand may be suppressed.
Competitive pressure from substitutes: Some substitutes for culture dishes have appeared on the market, such as non-culture diagnostic tests, microfluidic technology and automated systems. Non-culture diagnostic tests are fast and reliable and can provide test results in a short time; microfluidic technology can realize single-cell dynamic analysis and simulate the natural environment; automated systems improve the efficiency and accuracy of experiments. These substitutes have advantages in some aspects, which pose a certain competitive pressure on the traditional culture dish market and may divert part of the market demand.
Intense industry competition: There are many participants in the culture dish market and the competition is relatively fierce. In order to compete for market share, many companies often adopt price competition strategies, resulting in lower product prices and compressed profit margins. Small companies may have relatively weak product quality and performance due to technical and financial limitations, but they participate in the competition with low-priced products, making the market competition more intense, which has a certain impact on the healthy development of the entire industry.
Strict regulatory supervision: The medical and scientific research fields have extremely high requirements for product quality and safety. As important consumables for related experiments, culture dishes are subject to strict regulatory supervision. Companies need to invest a lot of time and money to meet these regulatory requirements, such as product quality certification and clinical trials. This not only increases the operating costs of the company, but may also extend the launch cycle of new products, limiting the company’s development speed.
3 Technological Innovations in the Petri Dish Market
Material innovation: In order to meet higher biosafety and environmental protection requirements, the raw materials of culture dishes have gradually changed from ordinary polymer materials to medical-grade polymer materials and degradable materials. This change not only improves product quality and reduces environmental impact, but also broadens the application of culture dishes in some special fields. Culture dishes made of degradable materials can be naturally decomposed after biological experiments, avoiding the environmental pollution problems caused by traditional plastic culture dishes, and conforming to the concept of sustainable development.
Surface treatment technology upgrade: In order to optimize the cell culture environment, surface treatment technology is constantly upgraded. The surface of the culture dish is modified by physical or chemical methods to make it have better hydrophilicity, cell adhesion and biocompatibility. Surface hydrophilic modification technology can significantly improve the adhesion type and adhesion rate of adherent cells on the culture surface, improve cell survival rate and amplification ability, thereby increasing cell yield and meeting the higher requirements of scientific research and medical treatment for cell culture.
Functional innovation: With the diversification of scientific research needs, the functions of culture dishes are constantly innovating. In addition to traditional cell culture functions, some culture dishes have added special markings, digital scales, ventilation design and other functions. The culture dishes with special markings are convenient for experimenters to observe and record during the experiment; the digital scale design improves the accuracy of experimental operations; the ventilation design optimizes gas exchange and provides a more suitable environment for cell growth. In addition, the emergence of 3D culture dishes can simulate the three-dimensional environment in the body, provide conditions closer to the physiological state for cell culture, and promote research progress in related fields.
Enhance comprehensive strength: Enterprises integrate resources through mergers and acquisitions and achieve complementary advantages, thereby enhancing their comprehensive competitiveness in the market. DWK Life Sciences acquires Assem-Pak | Aluseal. As a global leading manufacturer of laboratory glassware, plasticware and primary packaging solutions, DWK Life Sciences can expand its range of customized packaging solutions in the life science industry through this acquisition, enhance its ability to provide customers with bundled solutions, and consolidate its market position.
Expand markets and product lines: Some companies use mergers and acquisitions to enter new market areas, expand market share, and enrich their product lines. Thermo Fisher Scientific acquires CorEvitas, a leading provider of regulatory-grade real-world evidence. Through this acquisition, Thermo Fisher Scientific will be able to expand its business into the field of real-world evidence and provide more comprehensive services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. It will also further enrich its product line in the life sciences field and enhance its market competitiveness.
4 Global Petri Dish Market Size by Type
Plastic Petri dishes are projected to dominate the market in 2024, with an estimated revenue of 175.95 million USD. This type of Petri dish has been gaining significant traction due to its disposable nature, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and reduces the need for extensive cleaning protocols. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of plastic Petri dishes make them particularly appealing for high-throughput laboratory settings and field research applications.
In terms of market share, plastic Petri dishes are expected to account for approximately 74.71% of the total market revenue in 2024. This dominant position is set to increase further in the coming years, with a forecasted market share of 78.87% by 2029, indicating a strong and growing preference for plastic alternatives in the market.
The versatility of plastic Petri dishes is another factor contributing to their popularity. They are available in a wide array of sizes and configurations, suitable for various applications including cell culture, microbiological testing, and environmental studies. Technological advancements have also played a role in enhancing the properties of plastic Petri dishes, such as improved optical clarity and specialized surface treatments that promote cell adhesion and growth. These features make plastic Petri dishes ideal for a broad range of applications, thereby driving their market revenue and share.
Conversely, Glass Petri dishes, while holding a smaller market share, are projected to generate a revenue of 59.56 million USD in 2024. Despite the growing prevalence of plastic Petri dishes, glass Petri dishes maintain a crucial role in specific applications where their unique properties are indispensable. The market share for glass Petri dishes in 2024 is expected to be around 25.29%, indicating a steady but secondary position compared to their plastic counterparts.
Glass Petri dishes are valued for their high thermal stability and chemical resistance, making them suitable for experiments involving high temperatures or exposure to harsh chemicals. Their reusability is also a cost-effective option for laboratories with long-term usage needs. The superior optical clarity of glass is critical for detailed microscopic observations and precise measurements, which is essential in specialized research and diagnostic applications. Despite the increasing popularity of plastic alternatives, glass Petri dishes will continue to be essential in fields where their unique properties cannot be substituted, ensuring a sustained demand and market presence.
Table Global Petri Dish Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
---|---|---|
Plastic | 175.95 | 74.71% |
Glass | 59.56 | 25.29% |
5 Global Petri Dish Market Size by Application
The laboratory sector was the largest contributor to the petri dish market revenue in 2024. It generated 94.26 million USD. Laboratories around the world, ranging from academic research institutions to private research facilities, rely heavily on petri dishes for a multitude of experiments, including cell culture, microbiological studies, and genetic research. These experiments often require precise and sterile environments that petri dishes can provide, making them an essential tool in the laboratory setting.
The hospital application segment contributed 64.97 million USD to the market revenue in 2024. Hospitals use petri dishes mainly for clinical diagnostics, such as identifying pathogens in patient samples, which helps in the accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases. They are also used in research within hospital – affiliated medical research centers, exploring new treatment methods and understanding disease mechanisms.
In 2024, the food industry contributed 34.50 million USD to the petri dish market revenue. The food industry utilizes petri dishes to conduct microbiological tests to ensure food safety. This includes detecting harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds in food products. By doing so, food manufacturers can prevent foodborne illnesses, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain the quality of their products.
The pharmaceutical industry’s application of petri dishes brought in 27.42 million USD in revenue in 2024. In pharmaceutical research and development, petri dishes are used for drug screening, cell – based assays to test the efficacy and safety of new drugs, and in the production of biological drugs. They play a crucial role in the early stages of drug discovery and development processes.
Table Global Petri Dish Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
---|---|---|
Laboratory | 94.26 | 40.02% |
Hospital | 64.97 | 27.59% |
Food industry | 34.50 | 14.65% |
Pharmaceutical Industry | 27.42 | 11.64% |
Others | 14.37 | 6.10% |
6 Global Petri Dish Market Size by Region
North America emerges as the leading region in the global Petri dish market in 2024, with a projected revenue of 97.49 million USD. This region’s dominance is expected to continue, with a steady increase in revenue forecasted up to 120.55 million USD by 2029. The robust healthcare infrastructure, advanced research facilities, and significant investment in life sciences are key drivers of this growth. The United States, in particular, contributes substantially to these figures due to its extensive network of research institutions and biotechnology companies. Canada also plays a significant role, albeit on a smaller scale, with its focus on healthcare and pharmaceutical advancements.
Europe follows North America as the second-largest market for Petri dishes in 2024, with a projected revenue of 73.58 million USD. This region is known for its strong pharmaceutical industry and rigorous regulatory standards, which drive demand for high-quality Petri dishes. Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom are major contributors to the European market due to their well-established life sciences sectors. The region’s market is expected to grow steadily, reaching 92.22 million USD by 2029, reflecting the ongoing development in healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
Asia, a rapidly growing market, is projected to generate 43.88 million USD in revenue in 2024. The region’s growth is driven by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, rising prevalence of infectious diseases, and expanding research and development activities in countries like China and India. The market in Asia is expected to grow significantly, reaching 61.16 million USD by 2029, indicating a robust future outlook. The region’s diverse economies, from developed nations like Japan to emerging markets in Southeast Asia, contribute to this growth with varying demands and applications for Petri dishes.
South America, though smaller in scale compared to North America and Europe, is projected to contribute 8.51 million USD to the global market in 2024. The region’s growth is supported by increasing awareness of infectious diseases and a growing focus on healthcare improvements. Brazil and Argentina are key players in this market, driven by their efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities. The market is expected to grow to 11.19 million USD by 2029, reflecting a steady increase in demand for Petri dishes across various applications.
The Middle East is projected to generate 4.72 million USD in revenue in 2024. The region’s market is influenced by a combination of factors, including the need for advanced healthcare solutions and growing research activities, particularly in Gulf countries with significant investments in life sciences. The market is expected to grow to 5.77 million USD by 2029, indicating a gradual increase in demand for Petri dishes in research and diagnostic applications.
Africa, with a projected revenue of 2.36 million USD in 2024, is the smallest market among the regions. The market’s growth is hindered by economic challenges and limited healthcare infrastructure. However, there is potential for growth as countries invest more in healthcare and research capabilities. The market is expected to reach 3.32 million USD by 2029, reflecting a slow but steady increase in demand for Petri dishes.
Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand, is projected to contribute 4.97 million USD to the global market in 2024. The region’s market is driven by its focus on high-quality healthcare and research. The market is expected to grow to 5.75 million USD by 2029, indicating a stable demand for Petri dishes in research and diagnostic applications.
Figure Global Petri Dish Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2024

7 Global Petri Dish Market Analysis by Major Players
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Company Profile: Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leading provider of medical equipment, analytical instruments, reagents, and consumables. The company has a strong global presence and serves a wide range of customers, including pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic and research institutions, clinical diagnostic labs, and government agencies.
Business Overview: Established in 1956 and headquartered in the USA, Thermo Fisher Scientific operates worldwide. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products and services that cover cellular analysis, flow cytometry, synthetic biology, and more. Their solutions are utilized in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, clinical laboratories, and environmental testing.
Product Offered: Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a broad range of Petri dishes, including Sterilin™ Special Petri Dishes designed for nonstandard applications. These dishes are aseptically manufactured and intended for in vitro use only, catering to the needs of clinical and translational research.
2023 Revenue Summary: Thermo Fisher Scientific led the market in 2023 with a revenue of 26.14 million USD, showcasing its dominance in providing high-quality Petri dishes for scientific applications.
Corning
Company Profile: Corning is a renowned materials science company with a history spanning over 170 years. It is recognized for its innovative products and solutions in areas such as glass science, ceramics, and optical physics.
Business Overview: Headquartered in the USA, Corning operates globally, supplying products to multiple industries including optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences. The company is known for its category-defining products that enhance industries and improve people’s lives.
Product Offered: Corning provides a variety of Petri dishes, including their Gosselin™ Petri Dishes, which come in different sizes and are manufactured in a class 100 cleanroom environment. These dishes are made of crystal polystyrene (PS) and are designed for optimal flatness and easy opening.
2023 Revenue Summary: In 2023, Corning contributed significantly to the Petri dish market with a revenue of 16.15 million USD, reflecting its strong position in the life sciences sector.
Eppendorf
Company Profile: Eppendorf is a leading life sciences company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid-, sample-, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide.
Business Overview: Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Germany, Eppendorf has a global presence with subsidiaries in 33 countries and distributors in all other markets. Their products are widely used in various sectors, including pharmaceutical, biotechnological, chemical, and food industries.
Product Offered: Eppendorf offers a range of Petri dishes designed for various laboratory applications. While specific product details are not provided in the report, Eppendorf is known for its high-quality, reliable laboratory equipment.
2023 Revenue Summary: Eppendorf contributed 7.51 million USD in revenue in 2023, marking its substantial presence in the global Petri dish market.