United Kingdom Single-use Bioreactors Market Assessment, By Product, By Type of Module, By Cell Type, By Application, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

United Kingdom single-use bioreactors market is projected to witness a CAGR of 17.99% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 194.68 million in 2024 to USD 731.28 million in 2032. The UK's strong biopharmaceutical sector, led by investments in advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapy, is driving the demand for single-use bioreactors. Additionally, the increasing focus on decentralized and modular manufacturing facilities is reinforcing the adoption of disposable bioreactors for scalable bioproduction. Rising partnerships between UK biopharma firms and global CDMOs are also accelerating market expansion.

For instance, in May 2023, IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC, a prominent provider of engineering, procurement, construction management, and validation (EPCMV) services, extended its congratulations to WuXi Biologics Ireland Limited (WuXi Biologics) for being honored with a Facility of the Year Award (FOYA) from The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) in the Operations category for their Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility located in Mullagharlin, Dundalk, Ireland. The IPS team of specialists contributed a variety of services to this project, encompassing process design, engineering, architecture, construction management, and validation support.

Expansion of Biomanufacturing Capacity in the UK

Expansion of biomanufacturing capacity is being driven in the United Kingdom due to a surge in investments, primarily driven by its thriving life sciences sector and a supportive government framework. Ideal for rapid production needs, single-use bioreactors (SUBs) offer scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient solutions, playing a pivotal role in this expansion. SUBs are particularly suitable for smaller batch sizes and multiproduct facilities, making them well-aligned with the growing demand for personalized medicine, advanced therapies, and precision biologics. A notable uptick in demand for modular bioprocessing systems have been seen due to increased government funding and private sector initiatives. SUBs take care of the key concerns in high-throughput biologics manufacturing such as quicker changeovers, reduction of cleaning validation costs, and minimizing contamination risks. For instance, Sterling Pharma Solutions announced the initiation of the second phase of its expansion strategy at its Deeside facility in the UK in October 2024. This phase aims to enhance the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) through an investment exceeding USD 13.2 million, which will boost GMP bioconjugation capacity.

Increasing Research Collaborations and R&D Funding

The strong academic and research framework in the UK is driving significant advancements in life science research and development. Higher education institutions and research organizations are progressively forming public-private partnerships, especially in the field of cell and gene therapy, which depends significantly on adaptable bioprocessing technologies like single-use bioreactors. These partnerships not only enhance innovation but also elevate the need for compact, high-efficiency systems capable of accommodating diverse experimental processes. SUBs are ideal for preclinical and early clinical development stages due to their adaptability, ease of use, and minimal capital investment requirements. As the UK continues to promote translational research and biotech innovation, the requirement for efficient bioreactor technologies is expected to rise significantly. For instance, Innovate UK initiated "Project Nexus," a USD 2.45 million (£1.9 million) collaboration with CPI, Photocentric, Sartorius AG, and academic partners like the University of Sheffield in March 2025. This project aims to develop sustainable, bio-based materials for single-use bioprocessing technologies, such as bioreactors. Incorporating advanced 3D printing and eco-friendly resins, it focuses on reducing plastic waste, promoting recyclability, and supporting circular economy principles. The initiative seeks to transform bioprocessing with innovative materials and green solutions by aligning with net-zero goals, the. This partnership represents a step forward in balancing biopharmaceutical advancements with environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more sustainable industry.

Rising Adoption of Stirred-Tank Single-Use Bioreactors

Among various types, stirred-tank single-use bioreactors (SUBs) are gaining dominant traction in the United Kingdom owing to their scalability, standardized performance, and compatibility with established bioprocessing workflows. Stirred-tank systems are particularly advantageous for mammalian cell cultures, which represent a large share of therapeutic protein and monoclonal antibody production. These systems offer precise control over pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, ensuring optimal cell growth and product yields. Technology's compatibility with automation and process monitoring tools also enhances GMP compliance, a critical consideration in clinical and commercial bioproduction. With rising demand for commercial-scale flexible manufacturing systems, stirred-tank SUBs are being increasingly adopted in the UK biopharma space.

Future Market Scenario (2025-2032F)

The swift growth of biopharma clusters in London, Cambridge, and Manchester is leading to a greater adoption of single-use systems. The rising demand for personalized medicine and biologics is driving an increase in the use of disposable bioreactors in both research and development as well as commercial production. Additionally, government-supported biotech funding initiatives are motivating local entities to enhance their biomanufacturing capabilities. Programs such as the UK Life Sciences Vision and the development of the Oxford-Cambridge biotech corridor are also contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, the increasing interest in hybrid bioprocessing models that combine stainless steel and single-use systems is propelling volume growth.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players in the market are significantly investing in the development of single-use bioreactors and are utilizing strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launches to improve their services and competitiveness. Such efforts will propel significant growth in the market, allowing large-cap industry players to increase their presence and, therefore, find new opportunities in this market.

In April 2024, Cellexus secured an investment from 2BScientific Limited, a leading life science distribution company. This strategic partnership grants 2BScientific exclusive distribution rights for Cellexus products in the UK market, aiming to leverage 2BScientific's extensive network to enhance Cellexus's market presence.