PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1846086
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1846086
The growing need for sterile and safe packaging options in the pharmaceutical industry is the main driver of the blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology market. This technology combines the blowing, filling, and sealing operations into a single automated system, increasing production efficiency while reducing contamination concerns, thereby addressing significant difficulties in drug delivery and packaging for both the pharmaceutical and food industries. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the blow-fill-seal technology market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 295.61 Billion over the forecast subjugating around USD 60.35 Billion valued in 2024.
The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the resulting need for injectable drugs, combined with a growing emphasis on patient safety and compliance, are key factors propelling the blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology market forward. It enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 21.97% from 2024 to 2031.
Blow-Fill-Seal Technology Market: Definition/Overview
Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) technology is an automated manufacturing technique for aseptic liquid product packaging that involves continuously forming, filling, and sealing plastic containers. This technology consists of three major steps: blowing a thermoplastic tube into the required container shape, filling it with the product, and hermetically sealing it to maintain sterility and product integrity. BFS technology is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to package a variety of products, including injectable medications, vaccines, ophthalmic solutions, and other sterile liquid formulations, due to its benefits in reducing contamination risks, lowering production costs, and increasing shelf life.
The pharmaceutical industry is a key driver of the blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology market. According to an FDA report, new medicine approvals increased by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with many requiring sterile packaging solutions. The BFS technology's capacity to manufacture sterile, single-dose containers makes it suitable for meeting this expanding need.
Sustainability is becoming an important consideration in packaging decisions. According to the European Plastics Pact, BFS technology can save up to 40% more plastic than standard packaging methods. This coincides with the European Union's goal of making all plastic packaging recyclable or reused by 2030.
Furthermore, the food and beverage industry is increasingly using BFS technology to package single-serve items. The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) reported a 22% rise in the usage of aseptic packaging techniques, including BFS, in the food business between 2020 and 2023. This trend is driven by the desire for longer shelf life and higher food safety.
The high initial costs involved with BFS gear and equipment create a substantial barrier for new entrants and smaller businesses seeking to implement this technology. The complexity of BFS systems necessitates significant capital expenditure, limiting market expansion, particularly in underdeveloped countries with limited access to funding.
Furthermore, the BFS technology is best suited for packaging liquid and semi-liquid materials, which limits its application to larger packaging requirements. This constraint limits the use of BFS systems in industries or applications where solid or powdered formulations are more common, potentially impeding overall market expansion.
According to VMR analyst, the bottle segment is anticipated to dominate the segment within the blow-fill-seal technology market during the forecast period. BFS technology enables the production of bottles in a variety of sizes and forms, meeting the unique packaging needs of industries such as medicines, food, and cosmetics. This adaptability helps producers to address specific product requirements while also improving consumer convenience.
Bottles are commonly used to package liquid drugs such as eye drops, nasal sprays, and oral solutions. The growing need for sterile packaging solutions in the pharmaceutical industry is a major driver of the growth of the bottles segment in the BFS technology market.
Furthermore, ongoing research and development activities are aimed at increasing machine efficiency, optimizing packaging designs, and discovering novel materials that are compatible with BFS technology. These advances are projected to improve the capabilities and usage of BFS bottles, accelerating segment growth in the next years.
The pharmaceutical segment is estimated to hold the largest share of the blow-fill-seal technology market during the forecast period. The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing an increase in demand for sterile packaging solutions as injectable medications and biologics become more common. BFS technology provides an effective means for making containers that reduce contamination risks, ensure product safety, and comply with high regulatory criteria, resulting in its widespread application in this market.
The fast growth of biologics and injectable drugs is a major driver in the pharmaceutical BFS market. Because these treatments require particular packaging to retain their efficacy and sterility, BFS technology offers a suitable solution by combining the processes of container construction, filling, and sealing, catering precisely to the needs of these sensitive formulations.
Furthermore, patient safety and medication adherence are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare business. This approach is supported by BFS technology, which allows for the creation of single-dose containers that improve dosage accuracy and lower the risk of contamination, resulting in better patient outcomes and increased demand in the pharmaceutical market.
North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth during the forecast period. From 2020 to 2023, the United States Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) reported a 15% rise in medicine recalls owing to packaging concerns. This has resulted in a wider use of BFS technology in North America, as it reduces the danger of contamination while improving product integrity. The FDA also reported that BFS-packaged products had 30% fewer recalls than standard packaging methods during the same period.
The North American biopharmaceutical market has been rapidly expanding. According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the United States alone has over 800 biologics in development as of 2023, representing a 25% increase from 2020. These sensitive items require aseptic packing, which BFS technology excels at.
Furthermore, the North American healthcare system is moving toward unit-dose packaging to increase patient safety and prevent pharmaceutical mistakes. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the percentage of hospitals that use unit-dose systems has climbed from 68% in 2020 to 83% in 2023. BFS technology is suited for making such single-dose containers, which has fueled its development in the region.
The Asia Pacific is estimated to dominate the blow-fill-seal technology market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific pharmaceutical market has been rapidly expanding. According to an International Trade Administration estimate, the pharmaceutical industry in Asia Pacific was valued at USD 365 Billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% through 2027. This increase is fueling demand for innovative packaging technologies such as Blow-Fill-Seal.
Many Asian countries are boosting healthcare spending and launching programs to improve healthcare infrastructure. The World Health Organization reported that healthcare spending in Southeast Asia climbed from 3.5% of GDP in 2010 to 4.9% in 2023. This increasing investment is accelerating the implementation of new medical technology, such as BFS for pharmaceutical packaging.
Furthermore, with increasing concerns about product safety and contamination, there is a greater demand for sterile packaging solutions. From 2020 to 2023, the China Food and Drug Administration reported a 30% growth in the deployment of aseptic packaging technologies, including BFS, in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. This trend is especially prevalent in nations with substantial generic medicine manufacturing sectors, such as India and China.
The competitive landscape of the blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology market is characterized by fierce competition among multiple domestic and international competitors vying for market dominance in a constantly expanding sector. Companies are increasingly relying on strategic activities like mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to improve their technology skills and broaden their product offerings.
Some of the prominent players operating in the blow-fill-seal technology market include:
Syntegon Technology GmbH
Bosch Packaging Technology GmbH
Buhl France SAS
IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
Marchesini Group S.p.A.
Romaco Holding GmbH
Nissei ASB Machine Co., Ltd.
Vetter Pharma International GmbH
Bausch + Strobel Maschinenbau GmbH
Optima Machinery GmbH
In December 2021, Woodstock received a US patent for their Cold BFS system. This technique regulates temperature to prevent heat damage, making it excellent for heat-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
In January 2021, Berry Global Healthcare introduced Cyrano, their lightest blow-fill seal closure. It aims to reduce plastic waste and offer a simple solution for all intravenous and infusion systems.
Blow-Fill-Seal Technology Market, by Category
Product Type:
Bottles
Vials
Ampoules
Pre-filled Syringes & Injectables
Material Type:
Polypropylene
Polyethylene
End-User Industry:
Pharmaceutical
Food & Beverages
Others
Region:
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa