Bioprocess Containers Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (2D Bioprocess Containers, 3D Bioprocess Containers), By Application (Upstream Process, Downstream Process), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Bioprocess Containers Market Summary

The global bioprocess containers market size was estimated at USD 4.21 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 26.22 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 22.6% from 2025 to 2033. The industry is driven by the increasing demand for single-use technologies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and the need for cost-effective, scalable, and contamination-free production processes.

Rising biologics production and flexible facility requirements further fuel market growth. These containers, often made from polymer films, are increasingly replacing traditional stainless-steel systems due to their flexibility, lower capital costs, and reduced risk of cross-contamination. As biopharmaceutical companies scale up production to meet the rising demand for monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell/gene therapies, especially post-COVID-19, single-use systems such as bioprocess containers offer a faster and more cost-effective solution for both upstream and downstream processes. For instance, companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and Sartorius AG are expanding their portfolios of disposable solutions to cater to this demand.

Another critical factor is the surge in contract manufacturing and research organizations (CMOs and CROs), which rely heavily on scalable and disposable solutions to serve multiple clients without lengthy sterilization procedures. These organizations benefit from the modularity and ease of changeover that bioprocess containers provide, allowing them to rapidly adapt to different biologics projects. This trend is particularly strong in emerging economies such as India, South Korea, and Brazil, where CMOs are investing in advanced single-use bioprocessing infrastructure to attract global biopharma clients.

The market is also being driven by stringent regulatory requirements for aseptic processing and contamination control. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and EMA emphasize the need for validated sterile environments in biologics production. Bioprocess containers help ensure compliance by offering pre-sterilized, disposable systems that minimize the risk of contamination and reduce the burden of cleaning validation.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market is characterized by a high degree of specialization and innovation, driven by the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry for scalable, flexible, and contamination-free solutions. The market is dominated by a few global players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Sartorius AG, Saint-Gobain, and Merck, who maintain strong competitive advantages through technological expertise, integrated product portfolios, and long-term partnerships with biopharma companies. However, the industry also sees the entry of niche players offering tailored and cost-effective alternatives, especially in regional markets.

Customization and scalability are key characteristics of the industry, as bioprocess containers are used across a range of applications-from early-stage drug development to large-scale commercial production. The demand for flexible, modular, and single-use systems allows manufacturers to offer configurable solutions based on volume, connectivity, and compatibility with bioreactors and mixers. This flexibility supports the growing trend toward personalized medicine, small-batch production, and decentralized manufacturing models.

The market is influenced by global supply chain dynamics and raw material availability, particularly for high-grade polymer films and pharmaceutical-grade connectors. While outsourcing and contract manufacturing create opportunities, they also expose the market to logistical risks, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, many major companies are investing in vertical integration and regional production hubs to enhance resilience and reduce lead times.

Product Insights

The 2D bioprocess containers segment recorded the largest revenue share of over 47.0% in 2024. 2D bioprocess containers are flat, single-use bags typically used for small-volume applications such as sampling, storage, mixing, and fluid transfer. These containers are made from multi-layer polymer films that offer chemical resistance, sterilizability, and compatibility with a wide range of biopharmaceutical substances. They are often integrated with tubing and connectors for ease of use in upstream and downstream processes.

The 3D bioprocess containers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 23.6% during the forecast period. 3D bioprocess containers are cube-shaped or rectangular containers designed for larger volume applications, typically ranging from 50 liters to over 2,000 liters. These are used in bulk media and buffer preparation, storage, and transport. They are ideal for bioreactor feed, harvest collection, and intermediate product handling in biopharmaceutical production facilities. The rise in large-scale biologics and biosimilar production is significantly propelling the demand for 3D bioprocess containers.

Application Insights

The upstream processes segment recorded the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 23.3% during the forecast period. Upstream processes in the biopharmaceutical production workflow involve the initial stages of product development, including cell culture, fermentation, and media preparation. The demand for bioprocess containers in upstream processes is driven by the increasing adoption of single-use technologies in biologics manufacturing, particularly for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and cell and gene therapies. Furthermore, the growing trend of modular biomanufacturing and the need to accelerate time-to-market for therapeutics support greater use of disposable systems in upstream applications. The shift toward smaller batch sizes and personalized medicine also requires scalable and flexible upstream solutions.

Downstream processes involve the purification and recovery of biopharmaceutical products after fermentation or cell culture. This stage includes clarification, chromatography, and filtration. Bioprocess containers are used to store buffers, intermediates, and final drug substances under sterile and contamination-free conditions. These containers enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual handling and ensuring consistent product quality. The key driver for bioprocess container use in downstream processing is the growing complexity of biologic drug purification and the increasing need for cost-effective, closed-system solutions to mitigate contamination risks.

End Use Insights

The pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical companies segment recorded the largest market share of over 60.0% in 2024. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies are the largest consumers of bioprocess containers, using them in upstream and downstream bioprocessing activities such as media preparation, fermentation, harvest, and buffer storage. These companies rely heavily on single-use technologies to improve flexibility, reduce cross-contamination risks, and enable faster turnaround times between production cycles. The primary driver is the growing demand for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell & gene therapies. Additionally, increasing the pipeline of biosimilars and personalized medicine, particularly in oncology and autoimmune diseases, is propelling the need for scalable, sterile, and disposable processing systems.

The CROs and CMOs segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 23.3% during the forecast period. CROs and CMOs utilize bioprocess containers for flexible and rapid deployment of biomanufacturing services across various scales. These organizations handle R&D, clinical trials, and manufacturing for multiple clients, making modular, single-use systems ideal for meeting diverse and dynamic client needs. The outsourcing trend in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries is a major driver. Companies seek to reduce in-house infrastructure costs and accelerate development timelines by partnering with CROs/CMOs. This outsourcing culture, combined with increased biologics development by small to mid-sized firms, fuels demand for disposable bioprocessing solutions to support multi-product and short-run production batches.

Regional Insights

North America bioprocess containers market is driven by strong biopharmaceutical R&D and high adoption of single-use technologies. The U.S. is a key contributor, with major biotech hubs fostering innovation in cell and gene therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and mRNA vaccines. The FDA’s supportive regulatory framework accelerates bioprocess container adoption, while increasing investments in pandemic preparedness sustain demand. Additionally, Canada’s growing biomanufacturing sector, supported by government initiatives such as the Biomanufacturing Strategy, further strengthens the region’s market position.

Asia Pacific Bioprocess Containers Market Trends

The bioprocess containers market in Asia Pacific dominated and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 36.0% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 23.3% over the forecast period. This positive outlook is due to increasing biopharmaceutical production, government investments in healthcare infrastructure, and rising demand for biologics and biosimilars. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are expanding their biomanufacturing capabilities, supported by favorable policies and growing contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). For example, China’s "Made in China 2025" initiative promotes advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing, while India’s thriving vaccine industry (e.g., Serum Institute, Biocon) fuels demand for single-use bioprocess containers. Additionally, the region’s cost advantages attract global biopharma companies to outsource production, further boosting market growth.

Europe Bioprocess Containers Market Trends

The bioprocess containers market in Europe is supported by a robust biopharmaceutical industry, stringent regulatory standards, and increasing focus on personalized medicine. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and Switzerland are leaders in biologics production, with companies such as Roche, Novartis, and Lonza driving demand for advanced single-use systems. The EU’s emphasis on reducing cross-contamination risks in biomanufacturing favors disposable bioprocess containers. Additionally, initiatives such as the European Commission’s Pharmaceutical Strategy promote domestic production resilience, further boosting market growth. The rise of cell and gene therapies in the region (e.g., CAR-T cell manufacturing) also contributes to the increasing adoption of bioprocess containers.

Key Bioprocess Containers Companies Insights

Key players operating in the bioprocess containers market are undertaking various initiatives to strengthen their presence and increase the reach of their products and services. Strategies such as expansion activities and partnerships are key in propelling the market growth.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Sartorius AG, a biopharmaceutical industry partner, opened a new Center for Bioprocess Innovation in Marlborough, Massachusetts, designed to encourage collaboration and learning with customers and innovation partners.

• In May 2022, ILC Dover launched its liquid single-use bioprocessing bags, designed for sterile liquid handling in the biotherapeutics and cell and gene therapy markets. These bags are highly configurable with various sizes, ports, and components to safely store and transfer buffers, media, and bulk cGMP products. Constructed from medical-grade Renolit 9101 film, which has low gas permeability and minimal extractables and leachables, the bags meet stringent BPOG, ISO, and USP standards. This launch expands ILC Dover’s comprehensive line of single-use solutions aimed at improving efficiency, sterility, and safety in biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Bioprocess Containers Market Report Scope

Global Bioprocess Containers Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global bioprocess containers market report based on product, application, end use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • 2D Bioprocess Containers

  • 3D Bioprocess Containers

  • Other Containers & Accessories

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Upstream Processes

  • Downstream Processes

  • Process Developments

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies

  • Contract Research Organizations & Contract Manufacturing Organizations

  • Academic & Research Institutes

  • Others

• Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

  • South Africa

  • Saudi Arabia

  • UAE