The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, and at the center of this shift lies Single-Use Assemblies (SUA)—a technology redefining efficiency, scalability, and flexibility in manufacturing. According to the latest report, the global Single-Use Assemblies market is projected to grow from USD 2.63 billion in 2024 to USD 4.89 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 13.2%.
This strong momentum reflects how single-use technologies (SUTs) are becoming indispensable in both upstream and downstream bioprocessing, supporting the production of biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapies (CGT). For C-level executives and senior decision-makers, understanding this market’s trajectory is critical to aligning strategy with future growth opportunities.
Why Single-Use Assemblies Are Gaining Ground
According to BioPlan’s 21st Annual Report, SUS usage adoption in the biopharma sector reached 87% in 2024. The reasons are clear:
- Operational efficiency – Eliminates cleaning and sterilization, saving both time and cost.
- Reduced contamination risks – Ensures sterility, particularly vital for high-value biologics and CGTs.
- Flexibility in manufacturing – Enables modular and continuous production facilities.
- Faster time-to-market – Critical in accelerating commercialization of therapies.
For companies under pressure to innovate while controlling costs, single-use assemblies represent a scalable solution that balances compliance, efficiency, and agility.
Key Market Insights
- Filtration & Purification Leads Applications
The filtration & purification segment dominated the market in 2023. This is driven by its crucial role in removing contaminants and ensuring product sterility. Compared to traditional stainless-steel systems, single-use filtration assemblies eliminate cleaning validation requirements and reduce labor costs, while supporting bioburden reduction and virus capture in advanced therapies.
- CROs & CMOs Driving Growth
While pharma & biotech companies currently hold the largest market share, CROs and CMOs are projected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The surge in outsourcing—from drug discovery to clinical and commercial-scale manufacturing—makes single-use assemblies a strategic enabler for partners delivering cost-efficient, flexible, and regulatory-compliant solutions.
- Regional Dynamics: North America vs. Asia Pacific
- North America accounted for the largest share in 2023, supported by advanced R&D infrastructure, strong IP frameworks, and presence of key players like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Danaher Corporation.
- Asia Pacific, however, is expected to witness the fastest growth, fueled by rising investments in biopharma, booming healthcare infrastructure, and regulatory approvals in India and China, making them prime hubs for CROs and CMOs.
Market Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its strong trajectory, the market faces hurdles:
- Sustainability concerns – Disposal of plastic-based single-use products raises environmental challenges.
- Lack of material standardization – Limits interoperability and scalability across facilities.
- Regulatory complexities – Especially in regions with stringent compliance frameworks.
Yet, these challenges are paving the way for innovation in material sciences, greener alternatives, and smarter process designs. Companies investing in eco-friendly single-use systems and developing hybrid solutions are well-positioned to capture market leadership.
Competitive Landscape
The market is highly competitive, with global leaders such as:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US)
- Sartorius AG (Germany)
- Danaher Corporation (US)
- Merck KGaA (Germany)
- Avantor Inc. (US)
- Saint-Gobain (France)
- Repligen Corporation (US)
- Corning Incorporated (US)
- Lonza (Switzerland)
These players are expanding through strategic acquisitions, product innovations, and collaborations, ensuring a diverse portfolio that meets evolving bioprocessing demands.
Strategic Takeaways for Decision-Makers
For senior executives and investors, the rapid expansion of the Single-Use Assemblies market presents both opportunity and urgency:
- Invest in flexibility: Building modular manufacturing facilities powered by single-use systems ensures faster scale-up.
- Prioritize partnerships: Collaborating with CROs/CMOs can unlock cost savings and global market access.
- Focus on sustainability: Future-ready strategies must address regulatory and environmental concerns proactively.
- Leverage regional growth: North America provides stability, while Asia Pacific offers exponential expansion potential.
Final Thoughts
The Single-Use Assemblies market is more than a growth story—it represents a strategic inflection point for the biopharmaceutical industry. As therapies become more complex and time-to-market pressures intensify, single-use systems offer the agility, cost-efficiency, and compliance required to stay competitive.
Executives who act now—by investing in flexible infrastructure, sustainable solutions, and outsourcing partnerships—will be best positioned to capture the market’s USD 4.89 billion opportunity by 2029.
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