Freeze-Drying Equipment Market

Market Overview

The global freeze-drying equipment market size was valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.7 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Adopting smart technologies is one of the primary market drivers driving the growth of the freeze-drying equipment market. Factors such as rising nutraceuticals and dietary supplements markets, significantly drives the freeze-drying equipment market demand by 2032.

Freeze-drying equipment, or lyophilization equipment, is used in the freeze-drying process, which removes moisture from various substances while maintaining their structure and properties. The equipment is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, biotechnology, and research industries.

Freeze-drying equipment is commonly used to safeguard heat-sensitive foods, pharmaceuticals, and biological components. Thus, expanding end-use industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food processing will boost Freeze Drying Equipment Market Growth. Recent years have seen significant developments in the freeze-drying equipment industry despite ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19 worldwide. The unanticipated COVID-19 outbreak and the necessity for testing have increased the usage of freeze-drying technologies to meet the demand for diagnostic kits. In the following years, the industry will grow as researchers focus on developing more sophisticated techniques that combine freeze-drying technology with electron microscopy, biochemistry, and advanced surgical procedures.

Highlights

• Industrial segments augment the market growth by device type.
• Biotechnology accounts for the largest share of the market based on application.

Market Dynamics

Global Freeze-Drying Equipment Market Drivers:

Growing Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry uses freeze-drying equipment for preserving and stabilizing medicines, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals. The growing demand for innovative pharmaceutical formulations, such as biologics and customized medicine, drives the demand for freeze-drying equipment in the pharmaceutical industry. Biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, are complicated substances that must be handled with care. According to IQVIA, the biologics market is growing faster than non-biologics on an invoice basis, accounting for 46% of spending, or approximately USD 260 billion, of which 14% is accounted for by molecules facing biosimilar competition (USD 38 billion), and 70% is held by molecules with potential future biosimilars (USD 181 billion). This growth indicates a high demand for freeze-drying equipment in producing and preserving biologicals.

Moreover, vaccines also play an essential role in avoiding infectious diseases and promoting public health. The global vaccination industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by the need for preventative healthcare measures and government initiatives to battle illnesses. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, global demand for vaccinations skyrocketed, necessitating expanded production and distribution efforts based on freeze-dry technology. Pharmaceutical businesses are increasingly focusing on improved medicine formulations, such as oral solid dosage forms, injectables, and lyophilized pharmaceuticals. This increase is due to the rising pharmaceutical industry and the demand for freeze-drying equipment to suit the needs of sophisticated drug formulations. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to innovate and expand, the need for improved freeze-drying technologies is predicted to rise, accelerating the worldwide freeze-drying equipment market trend.

Global Freeze-Drying Equipment Market Restraints:

High Cost

Acquiring and installing freeze-drying equipment requires a significant upfront financial expenditure. Small and medium-sized firms may need help allocating resources for costly freeze-drying equipment, which hampers their capacity to use these systems. Freeze-drying equipment typically ranges in price from USD 2,000 to USD 10,000, depending on size. Large-scale freeze-drying machinery necessary for producing large quantities of pharmaceuticals and processed food might entail a substantial initial investment. This encompasses the costs of a freeze-drying chamber, condenser, vacuum, and control system. Cryodesiccation is a costly and laborious procedure that consumes significant energy. It is mainly utilized for premium goods such as seasonal produce, coffee, and provisions for military rations, astronauts, and hikers.

Therefore, companies may consider employing alternate drying techniques, such as air drying or spray drying, which may entail reduced initial expenses. Spray drying is a commonly used substitute for freeze-drying in the food business, as stated in a study published in the Journal of Food Engineering. The initial capital outlay for spray-drying equipment is typically smaller than freeze-drying equipment.

Global Freeze-Drying Equipment Market Opportunity:

Rising Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements Markets

The growing need for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements creates prospects for freeze-drying technology to maintain the nutritional integrity of these items. Nutraceuticals refer to various items, such as functional foods, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Adapting one's lifestyle accommodates the need for nutraceutical products. Based on a survey conducted in 2022, over 70% of Americans exhibit an increased awareness and concern for their health, while 59% believe that it will be comparatively more straightforward to uphold their physical well-being and fitness in the upcoming year of 2023. The growth can be ascribed to causes such as the rising awareness of preventative healthcare, dietary choices, and the demand for natural and organic products.

Furthermore, freeze-dried dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular since they have a longer shelf life and can preserve delicate bioactive ingredients. Market research shows an increasing consumer inclination towards freeze-dried supplements. An example is a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, which focuses on freeze-drying to create stable and easily absorbed microbial formulations in nutraceuticals. Moreover, the increasing inclination towards convenient food options and pre-prepared meals fuels the need for food preservatives, as they enhance longevity and preserve the quality of processed food products. Freeze-drying allows for creating dietary supplements that can be stored without spoiling and quickly rehydrated. This meets the demands of consumers who prioritize convenience. Freeze-dried supplements meet the need for convenient health goods by offering a long shelf life and easy storage.

Furthermore, the emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are undergoing fast urbanization and witnessing rising disposable incomes. As a result, there is a growing need for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements in these regions. Market studies predict substantial growth in the consumption of nutraceuticals in emerging economies, creating the potential for makers of freeze-drying equipment to meet consumers' changing preferences.

Regional Analysis

The global freeze-drying equipment market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global freeze-drying equipment market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% over the forecast period. Ever-changing trends in food preferences, food safety, security concerns, and financial considerations determine customer requirements in the food and beverage sector. In July 2022, NJM, MAQUINARIA INDUSTRIAL DARA, and SL introduced the Dara coolvaccum freeze-drying apparatus, which incorporates several lyophilization solutions and is specifically designed for research and development laboratories. The evolving needs are causing F&B businesses to modify their processing and supply chain models. This leads to market disruptions such as product differentiation, consolidation, and a stronger focus on food safety and security, ultimately fueling freeze-drying equipment market growth.

Similarly, in recent years, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors have greatly influenced North America's demand for freeze-drying equipment. An instance of this is the increasing manufacture of lyophilized pharmaceuticals, which necessitates the process of freeze-drying. The use of freeze-drying equipment in industries such as pharmaceuticals is influenced by the regulatory environment in North America, which includes criteria set by bodies like the FDA.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.8% over the forecast period. Technological advancements in Europe and evolving industry patterns have increased the need for freeze-drying equipment. The United Kingdom possesses Europe's most robust healthcare and biotechnology ecosystem, followed by Germany, France, and Spain. The European pharmaceuticals business is being propelled by factors such as augmented research and development investments, rising healthcare expenditure, and the rise of biologics and biosimilars. According to the EU, Denmark, France (9.2%), and Austria (10.1%) had the highest healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP among EU Member States in 2023.

Moreover, a conducive regulatory framework and reimbursement policies are expected to stimulate the demand for pharmaceutical products in this region, hence facilitating the growth of the freeze-drying equipment industry. However, a mere 16% of European medical facilities integrate advanced equipment like freeze-drying equipment. This technology reduces the research process and improves the quality of support provided to scientists, enabling them to make more informed decisions. This is a crucial component of research and development in pharmaceutics and biotechnology, which has experienced increased demand. This is the primary catalyst for the growth of the European freeze-drying sector.

Asia-Pacific holds a significant market share. Asian countries are renowned for their technological prowess in healthcare and cosmetic interventions. This is feasible due to the utilization of freeze-drying technology to preserve decorative healthcare items. The extensive presence of freeze-drying equipment manufacturers in China and India provides a significant advantage for the freeze-drying equipment industry in Asia. 

Furthermore, the local market is driven by factors such as the growth of developing economies, an increasing patient pool base, and the increased acceptance of advanced technologies. Using such equipment enhances the healthcare infrastructure in nations such as India and Malaysia. The region's pharmaceutical sector is driven by prominent pharmaceutical companies such as Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd. These companies employ freeze-drying technology to preserve biological products, including bodily fluids, pharmaceuticals, proteins, enzymes, and hormones. Cryopreservation systems enhance the longevity of a viable viral vaccine, a product much sought after by pharmaceutical corporations, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Latin American region is experiencing a high demand for convenience meals and other ready-to-eat food and beverage goods, leading to increased consumption due to busy lifestyles. Producers sell freeze-dried foods to suit the increasing demand in the region. This is because freeze-drying helps retain most nutrients that would otherwise be lost through heat-based preservation methods.

Segmental Analysis

The global freeze-drying equipment market is segmented based on device type and application.

The market is further segmented by device type into Industrial, Laboratory, and General Purpose.

The industrial segment augments the market growth. The industrial freeze dryers accounted for the largest portion of revenue, representing approximately 50% of the total revenue generated in the market. Industrial freeze-drying equipment is specifically engineered for large-scale production and processing in industrial environments. These durable machines can handle large amounts of materials, making them well-suited for the pharmaceuticals, food processing, and biotechnology industries. Industrial freeze-drying is crucial for preserving and producing many products, such as pharmaceuticals, large quantities of food, and biotechnological materials. These machines frequently use sophisticated automation and control technologies to enhance the efficiency and dependability of large-scale production processes.

Laboratory freeze-drying equipment is designed primarily for smaller-scale activities, usually in research, development, and testing settings. These devices are smaller and more adaptable, enabling fine manipulation of the freeze-drying process in laboratory environments. Laboratories utilize these devices for research, formulation development, and testing of new goods. During the first phases of product development, they play a vital role by allowing scientists to conduct experiments on freeze-drying parameters on a smaller scale before moving on to larger-scale industrial manufacturing.

The market can be bifurcated by application into Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing, and Surgical Procedures.

Biotechnology accounts for the largest freeze-drying equipment market share. The biotechnology application involves conserving and manipulating biological substances, including enzymes, cultures, and biomolecules. Freeze-drying equipment, specifically on biotechnology, is created to handle delicate biological materials effectively and preserve their integrity during drying. Precision in regulating temperature and pressure conditions is crucial in biotechnological applications to maintain the stability of biological materials. Utilizing freeze-drying equipment in biotechnology is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of enzymes, cell cultures, and other biologically active compounds in research, diagnostics, and industrial processes.

Cryopreservation is essential in the pharmaceutical sector to maintain the stability and effectiveness of medications, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical freeze-drying equipment is specifically engineered to adhere to rigorous regulatory standards, guaranteeing the secure and efficient preservation of pharmaceutical items. Pharmaceuticals frequently consist of fragile and thermally-vulnerable chemicals. The utilization of freeze-drying equipment in this context guarantees the elimination of moisture while maintaining the chemical integrity of pharmaceuticals. This procedure improves the longevity of pharmaceuticals and is particularly crucial for medications that are not amenable to heat treatment.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- Azbil transferred its subsidiary in North America to Sierra Instruments, Inc. in the United States.
• January 2024- GEA is allocating around EUR 5.5 million to enhance production facilities at the GEA AWP plant in Prenzlau until 2026. GEA aims to expand the significant heating and cooling technology market by increasing its capacities.