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December 2024
The IV bags market was estimated at US$ 1.94 billion in 2024, grew to USD 2.06 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow to US$ 3.52 billion by 2034, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.14% from 2024 to 2034. The rising geriatric population, increasing acute and chronic disorders, rising adoption of intravenous therapies, and increasing healthcare investments drive the market.
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IV bags contain a solution, IV fluid, to administer into the patient’s bloodstream through a needle or catheter. The major constituent of an IV bag is the fluid or sterile water used for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. The different types of IV fluids are normal saline, lactated Ringer solution, dextrose solution, and plasma-lyte. The common electrolytes in an IV bag include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. Another component of an IV bag is glucose, which provides energy to the body cells and maintains blood glucose levels. Vitamins like B-complex, C, and D3, as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc, are essential components. Additionally, medications can also be added depending on the patient’s requirements. IV therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, infections, and cancer. IV bags are usually made up of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene plastic.
In May 2024, India Life Sciences Fund and Morgan Stanley PE contribute Rs 1,000 crore to Maiva Pharma. The money raised from this, Maiva's first private equity fundraising campaign, will be utilized to establish a new manufacturing facility close to Hosur, Karnataka, that will produce sterile dosage forms, including bags, pre-filled syringes, oncology, and hormonal injectables.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in the healthcare sector to improve various medical practices, including using and managing IV bags. AI can be used to monitor the levels of IV fluids remaining in an IV bag. AI can notify the nurses and other hospital staff using flow sensors and a Bluetooth connection. AI can also precisely and accurately detect the presence of foreign particles in IV fluids to prevent such particles from entering the body. Additionally, AI can be used to monitor the amount of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals in the IV fluids. Integrating AI can also streamline the manufacturing process of IV bags. Robotics, an application of AI, can assess the quality of the material used to produce IV bags through visual inspection systems. Robotic arms can also be used to transfer products from one conveyor to another.
Rising Number of Hospitalizations
The rising incidences of severe disorders lead to an increase in the number of hospitalizations. The surge in COVID-19 cases and other health conditions like respiratory disorders, cancer, infectious disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, etc., result in patient hospitalization. According to the WHO, around 421 million patients are hospitalized globally annually. The number of patients in the ICU for critical care is also on the rise. According to the European Society of Intensive Medicine, approximately 5 million adults are admitted to the ICU globally every year. Such patients with critical health conditions are unable to eat or drink from their mouths. Hence, they require IV fluids to maintain their fluid level and nutrition even during hospitalization. Up to 80% of all hospital patients receive peripheral IV fluid administration. The demand for IV bags is rising due to increasing acute and chronic disorders, leading to increasing hospitalizations. The number of hospitalizations has also increased due to road accidents and surgeries.
Supply Chain Disruptions
The sudden increase in demand for IV bags due to the increase in patient hospitalizations leads to supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major cause of lesser availability of IV bags. The supply chain is majorly disrupted by natural disasters, geopolitical issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage impacts healthcare facilities worldwide, providing inappropriate care to patients.
Environmental Sustainability
The rising global warming concern leads to the demand for environmental sustainability. Governments of several countries have implemented a ban on single-use plastics. This potentiates using environmentally friendly materials in all sectors, including healthcare. Generally, IV bags are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) materials. IV bag manufacturers are becoming aware of using non-PVC materials to produce IV bags. Non-PVC IV bags are made of polyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene. One of the primary drivers for adopting non-PVC IV bags is patient safety. Non-PVC IV bags help reduce exposure to phthalates or other chemicals causing harm to health. Additionally, non-PVC materials are free from chlorine and do not produce toxic byproducts. These materials are recyclable and known for their durability and resistance to punctures, ensuring safe administration of IV fluids.
The polyvinyl chloride segment held a dominant presence in the IV bags market in 2023. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most preferred material for manufacturing IV bags. Medical-grade PVC-based tubular films are widely used since they are proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective material for IV bags. It is also free from particulate contamination, micro-organisms, and pyrogens. The material is transparent, flexible, light, and impact-resistant. Additionally, PVC IV bags are durable, water-tight, and can be sterilized by autoclave method at 122oC. PVC IV bags are predominantly used for parenteral nutrition, packaging of rehydration solutions, and certain antibiotics and analgesics for hospital and veterinary usage. All these aspects govern the use of PVC for manufacturing IV bags.
The polyethylene segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the IV bags market over the forecast period. The choice of material is highly essential as it directly impacts the health of the patient. Polyethylene is the second-most preferred choice for IV bags. It is lightweight, transparent, and durable, facilitating easy handling, transportation, and storage. Polyethylene is also resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for medical use. Additionally, it can endure gamma irradiation without degrading, ensuring the integrity of the IV bags.
The 250 ml to 500 ml segment registered its dominance over the global IV bags market in 2023. Out of all the size ranges available, 250 ml to 500 ml capacity bags are the most preferable. The size of the IV bag in a hospital depends on the patient’s condition and requirements. Smaller bag sizes are generally used for slower-rate infusions, i.e., for an infusion rate of 20 ml/hr, a 250 ml IV bag is used. For an infusion rate of 21 ml/hr to 40 ml/hr, a 500 ml IV bag is used. A 500 ml IV drip usually takes between 20 to 40 minutes, based on the flow rate. The average flow rate of a 250 ml IV bag is 42-62 drops/minute, while that of a 500 ml IV bag is 83-125 drops/minute. Medium-sized IV bags are easy to handle and transport due to their lightweight. They also require less space for storage.
The single chamber segment held the largest share of the IV bags market in 2023. Single chamber IV bags precisely deliver a single IV fluid to the patient. Such type of chamber ensures consistent and controlled fluid delivery. It is widely preferred to store and deliver a single type of medication or fluid. It also minimizes the risk of contamination through any micro-organisms or foreign particles by providing a sterile and latex-free environment. Single chamber IV bags simplify the process of infusion and are very user-friendly. Hence, single-chamber bags are considered ideal for healthcare professionals as they enhance patient safety and provide efficiency and safety in patient care.
The parenteral nutrition segment led the global IV bags market in 2023. Parenteral nutrition is an IV nutrition given through a catheter directly into the bloodstream. Parenteral nutrition is needed in cases where the patient is suffering from malnutrition or has digestive system issues due to surgery or any chronic disorder. Additionally, the increasing cases of colorectal cancer necessitate the use of IV fluids. The primary nutrients required by a person are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are provided to the patient through IV fluids.
North America dominated the IV bags market in 2023. The advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising acute and chronic disorders, increasing number of surgeries, demand for at-home care, and favorable reimbursement policies drive the market. Fluid infusion therapy is the most common therapy for patients in hospitals in the US. More than 200 million liters of saline are prescribed annually in the US. The market is also driven by increasing collaborations and investments in North America. The US government also promotes the use of good-quality IV bags and their supply throughout the region. Furthermore, favorable government policies and stringent regulatory guidelines for IV bags boost the market.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the IV bags market during the forecast period. The increasing geriatric population, growing healthcare infrastructure, rising acute and chronic disorders, and established manufacturing facilities drive the market. The geriatric population is more vulnerable to infections due to low immunity. Hence, IV infusion therapies are used to provide immune-boosting nutrients with IV fluids. Also, they are more likely to suffer from acute and chronic disorders, which require IV fluids for maintenance. In Japan, 28.7% of the population is 65 or older and is estimated to represent a third of the population by 2036. The rising incidences of gastrointestinal cancer and surgeries demand the infusion of nutrients through a non-enteral path, which potentiates the IV bags market. Additionally, favorable government policies and increasing collaborations & funding augment the market.
For instance,
In November 2024, Baxter stated that it anticipates resuming production of a second IV solutions line in the coming week. Together with the first line that started up again last week, the two lines account for around 85% of the one-liter solution output and 50% of the IV solution production at the North Cove, North Carolina, facility prior to Hurricane Helene. The one-liter solutions are most frequently used in clinics and hospitals. Late this month is the earliest the plant may start shipping.
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December 2024
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December 2024
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