Medical Propellants Market Research Report Information By Type (HFA 134A, HFA 227EA, HFA152A), By Application (Press Metered Dose Inhalers, Breath Actuated Metered Dose Inhalers), By End User (Medical Device Companies, Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO), and Research Laboratories) And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2032

 Medical Propellants Market Overview

The Medical Propellants Market was valued at USD 0.27 billion in 2023. The industry is projected to grow from USD 0.30 billion in 2024 to USD 0.72 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.16% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The rising incidence of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and technological advancements in inhalation devices are fueling the growth of the global metered-dose inhaler market.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Medical Propellants Market Trends

Rising incidence of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The increased prevalence of respiratory disorders, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is expected to have a substantial impact on the medical propellants market. This effect is mostly caused by a rise in demand for inhalation-based treatments and devices that use propellants. As respiratory illnesses become more common, increasing the demand for inhalers, which are essential devices for delivering medication to the lungs. These inhalers use propellants to deliver medication properly. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) claimed in 2021 that asthma impacted over 262 million people worldwide, while COPD caused roughly 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Therefore, higher prevalence rates of these diseases would increase the use of metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and other respiratory devices, driving up demand for medical-grade propellants. The transition from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to HFAs, prompted by regulatory changes and consumer demand for environmentally acceptable solutions, is stimulating innovation and growth in the medical propellants market. This growth is consistent with the growing demand for innovative inhalation medicines.

Furthermore, regulations such as the Montreal Protocol have pushed companies to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. The increased regulatory focus on minimizing propellants' environmental impact is projected to promote advanced propellant market growth. Compliance with these rules and the development of innovative, environmentally friendly propellants will be critical for market players. This regulatory framework encourages growth in the sector as businesses innovate to meet new benchmarks.

Hence, the increased incidence of respiratory disorders, combined with developments in inhaler technology and regulatory restrictions, is driving the medical propellants market. The rise in respiratory disease prevalence raises demand for inhalation-based treatments, broadening the market for medical propellants. As of 2024, the convergence of these elements indicates a positive picture for market expansion and technological advancement in the industry.

Medical Propellants Market Segment Insights

Global Medical Propellants Type Insight

Based on type, the Medical Propellants Market has been segmented into HFA 134A, HFA 227EA, and HFA-152A. The HFA 134a segment held the largest market in 2023 and the HFA-152a segment is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period, 2024–2032.

The rise in respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD globally increases the demand for inhalers, driving the market for HFA 134a propellants used in these devices. Moreover, HFA 134a is considered environmentally friendly compared to traditional chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), making it preferred choice in medical applications following global regulatory shifts. A greater focus is also being placed on lessening the environmental effect of inhalers, which has prompted the creation and use of environmentally friendly propellants such hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs). For instance, in March 2022, Koura (US) opened the world’s first HFA 152a medicinal propellant production facility allowing pharmaceutical companies to fulfil the 2025–2026 commercial product deadlines. Pressurized Metered Dosage Inhalers (pMDIs) will use low global warming potential (GWP) propellants, which will be produced in the new HFA 152a production facility. With the new propellant, pMDI inhalers' carbon footprint can be lowered by up to 90%, to the same degree as a dry powder inhaler (DPI).

FIGURE 2: MEDICAL PROPELLANTS MARKET SIZE, BY TYPE, 2023 & 2032 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Global Medical Propellants Application Insight

Based on application, the Medical Propellants Market has been segmented into manual metered dose inhalers and breath metered dose inhalers. The press metered dose inhalers segment held the largest market share in 2023, and the breath actuated metered dose inhalers segment is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period (2024 -2032).

The Press Metered Dose Inhalers are experiencing robust growth due to several key drivers. The increased incidence of respiratory conditions including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is driving up demand for effective and convenient medication delivery methods. Furthermore, the aging population is a major factor driving the market's expansion because they are more prone to long-term respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Global Medical Propellants End User Insight

Based on end user, the Medical Propellants Market has been segmented into medical device companies, contract manufacturing organization (CMO) and research laboratories. The medical device companies segment held the largest market in 2023, and the contract manufacturing organization (CMO) segment is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period.

Medical Device companies are growing due to rising healthcare spendings by government, private sector, and individuals. Also, the development of new hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers is driving the demand for a wide range of medical devices.

Global Medical Propellants Regional Insights

Based on region, the Medical Propellants Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America accounted for the largest market share in 2023. However, Europe is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, 2024-2032

The Medical Propellants market in North America is characterized by robust growth driven by technological advancements, a supportive regulatory environment, and increasing healthcare needs. Moreover, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and substantial investment in research and development, enabling the creation of cutting-edge Medical Propellants drives the market. Furthermore, growing adoption of telehealth may drive the demands of home-use inhalers and portable devices, increasing propellant usage and increasing elderly population present avenues for growth. Moreover, strategic partnership and collaborations are fuelling the demand for Medical Propellants in North America.

The Americas region is followed by Europe, which is further segmented into the Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and Rest of the Europe. The Medical Propellants market in Europe is marked by continuous innovation in propellant formulations. A mature pharmaceutical sector in Europe ensures strong distribution channel and collaborations and compliance with stringent European regulations ensures high safety and efficacy standards, instilling confidence among consumers. The increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, driven by an aging population, further amplifies the need for sophisticated, high-quality Inhalers. For instance, according to European Commission, On January 1, 2023, the EU population was anticipated to be 448.8 million individuals, with more than one-fifth (21.3%) of those aged 65 years or older.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness significant growth and is projected to be the fastest growing region over the forecast period and experiencing robust growth driven by several key factors. Rapid growing healthcare infrastructure and increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure across countries like China, India, and Japan are fueling demand for sophisticated for inhalers using medical propellants. The rising prevalence of respiratory diseases, and an aging population further drive the need for innovative solutions. 

FIGURE 3: MEDICAL PROPELLANTS MARKET BY REGION 2023 & 2032 (USD BILLION)

Global Medical Propellants Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The Medical Propellants Market is distinguished by the presence of numerous global, regional and local players catering to the Medical Propellants Market. Furthermore, the rising incidence of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and technological advancements in inhalation devices are driving the growth of the Medical Propellants Market during the forecast period.

The Medical Propellants Market is extremely competitive, with players competing and investing heavily in the development of innovative products to gain a significant market share.

The growth of prominent industry players is dependent on various factors, such as market conditions, product differentiation and innovation, and pricing strategies. It is also projected that increasing investment by the biopharmaceutical industry associated with Medical Propellants will also boost the market's growth in the upcoming future.

Koura Global is a leading entity in the fluorochemical industry, renowned for its innovation and commitment to sustainability. The company specializes in the development and production of high-performance fluorochemicals, including refrigerants, solvents, and specialty chemicals.

In March 2022, Koura, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of fluoroproducts and technologies, has opened a new HFA 152a production facility at their Runcorn site in the United Kingdom. Chiesi, an international pharmaceuticals and healthcare group focused on research, has signed a commercial agreement to use the new low-carbon footprint medical propellant for inhalation product development and clinical trials in 2019.

Key Companies in the Medical Propellants Market include

• Koura (US)


• SRF (India)


• DAIKIN (Japan)


• Linde PLC (UK)


• Xiamen Juda Chemical & Equipment Co., Ltd. (China)


• Jiangsu July Chemical Co., Ltd. (China)


• Beijing Yuji Technology Development Co., Ltd. (China)


• Zhejiang Jushen New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (China


• Zhejiang fotech international co., ltd. (China)


• Changshu 3F Fluorochemical Industry Co., Ltd. (China)

Global Medical Propellants Industry Developments

March 2022: Koura, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of fluoroproducts and technologies, has opened a new HFA 152a production facility at their Runcorn site in the United Kingdom. Chiesi, an international pharmaceuticals and healthcare group focused on research, has signed a commercial agreement to use the new low-carbon footprint medical propellant for inhalation product development and clinical trials in 2019.

Medical Propellants Market Segmentation

Global Medical Propellants Type Outlook

• HFA 134A


• HFA 227EA


• HFA-152A

Global Medical Propellants Application Outlook

• Press Metered Dose Inhalers


• Breath Actuated Metered Dose Inhalers

Global Medical Propellants End User Outlook

• Medical Device Companies


• Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO)


• Research Laboratories              

Global Medical Propellants Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  

• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  

• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  

• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East & Africa
  
  
  • South America