Hygienic and Aseptic Valves for the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology market
Published: 27 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
An agreement is signed between GEA to acquire the business of Hydract A/S, a Danish specialist in water-hydraulic process valve technology. This step took an alternative actuation method that replaces conventional compressed air systems with water. Aiming to reduce the energy demand associated with valve operation.
Hydract valve actuators use water as the actuation medium, eliminating the need for compressed air, which is typically provided by energy-intensive compressors for pneumatic valve operations. Water-hydraulic actuators can be regulated at any intermediate position, providing precise, stable flow regulation across the valve.
According to Towards Healthcare, the Hygienic and Aseptic Valves for Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 1.33 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 2.57 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.54% from 2026 to 2035. Hydraulic valves support continuous inline blending, faster changeovers in batch production, late-stage product differentiation, and improved resource efficiency.
Water instead of compressed air: Using valve technology to increase efficiency
Water-hydraulic actuators can be regulated at any intermediate position, providing precise, stable flow regulation across the valve. It eliminates the need for compressed air, which is typically provided by energy-intensive compressors for pneumatic valve operations. Hydraulic valves support continuous inline blending, faster changeovers in batch production, late-stage product differentiation, and improved resource efficiency. This helps the operator meet productivity and sustainability goals.
Integration into the Valves & Pumps business unit
Hydract’s water-hydraulic actuators and valves complement the existing range of hygienic and aseptic single-seat, double-seat, and control valves. This is expected to offer customers an additional alternative actuation option when selecting the most suitable valve technology for every application from a single source. GEA intends to integrate Hydract’s technology into its Valves & Pumps Business Unit within the new Division Pure Flow Processing. GEA demonstrates how water hydraulic actuation can contribute to improved efficiency and resource optimisation in process environments.
Customers will get an additional actuation option when choosing between pneumatic and water-hydraulic solutions from a single, consistent valve toolbox – with the same interfaces to engineering, automation, and service.
A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the Hygienic and Aseptic Valves for Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology market,this technology enables more efficient, resource-saving plant concepts, such as continuous inline blending, which reduces the time and energy required for batch processing.