The US Pharmacopeia considers Blow-Fill-Seal an advanced aseptic process. Given its ability to eliminate contaminants and it's flexibility in packaging design, BFS machinery continues to attract new users of the technology. In particular, manufacturers of ophthalmics, inhalants, unit dose cosmetics, beverages, and parenteral products continue to realize the growing benefits of blow-fill-seal vs traditional manufacturing methods.
To reduce expenses, newcomers to BFS technology sometimes purchase used equipment or request the services of a contract packager, particularly if product volumes are relatively low. Rebuilt and reconditioned machines are updated with advanced controls and meet the latest starndards. "Buying rebuilt equipment offers and opportunity to enter the BFS arena at a reduced cost (typically less than $1 million for the machine)", says Bill Grabowski, president and chief executive officer of HealthStar (Braintree, MA), a contract packager of nonsterile BFS products, moldmaker, and rebuilder of Weiler BFS machines. Used machines also may be the answer to tight lead-time requirements because they typically are delivered in six or seven months. In contrast, brand new machines usually are delivered in a year or more.
