Bag-On-Valve (BoV) technology has become the preferred delivery system for medical, pharmaceutical, and sensitive aerosol products. This is not a marketing trend — it is a regulatory, safety, and performance-driven decision increasingly supported by authorities, healthcare providers, and institutional buyers.
This article explains why Bag-On-Valve systems are trusted, how they reduce regulatory risk, and when they are strongly recommended or expected in the UK market.
What Is Bag-On-Valve Technology?
Bag-On-Valve technology separates the product from the propellant using a sealed internal bag. The propellant sits outside the bag, compressing it to dispense the product without direct contact.
This separation fundamentally changes the risk profile of the aerosol.
Why Regulators and Healthcare Buyers Prefer Bag-On-Valve
1. Reduced Contamination Risk
Because the product is never exposed to the propellant:
- There is no chemical interaction
- No backflow contamination
- No air ingress during use
This makes BoV ideal for:
- Medical sprays
- Wound care
- Saline solutions
- Sensitive dermal products
2. Preservative-Free Compatibility
BoV enables preservative-free formulations, which are increasingly favoured by:
- Regulators
- Healthcare providers
- Consumers with sensitivities
This reduces formulation complexity and allergen exposure.
3. 360-Degree Dispensing
BoV systems dispense consistently:
- Upright
- Inverted
- At any angle
This is critical for medical, hygiene, and clinical applications.
4. Improved Shelf Life and Stability
BoV systems:
- Prevent oxidation
- Reduce microbial growth risk
- Maintain formulation integrity
For regulated products, this simplifies stability testing and risk assessment.
Regulatory Advantages of Bag-On-Valve Systems
While BoV systems must still comply with aerosol regulations, they often:
- Reduce hazard classification severity
- Lower flammability risk
- Simplify chemical justification
This makes regulatory approval more predictable, particularly in healthcare contexts.
When Bag-On-Valve Is Strongly Recommended
BoV is commonly expected when:
- Products are applied to broken skin
- Products are inhaled or near mucous membranes
- Products are used in clinical environments
- Products are preservative-free
Manufacturers such as Hydrokem frequently recommend BoV during early-stage development to avoid later compliance obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bag-On-Valve preferred for medical aerosols?
Bag-On-Valve systems are preferred for medical aerosols because they isolate the product from the propellant, reducing contamination risk and supporting preservative-free formulations.
This separation improves safety, stability, and consistency, making BoV systems easier to justify during regulatory review and safer for patient use.
Does Bag-On-Valve eliminate the need for preservatives?
In many cases, yes.
Because the product is sealed within the bag and protected from air and contaminants, preservatives may not be required. However, final formulation decisions still depend on risk assessment and intended use.
Are Bag-On-Valve aerosols safer than traditional aerosols?
From a regulatory and risk-management perspective, Bag-On-Valve aerosols often present a lower overall risk profile.
They reduce flammability concerns, prevent chemical interaction with propellants, and improve product stability, all of which support safer market placement.
Are BoV aerosols recyclable?
Most Bag-On-Valve systems are recyclable, though recyclability depends on local waste processing and component materials. Aluminium cans and many valves are widely recyclable in the UK.
Is Bag-On-Valve required by law for medical products?
No — but it is frequently preferred or expected by buyers, regulators, and healthcare organisations due to its safety advantages.
