Why I'd buy these ASX blue-chip shares until at least 2036

Ten years is a long time to own an ASX share, so I think it's worth being selective about which businesses deserve that kind of commitment.

For me, three ASX blue-chip shares stand out because of the opportunities they have to become more profitable over the coming decade.

And while each has its own challenges, I'd be happy to buy their shares today with a view to holding until at least 2036.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Biotech leader CSL has spent decades building one of the world's leading plasma businesses, collecting donated plasma and turning it into medicines that treat serious immune and neurological conditions.

Demand for these treatments continues to grow, and I believe CSL is well-positioned to benefit.

Another thing I like is the company's ability to continue finding ways to produce more medicine from the plasma it collects.

Plasma collection and manufacturing are expensive, so even relatively small improvements in how much medicine CSL can produce from each litre could have a meaningful impact.

It could allow the company to treat more patients while reducing the cost of producing each treatment.

CSL is also investing in additional manufacturing capacity, including its US$1.5 billion expansion in Illinois, to support future demand.

I believe the combination of growing demand, increased production, and better efficiency could help CSL become more profitable over the next decade.

Of course, the company has struggled recently, with competition affecting its Vifor business and weaker vaccine demand.

However, I believe its plasma operations remain an excellent long-term business, and I'd be happy to buy CSL shares with a view to holding until at least 2036.

Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB)

Another ASX blue-chip share I'd happily own until 2036 is Brambles.

Its CHEP business provides reusable pallets that help manufacturers and retailers move goods around the world.

I like the nature of this business because companies will continue needing to transport products regardless of how technology and consumer preferences change.

However, like CSL, I think Brambles' biggest opportunity is making key parts of its business more efficient.

The company has been investing in better tracking, pallet recovery, and automation to improve how its equipment moves between customers.

If Brambles can recover pallets faster, reduce losses, and keep equipment circulating, it could serve more customers without continually purchasing additional pallets.

That could be valuable for profitability and cash flow. 

Its recent problems with US pallet repair capacity have shown that running such a large network isn't straightforward. But I believe improvements to its operations could support higher returns and growing cash flow over the next decade.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is a third ASX blue-chip share that I think could be a top long-term buy.

What I like is how the supermarket leader is becoming increasingly involved in the way households organise their grocery shopping.

Customers can visit its supermarkets, order online, arrange home delivery, and use Everyday Rewards to access personalised offers.

I think combining these services could help Woolworths encourage customers to shop more frequently and increase their spending over time.

And its latest figures show how important these relationships are becoming. In the first quarter of FY27, online sales increased 20.2%, while active Everyday Rewards membership reached 10.9 million.

I believe those numbers demonstrate the scale of Woolworths' customer reach.

The company also has opportunities to improve efficiency through its investments in automated distribution and fulfilment facilities.

If it can serve customers more efficiently while maintaining competitive prices, I believe its profitability could improve meaningfully.

Competition with Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) remains strong, and Woolworths still has work to do to rebuild margins. But looking ahead to 2036, I believe its combination of physical stores, digital services, and customer loyalty could support robust growth.

Foolish takeaway

I think CSL, Brambles, and Woolworths all have opportunities to improve their businesses over the coming decade.

And I like that their growth prospects don't depend entirely on entering new markets or making major acquisitions.

Each has an established business with opportunities to operate more efficiently and generate higher earnings. That's why I'd be happy to buy and hold all three ASX blue-chip shares today.

The post Why I'd buy these ASX blue-chip shares until at least 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026