Amber Glass Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Product Type (Bottles, Jars & Containers, Vials & Ampoules, and Others), By Application (Pharmaceuticals, Foods, Beverages, Chemicals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Amber glass packaging refers to containers, bottles, jars, and vials made from amber-colored glass, typically from light amber to dark brown. The amber coloration is achieved by adding iron, sulfur, and carbon during the glass manufacturing process, imparting UV protection and light-blocking properties to the glass. This inherent UV protection makes amber glass suitable for light-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals, essential oils, fragrances, and certain food and beverage items. Amber glass vials and bottles are commonly used for packaging pharmaceuticals, vitamins, supplements, and other medical products that require protection against light-induced degradation.

• For instance, according to a study published in the Confederation of European Paper Industries, the total paper production in 2022 reached 84.8 million tons, with a decrease reported in almost all paper and board grades except for household and sanitary grades.

While less common than in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, amber glass bottles are utilized for packaging specialty beverages, gourmet oils, sauces, and condiments that benefit from UV protection and extended shelf life.

The associated cost is the main restricting factor of the amber glass packaging market. Amber glass can be more expensive to manufacture and transport than plastic alternatives, impacting overall production costs. Moreover, glass containers are susceptible to breakage and damage during handling, transportation, and storage, requiring careful packaging and handling procedures.

The COVID-19 outbreak across the globe brought about unprecedented changes in consumer behavior, supply chains, and the food packaging industry. Although, the pharmaceutical industry experienced a surge in the demand for medications, supplements, and healthcare products during the COVID-19 pandemic. As amber glass packaging is commonly used for pharmaceuticals due to its protective properties, the increased demand for these products contributed to higher sales of amber glass containers.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Amber Glass Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Amber Glass Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into bottles, jars & containers, vials & ampoules, and others. Amber glass bottles find extensive use across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and food and beverage. The amber color of the glass effectively blocks harmful UV rays, helping to preserve the integrity, potency, and shelf life of light-sensitive products, particularly pharmaceuticals, essential oils, and fragrances. The recyclability of glass aligns with growing consumer preferences for environmentally responsible packaging solutions, driving the demand for amber glass bottles in sustainability-conscious markets.        

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, chemicals, cosmetics & personal care, and others. The pharmaceutical industry encompasses a wide range of products with diverse packaging needs. Amber glass packaging provides superior protection against UV light, preserving the potency and efficacy of pharmaceutical formulations. This makes it an ideal choice for packaging medications that require stability and shelf-life extension. The pharmaceutical industry is subjected to stringent regulatory requirements and quality standards to ensure product safety, efficacy, and compliance with healthcare regulations. Amber glass packaging meets these regulatory standards and is widely accepted for pharmaceutical applications, assuring manufacturers and consumers.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The amber glass packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the leading region of the global amber glass packaging market. The region represents a rapidly growing market for amber glass packaging, driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences. Europe is the second-dominating region of the amber glass packaging market worldwide. The region's thriving wine and spirits industry, particularly in countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, drives the demand for premium amber glass bottles. Stringent environmental regulations and consumer preference for eco-friendly packaging further boost the market growth.

A mature and well-established industry characterizes North America's amber glass packaging market. The U.S. and Canada are the largest markets in the region, driven by the region's thriving craft beer industry and a growing preference for premium wines and spirits, which fuels the demand for amber glass bottles in the beverage sector. The amber glass packaging market in Latin America is projected to rise rapidly due to increased beer and spirits culture and a growing wine market. The Middle East will witness moderate growth over the upcoming years. The region's hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and bars, drives the demand for amber glass bottles for serving and packaging beverages.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as O-I Glass, Inc., Stölzle Glass Group, SCHOTT AG, Gerresheimer AG, Verallia, Ardagh Group, PGP Glass Private Limited, SGD Pharma, Wiegand-Glas Holding GmbH, and Encirc Ltd.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In November 2023, Ardagh Glass Packaging launched new Boston Round beverage bottles on its BuyOurBottles website. The new 16oz (473ml) Boston Round glass beverage bottles are available for purchase in both amber (brown) and flint (clear) glass.


• In November 2022, Verallia, the leading European producer of glass containers for food and beverages, signed a binding agreement with an affiliate of Sun European Partners LLP for the acquisition of Allied Glass, a market leader in the U.K. premium glass packaging segment with a focus on the premium spirits end market.


• In November 2022, the Vetropack Group, one of Europe's leading glass manufacturers, invested over USD 382 million in a new plant for capacity expansion, as Vetropack anticipates positive market development in Italy and beyond in the medium term.


• In March 2022, Stoelzle Glass Group acquired the Monaca, Pennsylvania, glass factory from Anchor Hocking Glass Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Oneida Group.