Clinical Trial Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastic, Glass, Metal, and Paper & Paperboard), By Product Type (Syringes, Bottles, Blisters, Tubes, Vials & Ampoules, Bags & Pouches, Sachets, and Others), By End-User (Drug Manufacturing Companies, Research Laboratories, and Clinical Research Organizations), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global clinical trial packaging market size was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4.13 billion in 2024 to USD 8.54 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.51% during the forecast period. North America dominated the clinical trial packaging market with a market share of 37.89% in 2023. Moreover, the clinical trial packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 2.26 billion by 2032, driven by the growing demand for patient-centric packaging, and stringent regulations for packaging.

Clinical trial packaging solutions are used for packing, storing, protecting, and transporting products utilized during clinical trials. These trials aim to test the drug's efficacy and optimize its dose for different pharmaceutical formulations. Recently, there has been an increased occurrence of microbial and chronic diseases, such as epilepsy, cancer, and diabetes, across the globe. This surge has led to increased investments in manufacturing and clinical trials for effective drugs. The rising number of clinical trials post the COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to boost market growth over the projected period.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 had an overwhelming effect on this market. The increased R&D activities for manufacturing new drugs and vaccines to fight the COVID-19 led to a sudden rise in the demand for clinical trial packaging. Several international organizations, such as WHO, significantly supported market growth.

Clinical Trial Packaging Market Trends

Adoption of Smart Packaging & Wearable Devices for Clinical Trials to Emerge as a Key Trend

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are gaining huge importance in clinical trial processes owing to their real-time data collection feature regarding the behavior and health of a patient. The constant, efficient, and reliable packaging solutions offered by the clinical trial packaging industry are driving market growth. Wearable devices ease the major functions, such as tracking of physical activities and monitoring of vital signs, which in turn contribute to the market growth. The implementation of smart packaging methods also enhances the packaging of clinical trial products, serving as a trending factor for market growth. This innovative use of smart packaging, along with sensors and wearable devices that enhance the safety and efficacy of medical treatments, will significantly contribute to the market growth in the forthcoming years.

Clinical Trial Packaging Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Clinical Trials Enhances Clinical Trial Packaging Industry’s Growth

The rapidly increasing clinical trials coupled with the rise in research & development activities in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are the major factors contributing to the global clinical trials market growth. In addition, the rising trend of outsourcing various drugs to conduct clinical trials and novel drug discoveries also propels the market growth globally. Clinical trials are conducted to discover better ways to diagnose and treat various diseases, displaying various therapeutic modalities suitable for treating existing illnesses. Due to these factors, clinical trials are gaining significant importance, which, in turn, is boosting the growth of the market.

The high-quality data generation that can guide healthcare adoption also propels market growth. Several manufacturers focus on developing effective packaging products, thereby increasing clinical trials and enhancing market growth. The rise in chronic and lifestyle diseases has increased awareness among patients to opt for clinical trials, further boosting market growth.

Huge Investments in Clinical Trials & Increasing Government Support Boost Market Growth

The rising investments from key manufacturers, clinical research organizations, and research laboratories for clinical trials are bolstering clinical trials, further driving the growth of the clinical trial packaging sector. The augmenting demand for innovative packaging solutions from key consumers globally leads to the rising adoption of sustainable packaging materials. Moreover, the remarkable support from government organizations for adopting environmentally friendly packaging solutions to enhance research studies boosts the market growth. Manufacturers also focus on investing in research and development and increasing mergers and acquisitions to expand their global presence. The pharmaceutical industry has also increased its investments and is opting for contract manufacturing organizations for clinical trials. Such factors thus propel market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Costs and Stringent Government Regulations on Plastic Usage Hampers Market Growth

Despite the significant benefits offered by clinical trials, strict rules and regulations imposed by government bodies globally are projected to constrain the clinical trial packaging market growth. These regulations limit market growth due to restrictions on the usage of certain packaging materials, such as plastic. The high costs associated with clinical trials are a major factor limiting market development. Additionally, the lack of modern infrastructure in several underdeveloped and emerging countries and the shortage of trained personnel also hinder market growth.

Clinical Trial Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Plastic Segment Dominates Due to Substantial Advantages Provided by the Material

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, glass, metal, and paper & paperboard. Plastic materials hold the largest market share globally and are anticipated to multiply during the forecast period. The rapid rise in plastic usage for clinical trial packaging can be attributed to its fundamental properties, such as ease of handling and transport, and lower cost. Plastic provides relatively low density, is user-friendly, and offers high strength, which, in turn, increases its usage in the packaging of clinical trial products. It is affordable and improves the safety of clinical trial products, thus driving the segment's growth.

Glass holds the second-highest share and is expected to grow steadily in the forthcoming years owing to the sustainability features offered by the material.

By Product Type Analysis

Blisters Hold the Largest Market Share Owing to their High Usage in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into syringes, bottles, blisters, tubes, vials & ampoules, bags & pouches, sachets, and others. The blisters segment dominates the product type segment as the use of blisters has increased tremendously in the pharmaceutical sector after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak due to the demand for several crucial medicines. Blisters also offer a suitable and safe way to consume prescribed medicines and maintain the drugs used for clinical trials.

However, bottles have also contributed significantly to the market growth due to the ease of carrying clinical trial products and are expected to flourish further during the forecast period.

By End-User Analysis

Research Laboratories Dominate the Market Due to the Rising Clinical Trials in this Sector

Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into drug manufacturing companies, research laboratories, and clinical research organizations. Research laboratories dominate the end-user segment of the global industry. A steady increase is observed in clinical trials within research laboratories, as they perform study-specific blinding and provide specific reference intervals, contributing to the segment's growth. Research laboratories are crucial in accessing innovative and effective treatments before they are widely available. They help understand the cause of specific diseases and analyze treatments, increasing their importance for clinical trials and thus driving the growth of the research laboratory segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America holds the largest clinical trial packaging market share. The flourishing pharmaceutical market and the vast presence of significant key players have led to rapid market growth in the region. The presence of many clinical research organizations and top research laboratories also aids in regional market share. Additionally, the stringent guidelines issued by the FDA for product packaging and medicines used in clinical trials are projected to enhance this industry in the North American region during the forecast period.

Europe is the second dominating region and is expected to achieve massive growth in the forthcoming years. Regulatory rules by the European Medicines Agency, especially for devices and medicines utilized in clinical trials, contribute to regional growth. Moreover, the growing R&D sector is also estimated to drive the European market.

In Asia Pacific, the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are bolstering, which is driving the market share. Increased investments in R&D and the development of the pharmaceutical industry in China, Japan, and India also propel the region's growth.

Latin America will experience intense growth over the projected period due to rising drug development activities and leading drug manufacturing firms. The Middle East & Africa market is estimated to attain a moderate growth rate during the forecast period due to the increasing expansion activities of established regional manufacturers.

List of Key Companies in Clinical Trial Packaging Market

Top Market Participants Maintain their Dominance by Offering Advanced Packaging Solutions

The market is highly competitive and fragmented. Some leading companies dominate the market by providing modern and efficient packaging solutions in the industry. They continuously focus on innovation and expanding their customer base across regions. Top companies in the market include Almac Group, Stevanato Group, Bilcare Ltd., Lonza Group Ltd., and others.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Almac Group (U.K.)


• Stevanato Group (U.S.)


• Bilcare Ltd. (India)


• Lonza Group Ltd. (Switzerland)


• Piramal Pharma Solutions (U.S.)


• MM Packaging GmBH (Austria)


• Clinigen Limited (U.K.)


• Körber AG (Germany)


• PCI Pharma Services (U.S.)


• Yourway (U.S.)


• Ecobliss Pharmaceutical Packaging (Europe)


• Sharp Services LLC (U.S.)


• Xerimis (U.S.)


• Caligor Coghlan (U.S.)


• BAP Pharma Ltd. (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2022 – Almac Group announced its expansion of the packaging facility in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in North America, aiming to meet increased demand from next-generation clients.


• April 2022 – Almac Group revealed a USD 65 million expansion of clinical supply operations at its North American headquarters in Souderton, with groundbreaking scheduled for early 2023. This expansion includes a 140% increase in the 2-8°C packaging facility. The project will bring 115,000ft2 of new building space.


• February 2022 – Stevanato Group, a global manufacturer of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions, partnered with Gerresheimer AG, a leading manufacturer of healthcare, beauty, and drug delivery systems, to launch EZ-fill Smart. This innovative Ready-To-Use (RTU) vial platform aims to enhance drug packaging quality, reduce the overall cost of ownership, and shorten lead times for customers.


• July 2021 – Piramal Pharma Solutions announced plans for expansion in Michigan, supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund, to increase production capacity and geographical reach, signaling continued economic growth.


• March 2019 – Almac Group introduced Almac ONE, a unified Clinical Trial Supply solution that integrates skilled consultants from the clinical packaging, logistics, and IRT spectrum. It offers a single set of procedures combined with closed-loop technology to achieve accurate and end-to-end data.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides detailed market analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as key players, competitive landscape, product/service types, market segmentation, Porter's five forces analysis, and leading applications of the product. Additionally, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation