Paper and Cardboard for Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Material (Corrugated Board, Kraft Paper, and Others), By Product Type (Corrugated Boxes, Folding Cartons, Sachets & Bags, and Others), By Packaging Type (Primary and Secondary), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global paper and cardboard for pharmaceutical packaging market refers to the segment of the packaging industry dedicated to producing containers, boxes, and other materials specifically designed for the packaging of pharmaceutical products. These products include medicines, medical devices, and other healthcare-related items. The market encompasses various types of paper and cardboard packaging solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and integrity of the enclosed products throughout their lifecycle.

• According to a study published in the Confederation of European Paper Industries, the total paper production in 2022 reached 84.8 million tonnes, with a decrease reported in almost all paper and board grades, with the notable exception of household and sanitary grades.

Folding cartons, often made from solid bleached sulfate (SBS) or recycled paperboard, are commonly used for packaging tablets, capsules, and vials. Blister cards, made by sealing a product between a thermoformed plastic blister and a cardboard backing, provide tamper-evident and child-resistant packaging for individual doses of medication. Trays, typically manufactured from corrugated cardboard or molded pulp, offer sturdy containment for larger pharmaceutical items such as syringes or medical devices.

The main restricting factor of paper and cardboard for the pharmaceutical packaging market is that it often lacks the barrier properties required to protect pharmaceutical products from moisture, light, oxygen, and other environmental factors. This limitation poses a significant challenge, particularly for sensitive medications that require strict environmental controls to maintain their efficacy.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in consumer behavior, supply chains, and the packaging industry as a whole. The initial stages of the pandemic witnessed significant disruptions in the global supply chains which led to slower production and distribution. This affected the availability of paper and cardboard packaging materials for pharmaceutical companies, causing bottlenecks in production. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the pharmaceutical industry in addressing global health crises. There was a surge in the demand for various medications, including vaccines, antivirals, and other essential drugs, driving the need for packaging materials.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Paper and Cardboard for Pharmaceutical Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Paper and Cardboard for Pharmaceutical Packaging Market


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


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into corrugated board, Kraft paper, and others.

The corrugated board segment dominated the global paper and cardboard for pharmaceutical packaging market. The corrugated board offers unparalleled versatility in packaging design. It can be easily customized to accommodate various shapes and sizes of pharmaceutical products, from small vials to large medical devices. The adaptability allows pharmaceutical companies to create packaging solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing product presentation and consumer appeal. Its lightweight nature reduces shipping costs, while its strength and durability ensure that products are adequately protected during transit. Additionally, corrugated board is often made from recycled materials, further lowering production costs and appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into corrugated boxes, folding cartons, sachets & bags, and others.

The folding cartons segment has emerged dominant in the global paper and cardboard packaging market for pharmaceuticals. Folding cartons excel in providing secure and protective packaging for pharmaceutical products. Their sturdy construction ensures that delicate items such as tablets, capsules, and vials remain intact during storage, transit, and handling. Compared to corrugated boxes and paper bags, folding cartons offer superior protection against moisture, light, and temperature variations, which are critical factors in maintaining the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals.

ANALYSIS BY PACKAGING TYPE

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into primary and secondary packaging.

The secondary packaging segment dominates this market and often includes labeling, barcoding, and patient information leaflets containing essential instructions, dosage guidelines, and safety information. Secondary packaging provides an additional layer of protection for pharmaceutical products, safeguarding them from external factors such as light, moisture, temperature variations, and physical damage during transportation, storage, and handling. This helps healthcare professionals and consumers accurately identify and use the medication, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting patient safety.

Secondary packaging can incorporate tamper-evident features such as seals, closures, and holographic labels to provide reassurance to consumers and healthcare professionals about the authenticity and integrity of the pharmaceutical product.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

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The paper and cardboard for pharmaceutical packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia is the leading region of the global paper and cardboard for pharmaceutical packaging market. While cost-effectiveness is a significant driver of demand, there is also a growing awareness of the importance of quality and safety in pharmaceutical packaging.

North America is the second-dominating region of the pharmaceutical packaging market worldwide. Moreover, the presence of major pharmaceutical companies in this region fuels the demand for advanced packaging technologies, including smart packaging and anti-counterfeiting measures.

A mature and well-established industry characterizes the paper and cardboard for the pharmaceutical packaging market in Europe. The region's strict regulatory framework encourages the adoption of eco-friendly materials and ensures the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain.

The paper and cardboard for pharmaceutical packaging market in Latin America is projected to rise moderately owing to the region's expanding middle class, urbanization, and consumer awareness. The Middle East and Africa region represent emerging markets for pharmaceutical packaging, with growing demand driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as International Paper, DS Smith, WestRock Company, Stora Enso Oyj, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Rengo Co., Ltd., Green Bay Packaging, Edelmann Group, and colordruck Baiersbronn.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In August 2023, Amcor launched curbside-recyclable AmFiber™ high-barrier performance paper packaging in North America to deliver the right barrier, shelf-life, and machine performance to meet brand and product needs.


• In March 2023, DS Smith signed an agreement with Valmet, under which Valmet will supply containerboard machines with extensive packages of automation, services, and industrial internet applications to DS Smith Paper. The machines would help DS Smith meet the demand for sustainable packaging and also help in reducing the plant's environmental footprint by reducing CO2 emission.


• In April 2022, WestRock Company announced a partnership with Recipe Unlimited to implement a suite of recyclable paperboard packaging solutions intended to divert 31 million plastic containers from landfills across Canada each year.