Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Plastics, Glass, Metal, Paper & Paperboard), By Product Type (Bottles, Caps & Closures, Pre-fillable Inhalers, Pre-Fillable Syringes, Vials & Ampoules, Blister Packs), By Drug Delivery Mode (Oral Drug Delivery Packaging, Injectable Packaging, Topical Drug Delivery Packaging, Pulmonary Drug Delivery Packaging, Transdermal Drug Delivery Packaging), By Packaging Type (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global pharmaceutical packaging market was valued at USD 105.01 billion in 2023, and its growth is estimated to be USD 110.55 billion in 2024 to USD 176.94 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.06% during the forecast period. North America dominated the pharmaceutical packaging market, with a market share of 30.02% in 2023. Moreover, the pharmaceutical packaging market in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 35.75 billion by 2032, driven by the need for packaging that ensures product integrity and minimizes contamination risks.

As a result of unprecedented growth, the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing rapid expansion. Medical packaging depends primarily on the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. These packaging solutions secure, store, and protect drugs during transportation and storage. The solutions are highly regulated to protect the medicines from physical damage and external influences that might lead to contamination until the consumption of medicines. During the product's shelf life, packaging can be used to promote the product and differentiate it from the competition. The global healthcare expenditure is on the rise, fueled by an aging population, increasing chronic diseases, and rising disposable incomes. This translates to a growing demand for pharmaceuticals, which in turn, drives the demand for packaging solutions. There will be an increase in the packaging consumption of pharmaceutical products due to the rising demand for pharmaceutical drugs and medicines. The major players' technological advancements will offer potential market growth opportunities.

Several industries were distressed due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in the scarcity of raw materials and disrupted supply chains. However, pharmaceutical service companies were exempted from lockdown restrictions as their activities are essential to the community. The pharmaceutical industry was operational to manufacture healthcare products, and government support for medicines and generic drugs fueled the market growth. Besides, key players in the market automated their operations to keep up with the increasing demand for the packaging of COVID-19-related pharmaceutical products.

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends

Development of Novel Drug Packaging Systems to Propel the Market

Developing novel drug packaging systems has led to the demand for pharmaceutical packaging. Innovations in drug delivery systems have encouraged the development of novel packaging solutions. The packaging is designed to complement advanced drug formulations, ensuring precise dosing, controlled release, and improved therapeutic outcomes. The novel drug packaging system packs prefilled inhalers and prefilled syringes; these products are single-dose vaccine units. The products are replacements for traditional syringes and vials. The prefilled inhalers and syringes are designed to protect the packed drugs from directly contacting external surroundings or the patient, thereby avoiding contamination. It also reduces wastage and provides patient compliance by offering a self-administered metered dosage. The rising aging population and increased diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, fuel the demand for these products, which will aid the development of novel drug-plastic group packaging systems.

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Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand from the Pharmaceutical Industry to Drive Market Growth

The pharmaceutical industry is growing rapidly, mainly in developing economies such as China, India, and Brazil and in developed economies such as Germany, the U.K., and the U.S. The growth is attributed to the rising population, increasing technological innovations, rise in healthcare awareness, adoption of advanced manufacturing processes, rising spending in public healthcare systems, and the implementation of new government regulations to control the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, the rising demand for biological products and emerging treatments such as cell and gene therapies are expected to promote the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. The development of new biologics and specialty drugs, which require specialized packaging solutions, is creating new growth avenues for the market.

For instance, as per the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association, in 2021, North America's share of world pharmaceutical sales was 49.1%, while Europe's share was 23.4%. According to IQVIA, 64.4% of the sales of new medicines launched on the market in 2016-2021 were in the U.S. market, while the share of the European market was 16.8% considering top 5 countries.

Growing Adoption of Generic Drugs in Developing Countries to Fuel Market Growth

Due to their low cost, the increasing adoption of generic drugs in developing countries will fuel the pharmaceutical packaging demand. A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug with the same chemical ingredients, intended use, dosage, side effects, and route of administration as the original drug. Many companies are investing in manufacturing generic drugs to provide medicinal treatments at a lower cost. Packaging plays an important role in the manufacturing process of generic drugs as they are needed to pack and protect drugs during storage and carriage. Hence, the rising demand for generic drugs will propel product usage.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Drugs to Restrict Market Growth

Counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs are fake medicines that contain false or no active ingredients and can be contaminated. These counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs are illegal and also harmful to health. Pharmaceutical companies invest significant resources in building and maintaining their brand reputation. Counterfeit drugs bearing the name of reputable brands can tarnish this hard-earned reputation. Instances of patients experiencing adverse effects from counterfeit medications associated with a trusted brand can have lasting negative effects on public perception. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are rising due to third-shift packaging, where the contract manufacturers seek extra profits by producing additional secret drugs and selling them to counterfeiters. Hence, rising counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs will restrict the pharmaceutical packaging market share.

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Plastics Segment to Retain the Largest Share Owing to Protective Properties

Based on material, the pharmaceutical packaging market is segmented into paper & paperboard, plastics, metal, glass, and others. Plastic is the most considerable raw material used in the production of packaging of pharmaceutical products. Plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polypropylene (PP), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are majorly used in this packaging. Plastics are easy to mold in any shape and size, offer protective properties, and are cost-effective; hence, they serve as an ideal packaging material for pharmaceutical preparations and drive the global pharmaceutical packaging market size. These plastics protect drugs from contamination and physical damage. It is applied in jars & canisters, closures, bottles, blister packs, and overwrap.

Paper & paperboard is the second-largest material used in the pharmaceutical industry owing to its lightweight and low-cost properties. Mostly, it is preferred for secondary and tertiary packaging. Paper & paperboard materials are used to make cartons, shrink wraps, boxes, and cardboard. Increasing demand for vials & ampoules for injection and vaccine packaging provided a tremendous growth opportunity for glass material during the pandemic in 2020.

Increasing demand for packaging products such as aerosol generators, strip packs, canisters, implants, collapsible tubes, and blister packs will escalate metal consumption in the pharmaceutical industry.

By Product Type Analysis

Bottles Segment to Account for Major Share Driven by Low Cost

Based on product type, the pharmaceutical packaging market is categorized into bottles, bags & pouches, caps & closures, pre-fillable inhalers, jars & canisters, pre-fillable syringes, blister packs, vials & ampoules, cartridges, and others. Among these, the bottles segment is the most significant product type. Growth in this segment is attributed to its lightweight, easy-to-mold, and low-cost properties. Along with the growing demand for glass bottles, several plastic bottles are also preferred in packaging solid and liquid medicines such as syrups, tablets, nose drops, capsules, and eye drops. Increasing demand for plastic bottles in the pharmaceutical industry will boost market growth. Further, the consumption of caps & closures is anticipated to rise due to the growing demand for bottles, vials, and jars during the forecast period.

The pre-fillable syringe segment is anticipated to grow fastest during the projected period. These syringes are ready-to-fill, lightweight, transparent, and break-resistant and efficiently replace traditional syringes. They provide metered dosage without any wastage and enable self-administration. The increasing need for immediate treatment and rising diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are expected to surge the demand for pre-fillable syringes.

Blister packs hold and protect tablets and capsules individually. Additionally, multi-compartmental trays pack vials and ampoules, syringes, sutures, and implants. Increasing demand for packaging products used to pack multiple doses of medication will surge blister pack adoption during the forecast period.

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By Packaging Type Analysis

Primary Packaging Segment to be Fastest-Growing Packaging Type Considering the Protection from Chemical and Moisture

Based on packaging type, the market is classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary. The primary segment is the most significant packaging type growing at the highest CAGR in this market. This packaging type directly comes in contact with the drug. Hence, it has to meet all the regulatory parameters and maintain the quality of the drug. Plastic bottles, caps & closures, blister packs, pre-fillable inhalers, medication tubes, and pouches are some of the products included in this packaging. These products protect the drugs from moisture and chemicals and aid in maintaining the shelf life of the drug. Such factors will boost the demand for primary pharmaceutical packaging, driving segmental growth.

The secondary segment is used for packing a group of primary packaged products. The segment consists of boxes and cartons. This packaging provides detailed information about the drug, including ingredients, manufacturer's name, address, precautions, and use and storage instructions, and helps differentiate drugs. Rising usage of containers, shipping barrels, edge protectors, and growing import-export activities of pharmaceutical products will surge the demand for tertiary packaging during the forecast period.

By Drug Delivery Mode Analysis

Oral Drug Delivery Packaging to Account for Dominant Share Impelled by Cost-Effective Production

Based on drug delivery mode, the pharmaceutical packaging market is segmented into nasal drug delivery packaging, oral drug delivery packaging, injectable packaging, pulmonary drug delivery packaging, topical drug delivery packaging, transdermal drug delivery packaging, ocular drug delivery packaging, and others. Oral drug delivery packaging accounted for the largest share of the global market. Pharmaceutical preparations are majorly consumed orally in tablets, liquids, powders, capsules, and semi-liquids. The flexibility in designing dosage and cost-effective production make oral drug delivery an ideal choice, further fueling the development of oral drug delivery packaging.

Injectable packaging is the second-largest segment in the market. It covers a wide range of preparations, from injection solutions to implants. Products such as prefilled syringes or auto-injector pens, vials, and ampoules are used in injectable packaging. The increasing use of injections for drug delivery will fuel the demand for injectable packaging. Further, the rising prevalence of inflammatory diseases will increase the usage of topical pharmaceuticals and fuel the demand for topical drug delivery packaging.  

Pulmonary drug delivery products used to treat respiratory diseases include Pressurized Med-Dose Inhalers (MDIs), nebulizers, vaporizers, and Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs). The increasing use of jars and canisters, plastic actuators, pouches, and boxes for pulmonary drug packaging will drive the growth of the pulmonary drug delivery packaging segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The pharmaceutical packaging market has been analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America holds the highest market share, and the U.S. is the most significant contributor in this region. The growth of this region is owed to the rapidly rising pharmaceutical industry. The growing demand for primary packaging products, surging disease prevalence, and increasing healthcare spending are driving the market in this region.

The European market is the second largest in the world, with Germany, the U.K., and Italy as leading countries. Vials, plastic bottles, ampoules, containers, and pre-filled syringes have contributed to the growth of this region. Further, governments' rising adoption of updated regulations to control the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, has propelled market growth during the forecast period.

China, Japan, and India are the leading countries contributing to the Asia Pacific market. Rising investments and expansions of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in these countries are expected to provide growth opportunities to the market in this region. Moreover, pharmaceutical companies were motivated to facilitate medical access to hospitals and patients. Rising anxiety about the transmission of the virus through the packaging surfaces offered pharmaceutical manufacturers an opportunity to increase the production of sterile packaging formats.

The market in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa shall gain a steady market share in the near future owing to factors such as rising government support toward the pharmaceutical industry, increasing healthcare spending, and rising prevalence of diseases. Moreover, the rise in the geriatric population and chronic diseases fuel the demand for pharmaceuticals, driving pharmaceutical packaging consumption in these regions.

List of Key Companies in the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Organic and Inorganic Growth Strategies by Key Packaging Manufacturers to Reinforce Market Position

The market's competitive landscape presents a semi-consolidated market, with the top 15 companies occupying a large market share. Major industry players have invested significant resources in developing several products and the technology used to manufacture them. A diversified product portfolio, superior operational efficiencies, and safe and novel technology development for pharmaceutical packaging applications are strategies adopted by market leaders for growth. The companies have adopted strategies of expansion, new product developments, partnerships, and acquisitions to increase their regional presence and product portfolio.

Major players operating in the market include Berry Global, Amcor, Sonoco Products Company, Huhtamaki, and Gerresheimer. Significant companies constitute more than 50% of the market, and many regional and local players dominate the remaining market. Numerous other players operating in the industry are focused on delivering advanced packaging solutions and boost the global market size.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Amcor Plc (Switzerland)


• Gerresheimer AG (Germany)


• SCHOTT AG (Germany)


• Westrock (U.S.)


• AptarGroup, Inc. (U.S.)


• Berry Global, Inc (U.S.)


• NIPRO (Japan)


• CCL Industries Inc. (Canada)


• West Pharmaceutical Services (U.S.)


• SGD Pharma (France)


• Ardagh Group S.A. (Luxembourg)


• International Paper (U.S.)


• Comar LLC (U.S.)


• Vetter Pharma (Germany)


• Nolato AB (Sweden)


• Origin Pharma Packaging (U.K.)


• Huhtamäki Oyj (Finland)


• Parekhplast India Limited (India)


• Regent Plast Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• Graham Blow Pack Pvt. Limited (India)


• Becton Dickinson and Company (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 - Constantia Flexibles declared the launch of an innovative and recycle-ready laminate with enriched chemical-resistant properties. The newest addition is combined with the guidelines of “design for recycling” and replaces several chemically harmful products like gel compositions or pharmaceutical liquids.


• May 2023 - Bormioli Pharma, a leading manufacturer of glass & plastic primary packaging for pharmaceutical products, declared the launch of a label, EcoPositive. The label launch is beneficial for all the company’s offerings of sustainable packaging. It also comprises recycled glass, plastics, bio-based or compostable solutions, and innovative polymer products.


• April 2023 - Amcor, a leading global manufacturer of responsible packaging solutions, declared the addition of an innovative and sustainable High Shield laminate to its packaging portfolio of the pharmaceutical industry. Launching this low-carbon and easily recyclable packaging alternatives helps fulfill the industry's high barriers and performance requirements, along with supporting the recycling program of pharmaceutical manufacturers.


• July 2021 - Keystone Folding Box Company reported increased demand for corrugated cardboard-based blister packs for pharmaceutical packaging. This increase in demand was driven by increased demand for child-safe pharmaceutical packaging in the U.S. and the introduction of new environmental sustainability legislation in India.


• April 2021 - Amcor Plc (Switzerland) launched customer trials for a new mono-material, recyclable polyethylene blister pack—AmSky. This brand eliminates the use of polyvinyl chloride, making recycling possible.

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The research report presents a comprehensive industry assessment by offering valuable insights, market segmentation, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. Several methodologies and approaches are adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views to formulate the report. Furthermore, the report covers a detailed industry analysis of market segments, including material, product type, drug delivery mode, packaging type, and regions, helping our readers get a comprehensive global industry overview.

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