Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (Plastics, Glass, Metal, Paper & Paperboard,), By Product (Plastic Bottles, Caps & Closures, Pre-Fillable Inhalers, Pre-Fillable Syringes, Vials & Ampoules, Blister Packs, Bags & Pouches, Jars & Canisters, Cartridges,), By Packaging Type (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary), By Drug Delivery Mode, and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

The global pharmaceutical packaging market size was USD 90.23 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 153.93 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

The pharmaceutical industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. The need for packaging in the medical industry is mainly dependent on the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. These packaging solutions are used to secure, store, and protect drugs during transportation and storage. These solutions are highly regulated to ensure the protection of the medicines from physical damage and external influences that might lead to contamination until the consumption of medicines. Pharmaceutical packaging also helps to maintain the stability of the product throughout its shelf life, while also used for product promotions. Further, it also helps manufacturers to differentiate their products from competitors. The rising demand for pharmaceutical drugs and medicines would directly lead to the growth of the market.

Covid-19 to have Minimum Impact on Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

 Several industries are distressed because of coronavirus, thus resulting in the scarcity of raw materials and disrupted supply chains. However, pharmaceutical companies were exempted from the restrictions of lockdown due to their activities being an essential part of the community. Pharmaceutical industries were operational to manufacture healthcare products, and government support for medicines and generic drugs will simultaneously foster the growth of the market. Key players in the market have automated their operations to keep up with the increasing demand for this packaging of COVID-related products.

LATEST TRENDS

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Development of Novel Drug Packaging Systems to Propel Market

The development of novel drug packaging systems has led to the demand for pharmaceutical packaging. The novel drug packaging system is used to pack prefilled inhalers and prefilled syringes, these products are single-dose units of vaccines. These products are the replacement for traditional syringes and vials. The prefilled inhalers and syringes are designed in such a way that they protect the packed drugs to directly come in contact with external surroundings or patients, and thereby avoid its contamination. It also reduces wastage and provides patient compliance by offering a self-administered metered dosage. The rising aging population coupled with an increase in diseases such as diabetes and asthma are fueling the demand for these products, which, in turn, will aid the development of novel drug packaging systems.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Pharmaceutical Industry around the Globe to Drive the Market Growth

The pharmaceutical industry is growing at a rapid pace mainly in developing economies such as China, India, and Brazil, and developed economies such as the US, UK, and Germany. 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 implementation of new regulations by governments to control the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, the rising demand for biological products and emerging treatments like cell and gene therapies are expected to promote the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, thereby leading to the demand for these packaging products.

Increasing Adoption of Generic Drugs in Developing Countries to Fuel the Market Growth

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

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rise in Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Drugs to Restrict the Market Growth

Counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs are fake medicines, which may contain false or no active ingredients and can be contaminated. These counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs are illegal and also harmful to health. These are manufactured and sold to deceptively represent authenticity, origin, and effectiveness. The growth in counterfeit pharmaceuticals is rising due to third shift packaging, where the contract manufacturers seek extra profits by producing additional secret drugs and selling them to the counterfeiters. Hence, rising counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs are anticipated to restrict the market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Material Analysis

Plastics Segment to Remain the Largest Material of Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Based on material, the market of pharmaceutical packaging is segmented into plastics, glass, metal, paper & paperboard, and others. Plastic is the largest raw material used in the production of this packaging. Plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 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, serve as an ideal packaging material for pharmaceutical preparations. These plastics protect drugs from physical damage and contaminations. It finds its application in bottles, closures, blister packs, jars & canisters, and overwrap.

Paper & paperboard is the second-largest material used in this packaging owing to its lightweight and low-cost properties. Mostly it is preferred for secondary and tertiary packaging. The paper & paperboard material is used to make cartons, shrink wraps, boxes, and cardboards.

By Product Type Analysis

Plastic Bottles Segment to Account for the Major Share during the Forecast Period

Based on type, the market is categorized into plastic bottles, caps & closures, pre-fillable inhalers, pre-fillable syringes, vials & ampoules, blister packs, bags & pouches, jars & canisters, cartridges, and others. Among these plastic bottles segment is the largest product type. The growth of this segment is attributed to its lightweight, easy to mold, and low-cost properties. Additionally, plastic bottles have gained preference in the packaging of solid as well as liquid pharmaceutical preparations such as tablets, capsules, syrups, ophthalmic, and nasal medications. Increasing demand for plastic bottles in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to drive market growth.

The pre-fillable syringes segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the review period. The pre-fillable syringes are transparent, lightweight, ready-to-fill, break-resistant, and serve as an efficient replacement for traditional syringes. These syringes provide metered dosage without any wastage and enable self-administration. The increasing need for immediate treatment along with rising diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases are expected to surge the demand for pre-fillable syringes.

By Packaging Type Analysis

Primary Packaging Segment to be the Fastest-Growing Packaging Type in the Market

Based on packaging type, the market is classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary packaging is the largest and fastest-growing packaging type in this market.  This packaging type directly comes in contact with the drug hence has to meet all the regulatory parameters and maintain the quality of the drug. Plastic bottles, caps & closures, blister packs, pre-fillable inhalers, pouches, and medication tubes are some of the packaging products included in this packaging type. These products protect the drugs from moisture, chemicals, and aids in maintaining the shelf life of the drug.

Secondary packaging is used for packing a group of primary packaged products. This segment consists of boxes and cartons. This packaging provides detailed information about the drug including ingredients, manufacturer's name, and address, precautions, and use and storage instructions and helps to differentiate drugs from one another.

By Drug Delivery Mode Analysis

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Oral Drug Delivery Packaging to Account for Dominant Share during the Forecast Period

Based on drug delivery mode, the market is classified into oral drug delivery packaging, injectable packaging, topical drug delivery packaging, pulmonary drug delivery packaging, transdermal drug delivery packaging, ocular drug delivery packaging, nasal drug delivery packaging, and others. Oral drug delivery packaging is the dominant segment in the market. The pharmaceutical preparations are majorly consumed orally in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and semi-liquids. The flexibility in designing dosage and cost-effective production makes oral drug delivery an ideal choice, which further fuels 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. The products such as prefilled syringes or auto-injector pens, vials, and ampoules are used in injectable packaging. Increasing use of injections for drug delivery will fuel the demand for injectable packaging.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The pharmaceutical packaging market size in North America stood at USD 26.89 Billion in 2019.

North America holds the largest share in the market. The U.S. is the largest contributor to this region. The growth in this region is due to the rapidly rising pharmaceutical industry. The rising demand for primary packaging products, increasing healthcare spending, and rising disease prevalence are driving the market of pharmaceutical packaging in this region.

Europe is the second-largest region in the market, in which Germany, UK, and Italy are the leading countries. The growth in this region is attributed to the rising use of pharmaceutical products such as plastic bottles & containers, vials & ampoules, and pre-fillable syringes. Further, the rising adoption of new regulations by governments to control the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19 has propelled the lucrative growth of the market. In the Asia Pacific, China, Japan, and India are the leading countries contributing to the growth of the market. The rising investments and expansions of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in these countries are expected to provide growth opportunities to the market in this region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Organic and Inorganic Growth Strategies by Key Players to Reinforce Position

At present, the competitive landscape of the market depicts a semi-consolidated market with the top 15 companies accounting for a major share in the market. Key players in the market have invested a considerable amount of resources in the research and development of several packaging products and technologies to produce them. A diversified product portfolio, superior operational efficiency, and safe & novel technology development for pharmaceutical packaging applications are the strategies used by the market leaders for their growth. The companies have adopted the strategies of expansion, new product development, partnership, and acquisition to increase their regional presence and product portfolio.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Amcor Plc (Switzerland)


• Gerresheimer AG (Germany)


• Origin Pharma Packaging (UK)


• Nelipak Healthcare (Alberta)


• Pharma Packaging Solutions (TN)


• SCHOTT AG (Germany)


• Becton Dickinson & Company (US)


• West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (US)


• WestRock (US)


• AptarGroup, Inc. (US)


• Berry Global, Inc (US)


• NIPRO (Japan)


• Carcano Antonio S.p.A. (Italy)


• SABIC (Saudi Arabia)


• Lonza Group AG (Switzerland)


• ALPLA-Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co KG (Austria)


• Constantia Flexibles (Austria)


• CCL Industries Inc. (Canada)


• Frank Noe Egypt Ltd (Egypt)


• Gaplast Gmbh (Altenau)


• Others

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In July 2021 – Origin Pharma Packaging established a new warehouse facility in North Lincolnshire, UK. It has 4,900 fully barcoded pallet spaces, four loading bays, and a 20,000 sq. ft holding area. This expansion will help the company to enhance pick accuracy, stock management, and efficiency, and fulfill client demands across the UK and the rest of the world with market-leading speeds.


• In April 2021 – Amcor launched a new AmSky blister system, a thermoform blister packaging based on recyclable polyethylene to meet the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical packaging. This new product will eliminate the use of PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) from the packaging that will result in a 70% reduction of the company’s carbon footprint.


• In February 2021 – SteriPack acquired Morristown-based HS Design Inc., a certified company specializing in healthcare design manufacturing. After the acquisition, SteriPack and HSD, both have decided to collectively provide flexible medical packaging design, development, and contract manufacturing solutions, and integrating holistic product lifecycle management services.


• In January 2021 – Nelipak Laboratory Services completed the collaboration of a new climatic conditioning compartment to meet the amplified demand for conditioning.


• In December 2020 – ProAmpac acquired Rosenbloom Groupe Inc., Hymopack Ltd., and Dyne-A-Pak, based in Canada that manufacture packaging products. This acquisition will enhance the manufacturing capabilities of the company and will broaden packaging product offerings of paper bags, can liners, foam packaging trays, and plastic bags.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, materials used in packaging, sterilization method adopted, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the pharmaceutical packaging market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation