Cartridges Market – By Preparation, By Application, By Material, By Size, & By End Use – Global Forecast, 2024 to 2032

Cartridges Market Size

The global cartridges market size was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2032. The market is experiencing substantial growth driven by the rising needs for convenience and self-administered drug delivery devices, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases.
 

For instance, a report by World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 indicates that around 422 million people worldwide are suffering from diabetes. This problem is concentrated within the low- and middle-income countries. This rise in the global focus on diabetes is anticipated to raise the need for effective methods of insulin delivery.

Cartridges, extensively used in insulin pens and injection devices, are an efficient and convenient means of self-administration, generating increased demand as well with the rise in the number of diabetics. Therefore, robust growth in response to the intensifying need for diabetes management and other disease conditions is expected to stimulate the demand for cartridges in the coming years.
 

In addition, progress in materials such as biocompatible glass and polymers aid in drug stability and compatibility, increasing the attractiveness of manufactured cartridges to pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients alike, thus increasing the market.

Cartridges is specifically designed to hold and administer medication in precise doses.
 

They are slim cylindrical vials whose bodies are manufactured from medical-grade glass or polymers. Cartridges are used in different injection drug delivery devices such as insulin pens, automatic injectors, and prefilled syringes. In addition, various technologies, such as cartridges, ensure stability and sterility during medication processes while maintaining precision in dosing. This is highly beneficial for patients  capable of self-administering their treatment.
 

Cartridges Market Trends

The growing shift for self-administered therapies has spurred the demand for cartridges. Moreover, the growing preference with the convenience allows them to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases much more conveniently at home.
 

• The cartridges used in auto injectors and insulin pens promote patient compliance by making dosing easy and effective. This paradigm shifts in health care goals to enhance patient autonomy and flexibility by reducing the over-reliance on health care facilities. Self-administration is a beneficial system as it is a cost-effective option gaining traction among patients.
   
• In addition, self-administration is being considered a more cost-effective approach that shifts focus onto improving dependency on healthcare. Thus, self-administration continues to endorse the growth of the market and motivates advancing the manufacturing technique for better optimizations.
   

Cartridges Market Analysis

Based on preparation, the global market is segmented into ready to use (RTU) and ready to sterilize (RTS). The RTU segment dominated the market and is anticipated to grow at 8% CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• The demand for RTU cartridges was asserted due to its efficiency and convenience for healthcare providers and patients.
   
• RTU cartridges are especially popular for delivering biologics, vaccines, and insulin, as they facilitate accurate dosing and reduce the risk of contamination.
   
• Moreover, as patients embrace self-administration and home healthcare solutions more proactively, the adoption of RTU cartridges intensified solidifying its prominence in the market.
   

Based on application, the global cartridges market is categorized into small molecules and biologics. The biologics segment accounted for the highest market share of 70.1% in 2023.
 

• The dominance of the biologics segment was asserted due to the increasing dependency on biologic drugs to manage a various life-threatening chronic disease like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
   
• Biologics including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins are examples of biologics necessitating precise controlled delivery systems for both efficacy and safety.
   
• Cartridges designed for biologics facilitate accurate dosing reducing contamination risk, making it one of the essential factors for healthcare providers and patients.
   
• Additionally, increasing demand in the pharmaceutical sector due to growing demand for personalized medications and development of more biologic therapy fuels the demand for cartridges establishing dominance stronger in the competitive market.
   

Based on material, the cartridges market is categorized into glass and polymer. The glass segment accounted for the highest revenue of USD 1.1 billion in 2023.
 

• The increasing demand for glass materials in the market was stimulated by the demand for glass cartridges which are of higher quality, cheaper, and more resistant to chemicals compared to plastics.
   
• High resistance to various elements and low coefficient of expansion boiling point negatively affects leaching and glass materials due to high thermal shock offers a superior melting point.
   
• In addition, glass cartridges can be used with a wide range of pens and automizers that are typically used to dispense local dental anesthesia and insulin for diabetes.
   

Based on size, the cartridges market is categorized into 1 ml, 1 ml - 2 ml, 3 ml - 5 ml, 6 ml - 10 ml, 10 - 20 ml, 20 - 30 ml, and >30 ml. The 1 ml - 2 ml segment accounted for the highest market revenue of USD 563.6 million in 2023.
 

• The healthcare industry has identified the 1 ml to 2 ml cartridges as common due to their broad therapeutics markets especially in biologics and insulin delivery.
   
• This range of volume is appropriate for many injectable medicines enabling accurate distributions of doses and comfort to the patients.
   
• The use of the prefilled syringes and autoinjectors that contain 1 ml to 2 ml cartridges has also assisted in the increasing demand for this range.
   
• In addition, these cartridges are easier to carry around and use, therefore they are preferred by patients and other healthcare providers for self-administration of medications.
   

Based on end use, the cartridges market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, pharma & biotech companies, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and other end users. The pharma & biotech companies segment dominates the market and is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion by end of 2032.
 

• The prominence of pharma and biotech companies asserted due to their significant R&D investment on novel drug delivery systems.
   
• These companies are leading the market for biologics and other complex as well as other precision administered therapies that create a greater need for advanced cartridge solutions.
   
• Their established distribution channels and regulatory expertise enable them to efficiently market new products, further solidifying them in the leader's position.
   
• Moreover, support from these companies and cartridge manufacturers aids in innovativeness, improvement of product quality and performance, fostering strong market competition.
   

In 2023, the U.S. held a leading position in the North American cartridges market and is projected to maintain this dominance throughout the forecast period, with a CAGR of 7.3%.
 

• The U.S. leadership is reflected due to its robust pharmaceutical and biotech industries that incessantly push for advanced drug delivery systems.
   
• In addition, research institutions and pharmaceutical companies prioritize the development of efficient and effective delivery methods, particularly biologics and chronic diseases management.
   
• Additionally, the market is fueled with a strong healthcare backbone plus a growing usage of self-administration devices.
   
• Additionally, a supportive policy framework and an emphasis on patient specific needs reinforce the position of the U.S. in the North America market.
   

China holds the highest share in the Asia Pacific cartridges industry, in 2023 and is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
 

• China's dominance is driven by its robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
   
• The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and demand for biologics have fueled the need for efficient cartridge solutions.
   
• Additionally, China’s healthcare reforms and growing focus on self-administered therapies further support this market expansion.
   
• Moreover, with ongoing advancements in drug delivery technology and increasing healthcare access, China's position in the Asia-Pacific cartridges industry is anticipated to strengthen significantly in the coming years.
   

Germany held a prominent position in the Europe cartridges market.
 

• Germany strengthens its position in this market with its strong biotechnological and pharmaceutical market.
   
• The country houses a number of major pharmaceutical companies that focus on sophisticated innovative drug delivery systems, hence creating a robust need for quality cartridges.
   
• Germany's market position is further bolstered by the heavy R&D investment and regulated policies that puts emphasis on healthcare advancement.
   
• In addition, stringent regulatory standards warrant a necessary base to ensure product quality and safety, which also promotes growth in the market.
   

Brazil accounted for the highest revenue in the Latin American cartridges market.
 

• Brazil is in a leading position due to the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the country and growing market for drug delivery systems.
   
• With an existing population with chronic conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases increase along with the expected older generations, the healthcare industry does have a sophisticated healthcare system.
   
• As the demand for cartridges that are used for insulin delivery pens, auto injectors, and other medical equipment used in diabetes treatment is on the rise, so do investments in research and development from Brazilian pharmaceutical companies.
   
• Also, government supported self-administration devices and general support for healthcare improvement enables Brazil to monopolize over the market within this region.
   

Saudi Arabia is poised to grow at a significant growth rate in the Middle East and Africa cartridges market.
 

• Saudi Arabia’s growth is reflected to the growing advancements in the pharmaceutical market, investment into the healthcare section, and infrastructure surrounding these devices.
   
• In addition, the aging population within Saudi Arabia is no wonder worrying about the growing rate of demand for chronic disease treatment solutions to combat the insulin dependency.
   
• Furthermore, Saudi Arabia focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility and its support for patient-centric solutions, self-administered further stimulates the market growth.
   
• Therefore, the aforementioned factors supported Saudi Arabia’s position in the market.
   

Cartridges Market Share

The market is highly competitive with the presence of various key players and niche companies focusing on product development and technological improvement. They strive to manufacture reliable cartridges for uses such as pharmaceuticals, biologics, and insulin delivery systems. Moreover, the competition is enhanced with new entrants and local players coming onto the field. In addition, the companies are highly adopting strategic approaches such as partnerships and collaborations improving technology and increasing market coverage in other therapeutic areas.
 

Cartridges Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the cartridges industry include:

• AptarGroup
• Baxter
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Corning
• Daikyo Seiko
• Datwyler Holding
• Gerresheimer AG
• Merck KGaA
• Nipro
• Schott Group
• Shandong Medicinal Glass
• Stevanato Group
• Transcoject
• West Pharmaceutical Services
   

USP’s for the top market players

• Heavy investment in research and development
   
• Offering precision-engineered cartridges ensuring reliable drug delivery systems
   
• Strong distribution network enabling product accessibility
   

Cartridges Industry News

• In September 2024, SHL Medical formed a strategic partnership with Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM). This collaboration seeks to offer fill-finish services for the RTU cartridges utilized in the Maggie 5.0 autoinjector. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of drug delivery, driving further growth in the market for innovative injectable solutions.
   
• In July 2024, SCHOTT Pharma launched new 10ml RTU cartridges specifically designed for storing highly sensitive biologics that treat various chronic conditions. The launch aimed to provide a solution to meet the compatibility with delivery devices, enabling patients to self-administer medications, enhancing convenience, and reducing healthcare costs.
   

The cartridges market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and volume in Units from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Preparation

• Ready to use (RTU)
• Ready to sterilize (RTS)

Market, By Application

• Small molecules
• Biologics

Market, By Material

• Glass
• Polymer

Market, By Size

• 1 ml
• 1 ml - 2 ml
• 3 ml - 5 ml
• 6 ml - 10 ml
• 10 - 20 ml
• 20 - 30 ml
• >30 ml

Market, By End use

• Hospitals & clinics
• Pharma & biotech companies
• Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs)

• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE