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

Cartridges Market Size

The cartridges market was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2032, driven by increasing demand for convenient, self-administered drug delivery systems, particularly for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases. Furthermore, advancements in materials, including biocompatible glass and polymers, support drug stability and compatibility, enhancing the appeal of cartridges for pharmaceutical manufacturers and patients, thus further driving market expansion.
 

Cartridges are cylindrical vessels specifically engineered to securely contain and dispense medications in accurate doses. Usually constructed from glass or medical-grade polymers, these cartridges are utilized in various injectable drug delivery systems, including insulin pens, auto-injectors, and prefilled syringes. They play a vital role in maintaining medication stability and sterility while ensuring precise dosing, offering convenience for patients who need to self-administer their treatments.
 

Cartridges Market Trends

The growing preference for self-administered therapies among patients is significantly boosting demand for cartridges. Patients increasingly prefer self-administration for its convenience, allowing them to manage conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases from home. Cartridges used in insulin pens and auto-injectors support accurate dosing and ease of use, enhancing patient adherence to treatment plans. This shift aims to improve patient autonomy and flexibility while also reducing dependency on healthcare facilities, making self-administration an attractive and cost-effective option that continues to drive the market expansion.
 

Moreover, advancements in manufacturing processes are optimizing production efficiency, focusing on eco-friendly materials, and ensuring consistent quality, all aimed at fostering the adoption of cartridges within the pharmaceutical sector.
 

Cartridges Market Analysis

Based on preparation, the market is segmented into ready to use (RTU) and ready to sterilize (RTS). The RTU segment is anticipated to grow at 8% CAGR between 2024 and 2032.
 

• The dominance of RTU cartridges is reflected in their convenience and efficiency for both healthcare providers and patients.
   
• RTU cartridges are especially popular for delivering biologics, vaccines, and insulin, as they ensure accurate dosing and reduce the risk of contamination.
   
• The growing trend toward self-administration and home healthcare solutions further enhances the appeal of RTU cartridges, driving their widespread adoption and solidifying their leading position 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 fueled by the increasing reliance on biologic drugs for treating various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
   
• Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins, require precise delivery systems to ensure efficacy and safety.
   
• Cartridges designed for biologics facilitate accurate dosing and reduce contamination risks, making them essential for healthcare providers and patients.
   
• Additionally, the rise in personalized medicine and the growing number of biologic therapies in development further drive demand for cartridges, solidifying their prominence in the pharmaceutical market.
   

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

• The popularity of glass materials in the market was driven by the rising demand for glass cartridges, which offer superior quality and better chemical resistance compared to plastics.
   
• They feature a low coefficient of expansion, high thermal shock resistance, and durability against various substances, resulting in reduced leaching due to their high melting point.
   
• Additionally, glass cartridges are compatible with a diverse array of pens and auto-injectors commonly used for drug administration, including local dental anesthesia and insulin for diabetes management.
   

Based on size, the 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 prominence of 1 ml to 2 ml cartridges is due to their widespread application in various therapeutic areas, particularly in the delivery of biologics and insulin.
   
• This volume range is ideal for many injectable medications, allowing for accurate dosing while ensuring patient convenience.
   
• The popularity of prefilled syringes and autoinjectors that utilize 1 ml to 2 ml cartridges further drives this segment's growth.
   
• Additionally, the compact size of these cartridges enhances portability and ease of use, making them a preferred choice among healthcare providers and patients for self-administration of medications.
   

Based on end use, the 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 2032.
 

• The prominence of pharma & biotech companies can be attributed to their significant investments in research and development of innovative drug delivery systems.
   
• These companies are at the forefront of creating biologics and other complex therapies that require precise administration, driving the demand for advanced cartridge solutions.
   
• Their established distribution networks and regulatory expertise enable them to efficiently bring new products to market, further solidifying their leadership position.
   
• Additionally, the collaboration between these companies and manufacturers of cartridges fosters innovation, enhancing product quality and performance, which ultimately supports their dominance in the market.

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

• The U.S. prominence is reflected in its advanced pharmaceutical and biotech industries, which drive demand for innovative drug delivery systems.
   
• The country is home to numerous leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that prioritize the development of efficient and effective delivery methods, particularly for biologics and chronic disease management.
   
• Additionally, a robust healthcare infrastructure and the increasing adoption of self-administration devices contribute to the market's growth.
   
• Furthermore, regulatory support and a focus on patient-centric solutions enhance the U.S.'s prominence in the North American market.
   

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

• China's dominance in the Asia-Pacific region 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 market is anticipated to strengthen significantly in the coming years.
   

Germany held a prominent position in the Europe cartridges market.
 

• Germany's position is bolstered by its robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
   
• The country hosts several major pharmaceutical companies specializing in innovative drug delivery systems, which drives demand for high-quality cartridges.
   
• Germany's advanced research and development capabilities, along with its focus on healthcare innovation, strengthen its market position.
   
• Furthermore, stringent regulatory standards ensure product quality and safety, fostering market growth.
   

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

• Brazil's prominence is driven by its expanding pharmaceutical sector and increasing demand for effective drug delivery systems.
   
• The country has a robust healthcare infrastructure and a growing population with rising chronic disease prevalence, particularly diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
   
• As Brazilian pharmaceutical companies invest in innovative solutions, the demand for cartridges used in insulin pens, auto-injectors, and other delivery devices has surged.
   
• Additionally, government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and the adoption of self-administration devices contribute to Brazil's leading position in the regional market.
   

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

• Saudi Arabia is set to experience substantial growth driven by its rapidly advancing healthcare sector and increasing investment in pharmaceutical infrastructure.
   
• The country’s high prevalence of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, is boosting demand for reliable drug delivery systems like cartridges.
   
• Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility and its support for patient-friendly, self-administration solutions further stimulate this market growth.
   
• These factors collectively position Saudi Arabia for significant expansion in the cartridges industry across the region.
   

Cartridges Market Share

The cartridges industry is highly competitive, with key players focusing on product innovation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. These companies focus on developing high-quality, reliable cartridges for various pharmaceutical applications, including biologics and insulin delivery. Additionally, new entrants and regional players are emerging, enhancing competition. Collaborations and partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and cartridge manufacturers are also on the rise, fostering technological advancements and expanding market reach across different 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
   

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.
   

This 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