Pharmaceutical Packaging Market - By Product Type, By Material, By Packaging Type, By Application– Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size

The global pharmaceutical packaging market was valued at USD 151.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2025 to 2034. The growth of market can be attributed to rising demand for biopharmaceuticals and the need for tamper-evident, child-resistant packaging.
 

The increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals due to continuous advances in biologics and the emergence of personalized medicine are factors driving the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging market. The formulations are very intricate in nature; thus, special packaging solutions are required in order to provide efficacy and stability, which is the reason why manufacturers are heavily investing in R&D to encourage innovation. For instance, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA) stated in 2023 U.S. based biopharmaceutical companies invested around USD 96 Bn in R&D which was around 20% of the total sales for that year.
 

The demand for advanced packaging solution that provide stability and maintain efficacy of complex biological formulations from biopharmaceuticals industry is expected to create new opportunities for players. They can focus on development of advanced packaging solution such as cryogenic packaging.
 

The high emphasis on patient safety alongside regulatory requirements is increasing the need for child resistant and tamper proof packaging in the pharmaceutical sector. Manufacturers are nowadays embracing protective and precautionary measures in their medications to prevent the possibility of accidental ingestion through the design of new packaging concepts that are pharmaceutical industry specific. For instance, in February 2023, Berry Global Healthcare launched its latest range of fully accredited PET child-resistant bottle for syrups. Such enhanced practices reflect attempts on the part of the industry to enhance the safety standards associated with liquid medication packaging in a bid to balance compliance and consumer risk mitigation.
 

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends

• Recent trend observed in the market is consumers inclination towards self-administration and home-based treatment which calls for advanced packaging solutions such as auto-injectors, dual-chamber syringes, and micro-needle patches. Manufacturers are focused on delivering enhanced user safety and improved drug delivery accuracy which is supporting adoption of innovative packaging solution.
   
• This is expected to create new opportunities for players as they can focus on development of silicon-free syringes, laser-etched dose indicators, and ultra-thin film coatings. This will help them strengthen their position in home-based treatment landscape.
   
• Another trend observed in the market is increasing demand for next-generation biologics and mRNA therapies among consumers which call for advanced multi-barrier packaging solution. Thus demand for cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) containers, and ultra-low extractable glass packaging is witnessing high growth.
   
• This trend for mRNA therapies is expected to create new opportunities for packaging players as they cater to growing demand for specialized packaging in biologics through development of high barrier films.
   

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Analysis

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

• Primary packaging is projected to exceed USD 431.2 billion by the year 2034. Primary packaging that encloses the pharmaceuticals directly, are being fueled by the development of smart and interactive packaging. Cutting-edge solutions like RFID-enabled, temperature-sensitive, and child-proof packaging are enhancing drug traceability and safety. There is an increased need for primary packaging materials with enhanced barrier characteristics due to the increase in biologics and personalized medicine which ensures product stability and adherence by patients.
   
• Secondary packaging market accounted for USD 38.4 billion in the year 2024. The market growth is attributed to increasing sales from online pharmacies and direct to patient distribution.
   
• Tertiary packaging market predicted to grow significantly with a CAGR of 13.4% by 2034. Tertiary packaging facilitates the safe distribution and bulk storage of pharmaceutical products. Implementation of automated, sustainable, and tamper proof tertiary packaging is improving the supply chain efficiency. Adoption of recyclable corrugated cardboard and lightweight pallets facilitates a reduction in shipping costs and carbon footprints. There is a growing acceptance of IoT devices and smart tracking systems in packaging to provide better security and monitoring in real-time during distribution.
   

Based on material, the market is divided into plastics & polymers, paper & paperboard, glass, and metal.
 

• The plastics & polymers dominated the pharmaceutical packaging market and accounted for 43.4% of the total market share in 2024. The pharmaceutical sector relies on plastics as one of the key packaging materials, as it can serve multiple purposes and is lightweight and strong. The pharmaceutical packaging industry is experiencing high demand for bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable plastics in an effort to fulfil global sustainability goals and adhere to legislations on plastic waste reduction.
   
• The paper and paperboard market are expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% during the forecast period. Cartons, inserts, and labels are manufactured using paper and paperboard. There is an increasing trend to use recyclable paper certified by the FSC for packaging to create sustainable secondary packaging that meets regulatory requirements.
   
• The glass market accounted for 16.9% of the total market share in 2024. Vials and ampoules in the pharmaceutical industry are usually made of glass as it is inert and protective. The rise in the biologics industry heightens the need for lightweight, shatterproof, and siicon coated glass vials, which is superior in protection and safety than other alternatives.
   
• The metal market is projected to exceed USD 42 billion by 2034. Metal packaging, especially aluminum tubes and foil blisters, provides good barrier properties. Sustainability efforts have increased the replacement of traditional packing materials with recyclable aluminum and lightweight metal packaging with an aim to lower the carbon footprint of pharmaceutical logistics.
   

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated into blister packs, bottles, syringes, vials & ampoules, sachets, pouches, medication tubes, and others.
 

• Bottles market dominated the global pharmaceutical packaging market and accounted for USD 45.3 billion in 2024. Bottles are extensively used for solid and liquid pharmaceutical packaging as they are easy to use and handle. There is a growing trend toward lightweight, recycled, and bio-based plastic bottles. Manufacturers are attempting to address the environmental concerns by developing bottles that pose zero or very less environmental impact.
   
• The blister packs market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% by 2034. Blister packs offer unit dose protection for capsules and tablets, ensuring patient safety as well as convenience.
   
• The pharmaceutical packaging market in inclining towards the use of eco-conscious blister packs that are recyclable and biodegradable due to sustainability objectives and legal requirements to cut down on plastic use in the pharmaceutical packaging industry.
   
• The syringes market held a share of 10.2% in 2024. Pre-filled and auto injectors syringes are used for biologics and self-administration. The industry is experiencing an increase in the adoption of needle free, dual chamber, and smart syringes with added connectivity features, which is a good trend. These technologies meet the growing needs of patient safety, dosage compliance, and chronic disease management.
   
• The vials & ampoules market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% by 2034. Vials and ampoules provide sterile containment for injectable drugs and biologics. The biologic drug storage and vaccine containment have caused a rise in the demand for strong, lightweight, and shatterproof glass and plastic vials that improves handling in pharmaceutical logistics.
   
• The sachets market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% by 2034. Sachets are useful for liquid and powder packaging as they offer unitary doses and are cost efficient. The use of flexible, recyclable, and biodegradable sachets is increasing, especially in emerging markets, as companies strive to achieve set sustainability goals while providing enhanced barrier protection.
   
• The pouches market accounted for USD 9.7 billion in 2024. Pharmaceutical pouches offer light weight, moisture resistant as well as resealable packaging for both liquid and solid medication.
   
• The market is being influenced by innovation in pouch materials which are child resistant, tamper-proof, and recyclable, addressing safety and environmental concerns simultaneously.
   
• The medication tubes market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% by 2034. Medication tubes are used to package topical drugs, creams, and gels, and enables controlled dispensing. There is a growing adoption of aluminum tubes made with less plastic that is spurred by consumer demand for sustainable, convenient pharmaceutical packaging.
   

Segmentation of the pharmaceutical packaging market by application consists of oral drugs, injectable drugs, topical drugs, nasal drugs, intravenous drugs (IV) and others.
 

• Oral drug market accounted for USD 52.5 billion in 2024. Blisters, bottles, and sachets are oral drug containers which have a structure that preserves the medicine as well as ensures accurate dosage. There is a growing tendency toward the adoption of child resistant packaging as a measure of precaution and safety in oral drug packaging. Furthermore, the use of built in indicators to mark the doses prescribed to the patient is becoming popular to assist adherence to medication.
   
• Injectable drugs market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16% by 2034. Syringe, vial and ampoule are used for packaging injectable drugs and are designed in a way to ensure sterility and precise doses. The increasing use of pre-filled syringes is one of the trends, which is more convenient for the patients, as health care professionals do not have to prepare doses anymore. In addition, smart packaging which has built in sensors is being developed for better tracking of the delivery of medications.
   
• Topical drug market is predicted to surpass USD 94.7 billion by 2034. Tubes, jars, and airless pumps are some forms of topical drug packaging. The trend in topical drug packaging segment is incorporation of airless packaging systems wherein contamination of prefilled syringes is avoided so that the formulation is retained for extended periods. Moreover, packaging with precision dispensing features is favored more for the sake of comfort, especially in dermatological products.
   
• Nasal drugs market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% by 2034. Nasal drug packaging such as sprays and inhalers allow for the precise and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical products. Increasing demand for efficient drug delivery from consumer is expected to support the market growth.
   
• Intravenous drugs market is predicted to reach USD 57.6 billion by 2034. Intravenous drug packaging, such as bags, blisters, vials and ampoules, is crucial for ensuring safe delivery of medications. The trend here is the shift towards enhanced tamper evident IV packaging, which reduces contamination. In addition, the development of materials such as new flexible and low weight IV bags is increasing efficiency within hospitals.
   

North America accounted for 34.8% of the global pharmaceutical packaging market in 2024. Increasing government spending on healthcare sector, rapid technological advancements in drug delivery are major factors expected to drive the North America market growth.
 

• The U.S. dominated the pharmaceutical packaging industry and was estimated at USD 46.1 billion in 2024. The country growth is attributed to stringent government regulations pertaining to packaging and increasing government & companies spending on medicine. As reported by Statista, in 2023 the total spending on medicine in the US reached USD 714 billion.
   
• The Canada pharmaceutical packaging market is projected to reach USD 19.9 billion by 2034. In Canada, a drive towards sustainable packaging and stricter compliance is fostering technological advancement in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. The requirement for green materials coupled with health and safety regulations ensure positive growth of the pharmaceutical market of the country.
   

Europe held 27.8% of the global pharmaceutical packaging market share in 2024. Increased demand for biologics, stringent regulations, and sustainability initiatives are transforming pharmaceutical packaging in Europe. Innovation is evident through increases in recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials and general environmentally conscious packaging. Additionally, companies are adopting more sophisticated digital technologies such as NFC and RFID tags for better traceability as compliance to numerous regulations becomes more complex.  
 

• The Germany pharmaceutical packaging market is approximated to reach USD 59 billion by 2034. Demand for tamper evident packaging along with serialization solutions is on the rise in Germany because of the stringent EU Falsified Medicines Directive. These trends are likely to continue as pharmaceutical companies focus more on security and traceability, thus fueling the pharmaceutical market growth.
   
• The UK market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period. The innovations in child-proof and senior-friendly packaging continues to influence the UK pharmaceutical packaging industry. The aging population coupled with a robust regulatory framework will increase the need for functional and easy to use packaging solutions.
   
• The France pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2025 to 2034. The French market is adopting more personalized medicines and biologics, which is increasing the demand for advanced packaging systems for packaging complex drug formulations. This trend intensifies the growth of the market in France and drags attention of the manufacturers to develop advance packaging solution to cater to this demand.
   
• The Italy market is estimated to reach USD 10 billion by 2034. Italy is expanding its pharmaceutical packaging industry by focusing on the development of novel advanced packaging technologies including vacuum-sealed solutions and controlled temperature packaging, which is driven by the increase in biologics and biosimilars.
   
• The Spain pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2034. In Spain, the expansion of the generic market is increasing the demand for cost effective pharmaceutical packaging, resulting in the growth of the Spanish market. As the market share of generic drugs increases, advancements in packaging continue to grow.
   

Asia Pacific region dominated the market and accounted for 28.2% of global market share in 2024. Increasing production and export of medicine, as well as more government support for domestic manufacturing is triggering rapid growth in pharmaceutical packaging in the Asia Pacific region. To promote regional growth, smart packaging adoption and sustainability alongside traceability have emerged as critical focal points.
 

• The pharmaceutical packaging market in China is predicted to increase with a CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period. China's market is growing tremendously as a result of increased domestic healthcare needs and exports. Adoption of new drug formulations and biologics is increasing the use of high barrier and specialty packaging. Government regulations aimed at improving pharmaceutical safety and reducing counterfeit drugs are encouraging the use of track-and-trace technologies which will not only grow the market but improve compliance regulations.
   
• Japan held a share of 19.6% in the pharmaceutical packaging market in 2024. The growth of Japan's pharmaceutical packaging sector is primarily driven by the demand for smart and interactive packaging that optimizes patient adherence and enhances transparency throughout the supply chain. Drug administration is being improved through the adoption of RFID and QR codes for authentication, blister packs and prefilled syringes. Additionally, new environmentally friendly packaging solutions are being designed to meet the sustainability targets.
   
• The pharmaceutical packaging market in South Korea is expected to grow with a 15.5% CAGR during the forecast period. South Korea is rapidly advancing in the domain of smart pharmaceutical packaging, improving patient’s safety and compliance through technology. The storage and distribution of drugs is being enhanced through the use of NFC labels along with real-time tracking and moisture-resistant packaging. The push by the government to use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials is also stimulating change and growth in the market.
   
• The India industry is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 19% by 2034. The pharmaceutical packaging market in India is growing rapidly due to an increase in pharmaceutical exports. According to IBEF, in 2023 the Indian pharmaceutical exports was around USD 27 billion and is expected to reach USD 65 billion by 2030.
   
• The ANZ market accounted for USD 6.3 billion in 2024. Australia’s pharmaceutical packaging industry is changing due to the enhanced focus on sustainability as well as the international safety standards compliance. The growth of specialty drugs and biologics coupled with the demand for ecofriendly materials is influencing the packaging. Temperature-controlled as well as digitally enabled smart packaging systems are on the rise, which guarantees product and regulatory compliance within a highly competitive market.
   

Latin America held a share of 5.4% in global pharmaceutical packaging market in 2024. Cost control in healthcare alongside increasing pharmaceutical exports and the rising level of access to healthcare in Latin America is driving the market growth. The adoption of flexible and sustainable local manufacturing of pharmaceutical packaging in Brazil and Mexico is on the rise. Further, improvements in the region’s policies with the integration of digital tracking systems helps drive the economy and enhance the businesses.
 

• The Brazil pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to reach a CAGR of 14.4% over the forecast period. Brazil’s market is witnessing significant growth due to expansion of healthcare infrastructure and growing government investment in public health. Growth in over the counter and generic drugs is creating the demand for affordable secure packaging. The implementation of packaging serialization together with the existing track-and-trace methods strengthen supply chain integrity, while the new sustainable initiatives promote active and post-use of the materials.
   
• The Mexico pharmaceutical packaging market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 13.4% by 2034. Mexico’s industry is on the rise owing to the increase in the production of vaccines and the growth of self-administered medicines. Containers and single-dose vials that are child-resistant as well as tamper-proof and secure are gaining popularity. Global Pharmaceutical regulations as well as the increasing use of sustainable packaging is driving region's pharmaceutical packaging industry development.
   

The Middle Eastern and African held a 3.7% share of the global pharmaceutical packaging market in 2024. Growing investments into the healthcare system, the construction of local pharmaceutical plants, and strict regulations are propelling the market in the Middle East & Africa region.
 

• UAE pharmaceutical packaging industry accounted for USD 1.7 billion in 2024. The UAE's market is progressing due to the increased investments on health services and regulatory frameworks to ensure drug safety. Market is shifting toward anti-counterfeiting and, cold-chain technologies as there is high demand for new and effective biologics packaging. The trends towards sustainable and smart packaging also resonates with the nation’s vision of healthcare innovation.
   

• The Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical packaging market is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period. In Saudi Arabia, the pharmaceutical packaging industry is benefiting from growing pharmaceutical sector within the country and the increasing focus on localization. The Vision 2030 initiative is bringing focus towards enhancement of health services which increases the need for high quality, sustainably produced and tamper proof packaging. The shift toward more traceable and sustainable materials is increasing regulation and competition within the region.
   
• The South African pharmaceutical packaging market is estimated to be worth USD 2.7 billion in 2034. In South Africa, an increase in access to healthcare facilities as well as a rise in demand for essential medicines is resulting in the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging industry. The market is observing an increased adoption of unit-dose and tamper-evident packaging designs for improved drug safety. Innovation in affordable, eco-friendly packaging designs are being fostered by government policies that promote local drug manufacturing as well as sustainability.
   

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Share

The pharmaceutical packaging industry is highly competitive featuring established global leaders as well as various regional startups. The top companies/key players in the global pharmaceutical packaging market are Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc, Constantia Flexibles, Gerresheimer AG., and SCHOTT PHARMA, collectively accounting for over 18-22% of the total market share. These companies are heavily investing into innovative packaging technologies, such as smart and sustainable packaging, which aid in serving the demand for biologics, injectables, as well as personalized medicine. The integration of advanced materials, temperature-sensitive packaging, and tamper-proof features are improving safety and efficacy of the drugs, thus positioning these companies as leaders in the market.
 

Major players are integrating digital technologies such as serialization, as well as track-and-trace systems into the packaging to remain competitive. Such technologies increase regulatory compliance and supply- chain transparency. Moreover, the heightened focus on sustainability is encouraging companies to design new eco-friendly packaging that reduces environmental impact while satisfying the rising consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable products.
 

Further expansion of the market is facilitated by government regulations and policies that encourage advanced packaging solutions. Patient safety, anti-counterfeiting policy concerns, and sustainability focus are accelerating the adoption of next-generation packaging solutions. Moreover, market leaders tend to establish strategic alliances, undertake mergers and acquisitions to enhance their product and service offerings, and increase brand presence in different markets. With these strategies, firms attempt to accomplish the changes in the pharmaceutical industry, all while promoting innovation and maintaining affordable packaging.
 

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Companies

The Pharmaceutical packaging industry features several prominent players, including:

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Inc
• Constantia Flexibles
• Gerresheimer AG.
• SCHOT PHARMA

Amcor plc strategy is to strengthen its leadership position in the consumer and healthcare packaging market through merger and acquisition. For example, in November 2024, Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. reported a major merger in an all-stock transaction creating a global leader in packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare. This is expected to redefine the packaging industry by virtue of the competitiveness of both companies in innovation, sustainability, and market reach.
 

SCHOTT Pharma strategy revolves around delivering innovative packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The company specializes in providing glass and polymer-based products for packaging. SCHOTT Pharma is a strong player within the pharmaceutical packaging sector because of its customer centric innovation, and regulatory compliance.
 

Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry News

• In January 2024, Alpek Polyester collaborated with TekniPlex Healthcare to launch a new pharmaceutical grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blister film with 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) monomers. This new blister film is ideal for primary packaging and can be combined with the TekniPlex's Teknilid Plus polyester liding, resulting in a fully recyclable single use blister pack.
   
• In June 2024, SCHOTT Pharma opened a new facility in Lukacshaza, Hungary, for the production of prefillable glass syringes. This facility is intended to support the increasing global market needs for high quality glass syringes, which are preferred because of their capability to provide long-term, stable storage of drugs as well as safe delivery systems for patients and healthcare professionals.
   
• In July 2023, Constantia Flexibles launched REGULA CIRC, an advanced coldform foil solution that seeks to revolutionize blister packaging in the pharmaceutical industry. This advanced technology further promotes eco-sustainability by limiting the plastic content while increasing the proportion of aluminum in blister packs to be in accordance with the principles of a circular economy.
   

This pharmaceutical packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Blister packs
• Bottles
• Syringes
• Vials & ampoules
• Sachets
• Pouches
• Medication tubes
• Others

Market, By Material

• Plastics
  • Polyethylene (PE)
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Others
• Paper & paperboard  
• Glass   
• Metal  

Market, By Packaging Type

• Primary packaging
• Secondary packaging
• Tertiary packaging

Market, By Application           

• Oral drugs
• Injectable drugs
• Topical drugs
• Nasal drugs
• Intravenous (IV) drugs
• Others

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

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