Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market - By Material, By Technology (Recycle-based, Reuse-based, Degradable Packaging), By Product Type (Bottles, Vials & Ampoules, Cartridges & Syringes), By Application, By End User & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market was valued at USD 76 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 15% between 2024 and 2032.
 

According to the World Packaging Organizations (WPO), the pharmaceutical packaging market is projected to grow up to USD 229.9 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of approximately14.9%. Consumers are becoming aware about healthier lifestyles, easier access to healthcare facilities, and increasing global aging population, boosting the pharmaceutical packaging market. This overall growth in pharmaceutical packaging will drive the market as well.
 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), after covid, around 2,600 tons of plastic waste was produced. Approximately 85% of healthcare wastage includes packaging and the other 15% includes chemical and hazardous wastage. This proves that packaging is mainly responsible for wastage generation in the healthcare industry. Therefore, international organizations and governments are enforcing stringent rules and regulations for the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. This compels the manufacturers to go for sustainable packaging solutions.
 

Furthermore, people are becoming environmentally conscious and preferring sustainable choices. Therefore, manufacturers and companies are adapting sustainable and eco-friendly technologies for long-term sustainability. According to the journal published by International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), consumers are concerned about the future of environment, this indicates the rise in the demand for green products & packages in the coming future. Furthermore, according to the Global Sustainability study, nearly 60% of consumers consider sustainability to be the main driving factor in purchasing decisions. All these factors encourage manufacturers to adopt sustainable pharmaceutical packaging, driving market growth.
 

Materials, such as glass, paper, plastic polymers, cardboard, and metals, are often combined for packaging purposes, making recycling challenging due to the difficulty in separating these materials. Additionally, printing is an essential aspect of the packaging industry. Printing on eco-friendly materials and incorporating environment-friendly substances can be expensive. According to the Verpact, a Dutch legal entity, which play crucial role in the packaging chain has disclosed the recycling rates for different materials in 2024. For instance, glass is priced at USD 110.3 per kg, paper and cardboard at USD 18.7 per kg, and aluminium at USD 220.7 per kg. Rate of recycling includes cost of collection, separation and recycling for that specific material. This complicated sourcing procedure of recycling poses challenges for sustainable packaging manufacturers.
 

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends

Recently, biodegradable packaging is in trend. It consists of materials that can be decomposed by microorganisms such as algae, fungi, and bacteria within a year. Biodegradable materials are made up of mushroom and cornstarch. New research is exploring the implementation of these materials into the packaging production process. Researchers claim that seaweed is suitable for biodegradable pharmaceutical and food packaging. For instance, Astellas, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, recently used biomass-based plastic from plant-derived materials for its blister packages. The company is using biomass-based plastic, polyethylene, which is derived from sugarcane. The usage of biodegradable raw materials in packaging accounts for nearly 50% of the total raw materials used.
 

Additionally, paper-based materials are other alternatives, which have emerged from the traditional pharmaceutical packaging. Paper-based packaging is preferred for secondary packaging. Furthermore, companies are also using renewable energy for manufacturing processes and reducing fossil fuel usage, which harms the environment. For instance, in 2022, Pfizer, a giant pharma company, sourced 7.8% of renewable energy, aiming for steady growth to 80% by 2025 and 100% by 2030. Additionally, in June 2024, Keystone Folding Box, a paperboard packaging company, launched its paper-based blister packs, Push-Pak for the pharmaceutical industry. This solution is less expensive as the product cost is lower, thereby reducing shipment costs.
 

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Analysis

Based on technology, the market is divided into recycle-based, reuse-based, and degradable packaging. The recycle-based segment is expected to reach a value of over USD 118.2 billion by 2032.
 

• The industry is gradually adapting to recycling technology for plastic and other materials used in packaging. In the case of plastic, there are many types of recyclable plastics, although brands often consider Polyvinyl Chloride or Vinyl (PVC/V), PCR packaging, or High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) for recycling to reduce their environmental impact. Among all the materials, PVC is the most preferred for pharmaceutical packaging due to its flexibility. For instance, in June 2024, Aluflexpack launched a new pharmaceutical blister pack, ‘4∞ Form' , which is coated with aluminum. This product can be infinitely and endlessly recycled, making it optimal for recycling processes.
   
• Plant-based plastic materials, such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polylactic Acid (PLA), and molded pulp, are commonly used for biodegradable packaging technology. PLA is derived from sugarcane, corn starch, or cassava. Its versatility and biocompatibility make it a promising material in this segment. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of PHA opens myriad possibilities of its usage in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. In addition, companies are ensuring adequate protection of pharmaceutical products from moisture, contamination, and damage.

Based on end use, the sustainable pharmaceutical packaging market is divided into oral drugs, injectable, topical, ocular/ophthalmic, nasal, and others. The injectable segment is the fastest growing segment with a CAGR of over 18% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• Injectables utilize secondary packaging, which is being revolutionized with the use of paper. Diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV, create a high demand for injectables, generating a demand for their packaging. Smart packaging technology is currently trending in the context of injectable packaging. Automation in smart packaging contributes to sustainability in many ways, such as through effective energy use and reducing the potential for human error during the packing process, resulting in lesser waste generation.
   
• Oral drugs require blister for packaging. For instance, in May 2022, Bormioli Pharma announced the launch of a sustainable packaging solution, EcoPositive, which includes recycled plastics & glass, bio-based, compostable plastic solutions, and biodegradable & advanced polymer products for oral drugs packaging. Additionally, in May 2023, a startup called Parcel Health started a business of 100% paper-based packaging solutions for the pharmaceuticals industry. It replaced the pill bottle with paper-based packaging solution, the Phill Box. The solution is suited for oral solid doses; it is recyclable, water-resistant, compostable, and an easy-to-use alternative to traditional packaging.

North America dominated the global sustainable pharmaceutical packaging market in 2023, accounting for a share of over 35%. The American Medical Association (AMA) promotes the usage of recyclable plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate/high-density polyethylene. It suggests the use of electrohydraulic fragmentation technique to recover aluminum and polyvinyl chloride from blister packages. This technique can recover 88% of the aluminum used in blister packs. Additionally, AMA encourages the use of another technique called hydrometallurgy, which can achieve 100% separation and recovery of blister pack components.
 

The U.S. plays a pivotal role in the global market, characterized by the government initiative for advancements in the packaging industry. For instance, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) department governs the rules & regulations regarding the manufacturing and packaging for food & drugs. The FDA ensures the safety of the drugs and their packaging, instilling confidence in customers. As a result, the demand for drugs and their packaging is expected to grow, along with the demand for sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical industry.
 

In April 2024, the UK launched the Circularity in Primary Pharmaceutical Packaging Accelerator (CiPPPA) initiative to frame and implement strategies for end-of-use recycling of pharmaceutical packaging and medicinal devices. This initiative is a non-profit collaboration, which connects the stakeholders from across the pharmaceutical supply chain. The initiative encourages recycling of the packaging of blisters, Meter Dose Inhalers (MDIs), and injectables.
 

China is experiencing robust growth in the sustainable pharmaceutical packaging market, driven by its government encouragement and mandate. For instance, in September 2022, Chinese state council issued a mandate, which dictates the packaging producers to offer easy to recycle, reasonably designed, and cost & material saving solutions. Further it states to optimize drug packaging specifications. This move restricts the usage of non-sustainable packaging and promotes sustainable pharmaceutical packaging.
 

In South Korea, sustainable pharmaceutical packaging is shifting toward biodegradable and recyclable materials for reducing environmental impact. Companies are adopting minimalist designs by using innovative technologies to enhance packaging efficiency. Additionally, regulatory support and industry initiatives are driving these green practices, encouraging responsible sourcing and reducing carbon footprints.
 

Japan's sustainable pharmaceutical packaging industry is advancing steadily, characterized by the strategic action plans utilized by the businesses. For instance, in December 2022, Astellas Pharma, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, and Takeda announced collaboration, aiming to reduce the environmental burden in the field of pharmaceutical packaging. According to the agreement, these four companies were promoting the usage of environment-friendly packaging for pharmaceutical products by sharing expertise with each other on packaging technologies to reduce the environmental burden.
 

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Share

Companies have started investing more in Research & Development (R&D) for innovative and sustainable solutions. These companies are also working in collaboration to counter the challenges in sustainable packaging manufacturing. For instance, in April 2024, Amcor, a global leader of packaging solutions, collaborated with Kimberly Clark to launch Eco Protect diapers made with 30% recycled materials in Peru. The product offers sustainable packaging solution for hypoallergenic diapers made with certified plant-based fibers. These companies are focusing on building their brand image by achieving certificates, to gain long-term advantages. Additionally, they are trying to adhere to the framework of rules and regulations of the government and international organizations.
 

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Companies

Major players operating in the industry are:

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Group, Inc.
• Mondi Group
• Nipro Corporation
• Gerresheimer AG
• WestRock Company
• Uflex Limited
   

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry News

• In March 2024, MM Group, a secondary packaging specialist, became the first European company to achieve triple A certification from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). This achievement gave the company global recognition. This landmark accreditation built a strong image of the company in the market as well.
   
• In July 2023, Berry Global Group Inc., announced its collaboration with the Deaconess Midtown Hospital, and Nexus Circular. The initiative was aimed at effectively & safely recycling plastic packaging, sterile, non-hazardous, and non-woven fabric from Deaconess Midtown Hospital’s Surgical Center.
   

The sustainable pharmaceutical packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Material Type

• Plastics (biodegradable and recycled)
• Paper and paperboard
• Glass
• Aluminum
• Bioplastics

Market, By Technology

• Recycle-based
• Reuse-based
• Degradable packaging

Market, By Product Type

• Bottles
• Vials and ampoules
• Cartridges and syringes
• Others (tubes, containers, etc.)

Market, By Application

• Oral drugs
• Injectable
• Topical
• Ocular/ophthalmic
• Nasal
• Others

Market, By End User

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Contract packaging companies
• Retail pharmacies
• Institutional pharmacies (hospitals, clinics)

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

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