Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Analysis

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Analysis

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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.