Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends

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.