Vials Market – By Preparation, By Application, By Material, By Size, & By End Use – Growth Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Vials Market Size

The global vials market size was valued at USD 12.2 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2032. A vial is a small, sealed container commonly made of plastic or glass, designed for the storage of liquid, powder, or freeze-dried medications.
 

Among their critical purposes, vials are indispensable for maintaining the sterility and integrity of drugs. Vials are frequently utilized for vaccines, injectables, and biologics, and can be found in both single-use and multi-dose variants. These vials are closed with a rubber stopper or cap to prevent cross-contamination until the medication is administered.

The market is showing high growth, owing to the increased need for the pharmaceuticals industry, particularly injectable medications and biologics. This is increasing the need for higher quality vials to contain the drugs and ensure their safety and efficacy. Also, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases and rising focus on the vaccination campaigns across the globe has tremendously increased the usage of vials for storage and distribution of vaccines. Furthermore, improvement in vial design, for example new glass formulations and tamper proof characteristics increase the popularity of vials.
 

In addition, the emphasis on the sustainable packaging trend is initiating the manufacture of biodegradable vials. All these factors along with the growing healthcare infrastructure and increased access to medication in new markets are increasing the demand for vials.
 

Vials Market Trends

The market demand is forecasted to grow on the basis of the developments in glass technology such as the production of coated and strengthened glass vials in addition to increased drug stability and safety.
 

• The advancements are directed towards satisfying the increasing needs of the pharmaceutical and biological industries where protection of sensitive formulations inside the packaging is a top priority.
   
• Additionally, in October 2024, Nipro instituted a new cooperation with Corning Incorporated. This agreement combines Nipro’s advanced glass vials and Corning’s cutting-edge glass vials coating technology, known as Velocity Coating Vials. The aims are to enhance the strength of vials and the stability of the drugs which will help propel further innovation in the pharmaceutical packaging industry.
   
• These advancements in glass technology markedly reduce the chances of breakage and contamination, therefore it is increasingly being favored in injectable drugs and biologics which leads to additional market growth.
   

Vials Market Analysis

Based on preparation, the global market is segmented into ready to use (RTU) and ready to sterilize (RTS). The RTU segment dominated the market and is anticipated to grow at 9.4% CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• RTU vials provide pre-measured doses drugs reducing the need for additional preparation, and aid in the prevention of contamination. This feature is especially advantageous in a clinical environment where both time and preciseness are essential.
   
• In addition, the efficiency and convenience brought by RTU systems facilitates faster adoption. These systems increase the productivity of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities by removing the need for sterilization and filling processes.
   
• This allows manufacturers to focus on primary operations resulting in reduced operational and labor cost. Also, the industry’s acceptance of RTU products stimulates the operation for faster time-to-market new drugs.
   
• As well as that, the rise of self-medication and home healthcare has generated further interest in RTU formulations. The popularity of RTU vials will for sure keep growing as healthcare providers seek quick as well as effective ways to improve patient results.

Based on application, the vials market is categorized into small molecules, biologics, and diagnostics. The biologics segment accounted for the highest market share of 48.6% in 2023.
 

• The increase in use of biologic treatments for chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders witnessed the biologics segment’s dominance in the market.
   
• Biologics are derived from living organisms, are also crucial for modern pharmaceuticals require specialized packaging to ensure stability and efficacy making the vials as an essential component.
   
• The segment’s growth is further bolstered by the increasing availability of biosimilars which enhance patients’ treatment options.
   
• Additionally, the growing number of approved biosimilars in recent years has improved access to treatment and thus created a greater need for vials designed for the formulation of biologics.
   
• For instance, around 671 brand-name biologics drugs approved by FDA in April 2023, except 43 biosimilar drugs got approved by FDA by October 2023. This disparity demonstrated that the continued reliance on brand-name biologics, which fuels higher demand for vials manufactured for complex therapies and their stability.
   
• Conversely, the lack of biosimilar products makes it even more clear that a strong packaging design is needed, making the biologics sector lead in vials consumption in the market.
   
• This development illustrated the growing importance of biologics in the pharmaceutical industry and the further growth of the market.
   

Based on material, the vials market is categorized into glass, polymer, and hybrid. The glass segment accounted for the highest revenue of USD 7.9 billion in 2023.
 

• The prominence of glass material stems from its superior strength, chemical stability, and the ability to sustainably contain sensitive pharmaceutical products.
   
• Injectables are more commonly packed in glass vials as they are less reactive and can keep the drugs and biologics safe from contamination.
   
• Furthermore, improved glass technology such as borosilicate glasses increases the performance of vials and makes them usable for more applications.
   
• The current trend in the pharmaceutical industry which emphasizes safety and quality further strengthens the position of glass vials in the market.
   

Based on size, the global vials 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 3 ml - 5 ml segment accounted for the highest market revenue and is projected to reach USD 6.6 billion by 2032.
 

• The 3 ml to 5 ml vials is mostly preferred because of their functionality as well as the wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical and health sectors.
   
• This size is highly preferred in the packaging of injectable drugs, vaccines and biologics as they provide inert environment that maintain the stability, precise dosing volume and reduce the possibility of contamination.
   
• There is also an increased usage of these vial sizes due to the rise in demand for smaller and more concentrated formulations.
   
• In addition, the fact that a number of different injectable drug delivery systems like syringes and infusion pumps are compatible with these vials, makes them easy to use in clinical environments, which makes them a leading segment in the market.
   

Based on end use, the vials market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, pharma & biotech companies, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), diagnostic laboratories, and other end users. The pharma & biotech companies segment is projected to dominate the market throughout the analysis period.
 

• The growth of pharma and biotech companies is propelled by the increasing demand for high-quality packaging solutions that ensures the safety and stability of different types of drugs, injectables and biologics included.
   
• As these companies continue to develop innovative therapies, including the biologic and the biosimilar drugs, spurring the need for vials containing inert substances.
   
• Additionally, the strong regulations within the pharmaceutical industry need strong packaging which makes these companies the first users of advanced vial technologies.
   
• Their collaborative efforts maintaining drug integrity further reinforces its position in the market.

In 2023, the U.S. held a leading position in the North American vials market and is projected to maintain this dominance throughout the forecast period, with a CAGR of 8.8%.
 

• The U.S. remains favorable on account of its strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry which leads to many opportunities for packaging.
   
• Further, significant investment in drug development, especially in biologics and personalized medicine which means there is a greater need in the U.S. market for improved vials that provide adequate stability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
   
• Alongside, the U.S. consists of large numbers of healthcare facilities, research centers, and distribution systems, which supports the growing usage of modern vial technologies. This robust industrial base makes the U.S. a prominent figure in the international market.
   

Germany held a prominent position in the Europe vials market.
 

• Germany’s position is consolidated by the robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, along with the commitment to high manufacturing standards.
   
• The country is renowned for its superior R&D in combination with a highly developed regulatory environment, that has reinforced Germany among the highest producers and users of quality vials for biologics, vaccines, and injectable drugs.
   
• Furthermore, an increased focus on precision medicine and biologic therapies in the country has intensified the need for special vials focused on the stability of drugs and safety.
   
• Therefore, the aforementioned factors strengthen the Germany’s prominence in the European market, enabling growth within the region while encouraging innovation.
   

China holds the highest share of 38.3% in the Asia Pacific vials market in 2023.
 

• China prominence was asserted to its growing domestic production of biologics, vaccines, and a boost in their sector of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
   
• An increase in demand for injectable drugs to treat chronic conditions and their robust spending on healthcare infrastructure has increased the need for advanced and reliable vial packaging
   
• Moreover, these sets of policies that enhance the production and exportation of pharmaceutical products strengthens China's market position.
   
• These factors have positioned China as an influential force in the Asia-Pacific market and a strong contributor in the region.
  .

Brazil accounted for the highest revenue in the Latin American vials market
 

• Brazil dominance is attributed to its growing healthcare demand and the broadening pharmaceutical industry.
   
• The local production of biologics and pharmaceuticals has increased and so has the need for reliable vial packaging that preserves the stability and efficacy of injectable drugs.
   
• Moreover, the government initiatives aimed at improving accessibility to healthcare along with immunization programs further stimulated the vials demand in Brazil. This sets Brazil on the top of the Latin American market.
   

Saudi Arabia is poised to grow at a significant growth rate of 8.6% in the Middle East and African vials market
 

• Saudi Arabia's position is also further supported by growing healthcare facilities and more investment flows into local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
   
• As part of the packaging process, the increasing focus on local production of medicines along with an upsurge in chronic diseases has raised the need for quality vials for injectable therapies and biologics.
   
• In addition, the Saudi Arabia development plans to be a competitive center for medical and pharmaceutical industry in the region reveals the extent of its contribution to the MEA market and strengthens its market position and regional development.
   

Vials Market Share

The market is characterized by leading pharmaceutical companies, glass manufacturers, and packaging professionals. Market leaders are primarily driven by large manufacturing volumes, innovations in the vial’s composition, and the large pharmaceutical companies support. With the goal of drug stability and safety for the patient, companies emphasize maintaining quality with more durable and chemically resistant vials like Type 1 borosilicate glass vials. There has been a concurrent increase in the demand for biologicals along with injectable therapies, which drives the need for specialized vials—prefilled and ready to use. This need has attracted competition from regional players in developing markets and Asia Pacific who are looking to provide lower prices.
 

Vials Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the vials industry include:

• Amcor
• Arab Pharmaceutical Glass
• Corning Incorporated
• Daikyo Seiko
• DWK Life Sciences
• Gerresheimer AG
• KISHORE GROUP
• Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
• Nipro
• Pacific Vial Manufacturing
• SCHOTT Pharma (SCHOTT Group)
• SGD Pharma
• Shandong Province Medicinal Glass
• SHIOTANI GLASS
• Stevanato Group
• West Pharmaceutical Services
• Wuxi NEST Biotechnology
   

USPs for the companies

• The comapnies are offering diverse portfolio tailored to sensitive biologics and vaccines
   
• Companies focusing on expanding manufacturing capabilities by providing high-quality customizable glass vials.
   
• Strong distribution network with price competitiveness
   

Vials Industry News

• In October 2023, SGD Pharma launched its new Sterinity range of RTU Type I molded glass vials, now featuring 10ml and 20ml ISO vials added to its existing portfolio. Sterinity offers optimal packaging for biologics and innovative treatments requiring parenteral glass vials. This launch aimed to enhance the company's offerings in the competitive industry.
   
• In September 2022, Gerresheimer AG and Stevanato Group S.p.A. entered into a collaborative agreement to create a premium RTU solution platform, initially focusing on vials and leveraging Stevanato Group’s advanced EZ-fill technology. This partnership aimed to enhance customer efficiencies, elevate quality standards, accelerate market entry, lower total cost of ownership, and reduce supply chain risks. This strategy enabled companies to strengthen their market resilience.
   

The vials 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
• Diagnostics

Market, By Material

• Glass
• Polymer
• Hybrid

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)
• Diagnostic laboratories

• Other end users

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

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