North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 16.51 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 22.06 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.97 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Analysis
The North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 16.51 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 22.06 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.97% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Pharmaceutical packaging materials must be chemically inert, exhibit low water vapor permeability, and be user-friendly. Plastics fulfill these essential criteria. Moreover, as these materials directly contact pharmaceuticals and biological agents, they must adhere to stringent regulations set by authorities. Given their compliance, plastics and polymers have become the go-to choice for pharmaceutical packaging.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) are the primary materials in pharmaceutical packaging. They shield pharmaceutical products from oxygen, odors, moisture, and contamination, making them ideal for blister packs. Their superior organoleptic properties ensure that the flavor of both food and medications remains intact. Additionally, PVC mono films resist sunlight and UV rays, acting as a barrier to contamination and germ spread during production and distribution during the forecast period.
- Pharmaceutical bottles come equipped with child-resistant caps and closures. These plastic bottles cater to various products, from syrups and capsules to eye drops. Their strength, lightweight nature, and flexibility allow for diverse forms and sizes.
- The market for pharmaceutical plastic bottles has expanded, driven by technological advancements and a growing reliance on these bottles for both solid and liquid medications. However, fluctuations in crude oil prices and regulatory changes could raise plastic costs, potentially dampening consumer demand and hindering industry growth during the forecast period.
- As the pharmaceutical sector embraces innovative packaging solutions—like droppers, spray pumps, and resealable openings—the demand for caps and closures is set to rise. Market players are also broadening their product ranges. The industry is leaning toward tamper-evident caps for their child-resistant and contamination-free benefits.
- With manufacturers shipping products across varied conditions, there's a push for packaging that ensures integrity and longevity. Businesses increasingly prioritize post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and biodegradable options, signaling a solid move toward sustainability. This eco-friendly trend is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming years, with many companies investing heavily in R&D to create unique and cost-effective solutions as technological advancements in plastic packaging drive product innovations.
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Trends
Rising Demand for Sealed and Protective Caps and Closure for Pharmaceutical Containers
- Plastic caps and closures are pivotal in sealing liquid medicines and gel-based products within the pharmaceutical industry. As advanced drugs emerge, there's a pressing need for specialized packaging to accommodate a broader range of pharmaceutical fluids and medications. Liquid medicines cater primarily to individuals, like children and seniors, who struggle to swallow tablets and capsules.
- Many commonly prescribed medications are in liquid form, facilitating easier consumption through solutions, suspensions, and syrups. These liquid medicines are typically housed in plastic bottles and accompanied by plastic measuring cups to ensure accurate dosing—a critical factor for safe and effective drug delivery, especially for pediatric patients.
- Pharmaceutical products are vulnerable to contamination from airborne particles, dust, and microorganisms. The industry employs caps and closures featuring advanced oxygen barriers to combat this, ensuring product integrity. These closures also boast child-resistant properties and anti-counterfeiting features.
- Approximately 50% of US citizens have utilized a prescription medication in the past month. This widespread usage, including notable drugs like Humira, Eliquis, Biktarvy, and Revlimid, underscores the region's robust demand for pharmaceutical plastic packaging. As spending on these medications rises, so does the demand for associated packaging products like plastic bottles, caps, and closures.
- A notable uptick in patients requiring long-term medications has driven the demand for robust medicine packaging. Treatments for chronic conditions, including cancer and thyroid issues, are fueling this market’s growth. For instance, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) projects US thyroid cancer cases to rise to 44,020 in 2024, up from 43,720 in 2023. Such increases in critical illnesses are expected to boost medication demand, elevating the need for packaging products, including caps and closures.
- The US FDA mandates that pharmaceutical plastic manufacturers label products with child-resistant packaging for consumer awareness. This rising emphasis on child-safe packaging is a significant driver for the pharmaceutical plastic packaging market. In response to this demand, Berry Global Group Inc. unveiled a range of child-resistant PET bottles in February 2023, spanning sizes from 20ml to 1,000ml. These bottles, designed for syrup and liquid medicines in pharmaceutical and herbal markets, emphasize the growing need for tamper-evident and child-resistant packaging.
Regulation in the United States Regarding Pharmaceutical Product Packaging Fuel the Growth of Plastic Material
- As the US economy grows, consumers increasingly spend on healthcare and medicines, boosting the demand for pharmaceutical packaging solutions. The surge in plastic usage for pharmaceutical packaging can be linked to stringent legislation to enhance the integrity and quality of domestically produced pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry's escalating demand for sterile medical packaging is set to drive the market’s growth during the forecast period. Notably, the US stands out as a leader in both the consumption and development of pharmaceuticals.
- In the United States, the packaging sector operates without comprehensive regulation by federal or state laws. However, the FDA oversees food, medicine, and cosmetic packaging regulations to uphold customer safety and confidence. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies, including those specializing in packaging, must navigate these regulations. This encompasses understanding permissible materials for pharmaceutical packaging and essential safety features, such as child resistance and tamper evidence.
- The Poison Prevention Packaging Act, enacted to safeguard children from accessing potentially harmful household items, mandates that pharmaceutical packaging adhere to child-resistant design standards. Various design elements and strategies can be employed to achieve child resistance; these range from safety closures that deter children's access to pharmaceutical products to single-dose blister packaging, like peel-push blisters, for medication containment.
- According to FDA guidelines on Tamper-Resistant Packaging Standards for Certain Over-the-Counter Human Drug Products, most OTC pharmaceutical products must be in tamper-resistant packaging. This means the packaging must feature a barrier to entry, an indicator, or another distinct element that signals to the user if the packaging has been opened or tampered with. Such regulations are expected to bolster the growth of the pharmaceutical plastic packaging market.
- Additionally, with the US population aged 0-11 years projected to grow from 46.6 million in 2022 to 50.6 million by 2030, there's an anticipated surge in demand for pharmaceutical syrups, leading to increased consumption of plastic bottles.
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Industry Overview
The North American pharmaceutical plastic packaging market is fragmented, featuring prominent players such as Gerresheimer AG, Amcor Group GmbH, Berry Global Group, Inc., Comar LLC, Klockner Pentaplast Group, Nipro Medical Corporation, Bormioli Pharma United States Inc. (a subsidiary of Bormioli Pharma SpA), and Pretium Packaging. These key players are actively working to bolster their presence and capabilities, primarily through strategic expansions.
• March 2024- Bormioli Pharma SpA unveiled plans to bolster its capacity and infrastructure in North America, aligning with the region's growing pharmaceutical market demands. The company aims to solidify its foothold in the region through this strategic expansion.
• January 2024- Amcor Group GmbH expanded its thermoforming capabilities in North America, specifically targeting the healthcare market. This strategic move enables the company to better serve the surging demand from clients in the medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer health sectors.
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Leaders
-
Gerresheimer AG
-
Amcor Group GmbH
-
Berry Global Group, Inc.
-
Comar LLC
-
Klockner Pentaplast Group
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market News
- July 2024: Amcor Group GmbH completed nine months of receiving recognition for its AmSky™ and AmPrima™, which helped the company earn a place on Walmart’s Circular Connector platform. AmSky is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminum-free recycle-ready blister pack for pharmaceuticals. Disrupting the decades-long, over-the-counter standard drug pack, it uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE). AmPrima is a portfolio of recycle-ready packaging solutions for both solid and liquid content.
- April 2024: Berry Global Group, Inc. completed six months since the launch of a lightweight tube closure solution. This innovative closure, crafted from either virgin polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) or food-safe post-consumer recycled plastics (rPE and rPP), significantly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is particularly suited for personal care and pharmaceutical applications.
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Demand for Child-resistant Packaging Solutions Drive the Demand for Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging
5.1.2 Transitioning from Glass to Plastics Packaging Significantly Driving the Sales
5.2 Market Challenges
5.2.1 Newly Developed Drugs Conflicting with the Packaging Material
5.2.2 Regulatory and Recycling Challenges with the Pharmaceutical Packaging
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Raw Material
6.1.1 Polypropylene (PP)
6.1.2 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
6.1.3 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
6.1.4 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
6.1.5 Other Raw Materials
6.2 By Product Type**
6.2.1 Solid Containers
6.2.2 Dropper Bottles
6.2.3 Nasal Spray Bottles
6.2.4 Liquid Bottles
6.2.5 Oral Care
6.2.6 Pouches
6.2.7 Vials and Ampoules
6.2.8 Cartridges
6.2.9 Syringes
6.2.10 Caps and Closure
6.2.11 Other Product Types
6.3 By Country
6.3.1 United States
6.3.2 Canada
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles
7.1.1 Gerresheimer AG
7.1.2 Amcor Group GmbH
7.1.3 Berry Global Group, Inc.
7.1.4 Comar LLC
7.1.5 Klockner Pentaplast Group
7.1.6 Nipro Medical Corporation
7.1.7 James Alexander Corporation
7.1.8 Drug Plastics Group
7.1.9 Pretium Packaging
7.1.10 Bormioli Pharma United States Inc. (Bormioli Pharma S.p.A.)
7.1.11 Silgan Plastics (Silgan Holdings Inc.)
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE MARKET
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Industry Segmentation
Plastic is a favored choice for pharmaceutical packaging due to its applicability, durability, flexibility, and sustainability. In pharmaceutical packaging, plastic bottles are crafted from various materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The industry prioritizes transparent, lightweight, and durable plastics for storage and marketing. Beyond bottles, plastics play a pivotal role in packaging blister packs, sachets, prefilled syringes, inhalers, parenteral solution pouches, and more.
The North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging market is segmented by raw material (polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and other raw materials), product type (solid containers, dropper bottles, nasal spray bottles, liquid bottles, oral care, pouches, vials and ampoules, cartridges, syringes, caps and closures, and other products types), and country (United States and Canada). the market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Raw Material | |
| Polypropylene (PP) | |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | |
| Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) | |
| High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | |
| Other Raw Materials |
| By Product Type** | |
| Solid Containers | |
| Dropper Bottles | |
| Nasal Spray Bottles | |
| Liquid Bottles | |
| Oral Care | |
| Pouches | |
| Vials and Ampoules | |
| Cartridges | |
| Syringes | |
| Caps and Closure | |
| Other Product Types |
| By Country | |
| United States | |
| Canada |
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market?
The North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 16.51 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.97% to reach USD 22.06 billion by 2029.
What is the current North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size?
In 2024, the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 16.51 billion.
Who are the key players in North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market?
Gerresheimer AG, Amcor Group GmbH, Berry Global Group, Inc., Comar LLC and Klockner Pentaplast Group are the major companies operating in the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market.
What years does this North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 15.52 billion. The report covers the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. North America Pharmaceutical Plastic Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
