The global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market, valued at US$ 5.6 billion in 2023, is poised for substantial growth, anticipated to reach US$ 10.8 billion by 2034. This growth is fueled by a 6.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2034.
Pharmaceutical packaging plays a critical role beyond simply containing medications. It ensures product identification, prevents deterioration, safeguards against breakage, and protects against leaks. A wide array of packaging materials are used, including glass, plastics, rubbers, paper/cardboard, and metals. The equipment used for this packaging is diverse, encompassing strip packing machines, blister packing machines, cartoning machines, ampoule filling machines, liquid filling machines, syringe filling machines, automatic labeling/gumming/stickering machines, and pharmaceutical printing machines.
The Rise of Pharmaceutical Filling Machines
Pharmaceutical filling machines are essential components of the pharmaceutical industry. After medications are developed, packaging is the next crucial step. This packaging shields products from physical damage and enhances their appeal, contributing to product identification. Furthermore, effective packaging can improve patient adherence to medication regimens.
Driving Forces: R&D, Cost Reduction, and Growing Demand
The pharmaceutical packaging equipment market is projected to expand significantly due to ongoing research and development in packaging for improved outcomes. Pharmaceutical companies are actively seeking ways to lower production and packaging costs while boosting productivity. The increasing demand for packaging products compels suppliers in the pharmaceutical packaging equipment sector to invest in research and development and innovative marketing strategies.
Counterfeiting Concerns and Anti-Counterfeiting Technology
The rising prevalence of counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry has heightened the need for secure packaging. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose serious health risks to patients and result in billions of dollars in financial losses. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that counterfeit medications represent 10% of the global pharmaceutical market, with a value of US$ 200 billion.
To combat counterfeiting, governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations concerning pharmaceutical packaging. The adoption of anti-counterfeiting technology is anticipated to present lucrative opportunities for suppliers in the pharmaceutical packaging equipment market.
Regional Outlook: North America Takes the Lead
North America held the largest market share in 2023, driven by the presence of numerous and diverse drug-producing companies, coupled with stringent regulations aimed at ensuring the highest level of security in pharmaceutical packaging. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rigorously monitors manufacturers’ adherence to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) to ensure the quality of pharmaceutical products.
Key Players and Competitive Landscape
Manufacturers of pharmaceutical packaging equipment are focusing on products that enable tamper-evident packaging. This type of packaging safeguards products from tampering before they reach consumers. Some of the prominent players in the global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market include:
* Korber AG Mgt S.r.l.
* IMA S.P.A.
* Robert Bosch GmbH
* MULTIVAC Group
* Bausch+Ströbel SE + Co. KG
* OPTIMA
* Marchesini Group S.p.A.
* Uhlmann Group
* Tecnicam S.r.l.
* Romaco Group
Notable Developments by Market Participants:
* In February 2024, Körber AG acquired a majority stake in Rondo-Pak LLC, a US-based printing and packaging firm. This acquisition expands Körber’s range of packaging solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
* At the Compamed 2023 trade show in November 2023, MULTIVAC showcased a variety of integrated solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. Among these was the R 3 thermoforming packaging machine, a new model offering a competitive price-to-performance ratio alongside secure medical product packaging.
Market Segmentation:
The global pharmaceutical packaging equipment market is segmented based on various factors, including:
*
Product Type:
Solid packaging equipment, tablet packaging equipment, capsule packaging equipment, powder packaging equipment, semi-solid packaging equipment, ointment packaging equipment, cream packaging equipment, liquid packaging equipment, eye/ear drop packaging equipment, aerosol packaging equipment, and syrup packaging equipment.*
Package Type:
Primary packaging equipment, aseptic filling and sealing equipment, bottle filling and capping equipment, blister packaging equipment, soft tube filling and sealing equipment, sachet packaging equipment, other secondary packaging equipment, cartoning equipment, case packaging equipment, wrapping equipment, and others.*
Region:
North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.The Future of Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment
The pharmaceutical packaging equipment market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by factors such as the increasing demand for safe and tamper-proof packaging, stringent regulations, and rising investments in research and development. The use of advanced technologies, such as automation, robotics, and digitalization, will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of this market.
