Innovation & Sustainability in Europe’s Healthcare Rigid Plastic Packaging: An In-depth Analysis.
The healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry size estimated to be worth USD 8,368.0 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 10,924.8 million by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 2.7% over the forecast period between 2024 and 2034. The revenue generated by healthcare rigid plastic packaging in 2023 was USD 8,161.4 million. The industry is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 2.5% in 2024. heat shrink packaging film
Thermoformed blister packs are projected to be worth USD 1,417.0 million in 2024 and USD 1,966.5 million in 2034. The construction design of thermoformed blister packs is such that they allow clear containment of each portion of the drug making them perfect for medications, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. This transparent nature facilitates visual check on the content filled increasing the safety and adherence of the patient.
Healthcare Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Forecast
The healthcare rigid plastic packaging products made with polyethylene terephthalate, are poised to yield an incremental opportunity of USD 540.7 million along with an incremental growth of 1.3 times the total market. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has superior qualities that inhibit the penetration of water and air.
Therefore, it is most suitable for protecting sensitive drugs and appliances in the medical field. Besides, PET is combined with other properties like being lightweight, deep-draw able enabling the material to be used for different packaging designs.
Among multiple applications, pharmaceuticals will lead in terms of demand for healthcare rigid plastic packaging in Europe over the forecast period at a CAGR of 2.4% and the market is expected to grow to USD 5877.5 million by the end of the year 2034.
The increasing requirements for packaging solutions that are secure, reliable, and; most importantly, compliant so to protect the quality of the pharmaceutical products. This is corroborated, by the fact that there has been an increase in the requirements for the pharmaceutical market with regard to high quality and high-barrier packaging.
The sales revenue for the healthcare rigid plastic packaging in Europe is expected to increase further by USD 2,763.5 million and is expected to grow at 1.3 times the current sales revenue by the end of the forecast period.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the Europe healthcare rigid plastic packaging market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 2.6%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 2.8% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 2.4% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3.0% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.
Improved Barrier Properties for Sensitive Products to Drive the Market
Out of the various factors responsible for the damage of pharmaceutical products, moisture, oxygen, and light are likely to affect the stability along with the quality of pharmaceuticals including biologics and gene therapy products that contain sensitive products. Pharmaceuticals including biologics and gene therapy, which are complex in structure and quite sensitive, involve strong and quality packaging solutions during transportation to ensure that integrity and quality are met.
These requirements are pushing the manufacturers in the healthcare industry towards more personalized and high-quality packaging materials, which is boosting the demand for advanced barrier technologies for the materials used in packaging.
Rigid plastic packaging emerged as the suitable or convenient option as it is an important part of the protective packaging products that fulfil the demand for sensitive products. Advancements in barrier properties of packaging materials will further ensure the product's integrity and will enhance the overall shelf life while preventing them from degradation and contamination.
For instance, the multi-layered plastic film with superior barrier properties can block out moisture, and oxygen, and the UV-blocking additives can ensure the safety of light-sensitive pharmaceutical medications from photo degradation to further fuel the demand for improved barrier properties in the materials for rigid plastic packaging that are particularly used for the healthcare industry.
Digitalization & E-commerce Growth in Pharmaceuticals to Drive the Market
Consumers in Europe not only have become more concerned with convenience but have also begun ordering medications and other healthcare products over the Internet. This increase in online orders of pharmaceuticals brings about the demand for durable packaging solutions that will stand up to the abuses of shipment and handling at e-commerce fulfilment centres.
Rigid packaging solutions are one of the major reasons for survival in aggressive handling, temperature shock, and pressure while transporting goods that ensure the product arrives safe and clean, which in turn increases demand for rigid packaging solutions.
With changes in the E-commerce platforms, the manufacturers tend to develop packing solutions that alters safety features such as tamper-proof glasses and child resistance features. In particular, e-commerce growth and digitalization of healthcare operations in the pharmaceutical industry will fuel the demand for healthcare rigid plastic packaging.
Awareness of Plastic Pollution among European Consumers May Hamper Market Growth
The article published by the European Environment Agency has stated that around 8% of European microplastics enter oceans annually and the global figure for plastic pollution in oceans is predicted to be around 16 - 35% i.e. between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes of microplastics.
The growing awareness among European consumers knowing the adverse effects causing marine pollution and overflowing landfills is hampering plastic-based product growth. This awareness in consumers led to an increase in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce environmental footprint.
These demands are forcing manufacturers to shift towards more sustainable alternatives. Further, this heightened environmental awareness led to stricter regulations and policies that aim to reduce plastic waste these factors overall may hamper some of the products of the healthcare rigid plastic packaging market.
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The European market recorded a CAGR of 2.6% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. Market growth of healthcare rigid plastic packaging was positive as it reached a value of USD 8,161.4 million in 2023 from USD 7,356.1 million in 2019.
The demand for rigid plastic packaging in the healthcare sector in Europe has been increasing as a result of the expansion of the medical facilities and the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging industry within regions such as the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, among others, that manufacture bottles, vials, ampoules, containers, and trays.
The increase in chronic diseases and the rise in the number of elderly populace in Europe is one of the major reasons which will create need for rigid packaging solutions which are made from plastics for product protection and is acceptable in various manufacturing industries to increase the products life span.
Advances in technology and new material had led to the birth of engineering plastics like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), through which manufacturers could design different packaging forms according to the set regulations. Such emerging trends include tamper-evident and child-resistant and contamination free packaging solutions that encourage the use of high-performing and rigid plastic packaging solutions in Europe.
Sustainability becoming a key issue due to plastic waste management and other environmental issues leads to manufacturers looking up to alternatives such as recyclables, and plant-based materials aimed at enhancing the circular economy within the region. This strategic business shift comes in tandem with the stringent environmental policies and the increasing customer demand.
Tier 1 companies consist of market leaders with a target market revenue of above USD 300 million accounting for a significant market share of 15% to 20% in the global market. High production capacity and their wide range of product portfolios characterize these market players. These key players are differentiated by their superior expertise in manufacturing a variety of packaging formats and a broad geographical presence coupled with a robust consumer base.
They offer a broad range of series with recycling and manufacturing by utilizing the advanced technology meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality in products and services. The prime key companies within tier 1 include Gerresheimer AG, Becton & Dickinson Company, Berry Global, Inc., and Nipro Corporation.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size companies with a market revenue of USD 50 to 300 million having their presence limited to specific regions and highly influencing the regional market. These companies are characterize by a limited presence and well maintained market knowledge.
These market players possess good technology ensuring regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach compared to Tier 1 players. Key companies in tier 2 include Sonoco Products Company, Amcor plc, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
Tier 3 category includes the small-scale players operating at the local presence and serving niche markets capturing a market revenue of less than USD 50 million. These players are notably focused towards fulfilling local market demands and are classified within the tier 3 share segment.
These are small-scale players and have limited geographical presence. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, a sector characterized as lacking extensive structure and formalization compared to above-organized competitors.
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The section below covers the future forecast for the healthcare rigid plastic packaging market in terms of countries. Information on key countries in several parts of Europe including, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom (UK), Russia, Poland, BENELUX, Nordics, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, and the Rest of European Countries. Hungary and Austria anticipated to remain at the forefront in Europe, with a CAGR of 5.0% and 4.6% through 2034.
Variety of heart and circulatory diseases affect about 7.6 million people in the UK. Of these 7.6 million, about 4 million are males while 3.6 million of females, this in accordance with The British Heart Foundation in 2024. Further it is estimated that more than half of the population in the UK will get a heart or circulatory condition lifetime.
This rise in the numbers of heart and circulatory diseases patients in the country raises demand for pharmaceutical as well as medical products like statins, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, antihypertensive, and blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, and stents. They require safety, durability, and tamper-evident packaging solutions.
Plastic rigid packaging solutions that are capable of providing excellent barrier properties and must specifically fit into specific product requirements thus ensuring patient safety and product integrity to drive the demand for rigid plastic packaging solutions. Moreover, an advanced healthcare infrastructure and an aggressive approach towards handling public health boosts the demand for a healthcare rigid plastic packaging market.
The data published by the International Trade Administration in December 2023, states that Germany is the third-largest medical technology industry and the healthcare sector that generates around USD 883 billion of economic footprint i.e. 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2022, USD 469.2 billion worth of gross value was added by Germany to the healthcare industry.
The government of Germany is increasing its movements to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure, modernize medical facilities, and improve patient care services. These initiatives by the government not only improve quality but also the accessibility of the healthcare services boosting demand for advanced medical products.
These advanced medical products necessitate durable and reliable packaging solutions including rigid plastic packaging. Rising healthcare expenditure in Germany is attributed to public and private sector investments supporting the growth of the rigid plastic packaging market thus driving the market.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. In terms of applications, pharmaceutical is estimated to account for a share of 55.2% by 2024 with a growth rate of 2.4%. By end-use cases, in-house manufacturing is projected to dominate by holding a share of 56.1% by the end of 2034 and is expected to grow at a growth rate of 2.1%.
Bottles Inc. caps/closure is expected to lead the healthcare rigid plastic packaging market in Europe during the forecast period. Bottles Inc. caps/closure is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 2.1% generating an incremental growth opportunity worth USD 802.9 million by 2034.
The bottles also include caps and closures because they are convenient, versatile, and have added safety features that may be used in many medical applications of liquid pharmaceuticals, and preparations, among other prescription drugs.
In addition, advanced secure features such as child-resistant and tamper-evident closures help the content stay non-contaminated and therefore integrity as well as efficacy of the drugs. Bottles available with caps and closures exhibit several shapes and sizes and various materials can be used for different medical applications.
In 2024, the European market for rigid plastic packaging in healthcare is expected to value polyethylene material at USD 3592.7 million. A growth rate of 2.4% is foreseen during the forecast period. Because of its functional capabilities, durability, and low-cost, polyethylene finds applications across the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
One of the features of polyethene is chemical resistance, which means that no medicinal product gets spoiled or contaminated through its packaging. Also, because of its flexibility, it accommodates different packaging methods including bottles, containers, caps and closures which fit specific healthcare industries.
Key players of Europe healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry are developing and launching new products in the market. They are integrating with different firms and extending their geographical presence. A few of them are also collaborating with local brands and start-up companies for new product development.
Key Developments in Healthcare Rigid Plastic Packaging Market:
In terms of packaging format, the healthcare rigid plastic packaging market divided into bottles inc. caps/closures, thermoformed blister packs, trays, medication tubes, jars inc. caps/closures, vials & ampoules, and prefilled inhalers, syringes & cartridges.
Some of the important materials used for healthcare rigid plastic packaging include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and others (polycarbonate, PVDC, etc.). Polyethylene is sub-categorized into low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are sub-divided into bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP) and bi-axially oriented pet (BoPET), cast polypropylene (CPP) respectively.
In terms of applications related to healthcare rigid plastic packaging, the market includes pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medical supplies, and medical devices. Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are sub-divided into over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription (Rx) drugs. Medical supplies include gloves, scissors, syringes & needles, and surgical tapes. The medical devices consist of surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic.
The end-use cases for the Europe healthcare rigid plastic packaging include in-house manufacturing, contract manufacturing organization (CMO), and contract research organization (CRO).
Key countries of Europe such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom (UK), Russia, Poland, BENELUX, Nordics, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, and rest of the European countries are covered.
The healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry in Europe is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.7% between 2024 and 2034.
The Europe healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry stood at USD 8,161.4 million in 2023.
Europe's healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry is anticipated to reach USD 10,924.8 million by 2034 end.
Hungary is set to record a CAGR of 5.0% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the Europe healthcare rigid plastic packaging industry are Gerresheimer AG, Becton & Dickinson Company, Berry Global, Inc., Nipro Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Amcor plc, and Adelphi Healthcare Packaging.
Healthcare Rigid Plastic Packaging Industry Analysis in Europe
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