Cold Form Blister Packaging Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Material (Polypropylene (PP), Aluminum, Oriented Polyamide, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Other Materials), Application, and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Cold Form Blister Packaging Market is accounted for $4.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $7.54 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. Cold form blister packaging is a method of packaging pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products where the blister is formed at room temperature rather than being pre-formed. It involves a combination of PVC, aluminum, and a cold-form foil, typically composed of aluminum with a layer of plastic. Cold forming allows for deep cavities, intricate designs, and improved barrier properties compared to thermoformed blisters. This packaging technique is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for its ability to maintain product stability and extend shelf life.
According to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, in 2020, 53 new medicines were launched, while currently, more than 9,000 compounds are at different stages of development globally.
Market Dynamics:Driver:Pharmaceutical industry growth
Cold form blister packaging is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical sector for its ability to provide high barrier properties, ensuring the safety, integrity, and shelf-life of sensitive drugs. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to expand globally, the demand for cold form blister packaging rises. Moreover, these industries' emphasis on compliance with stringent regulatory standards, such as those imposed by the FDA in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe, further drives the adoption of cold form blister packaging.
Restraint:High initial investment
Investing in state-of-the-art machinery capable of producing high-quality cold form blister packaging involves significant upfront costs. These machines are complex and require specialized knowledge for operation and maintenance, further adding to the initial investment burden. Moreover, the procurement of raw materials, including aluminum foil and specialized laminates, can further impact investment planning and the profitability of this market.
Opportunity:Technological advancements
Advancements encompass various aspects of manufacturing processes, materials, and design capabilities, contributing to the enhancement of product quality, efficiency, and customization. Their design capabilities allow for greater customization and personalization of cold form blister packaging. Furthermore, innovative printing technologies enable intricate designs, branding, serialization, and regulatory requirements, which thereby drive this market size.
Threat:Lack of awareness
Manufacturers and stakeholders within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries may lack sufficient education about cold form blister packaging. Without adequate education, companies may overlook cold form blister packaging as a viable solution for their packaging needs or may struggle to implement it effectively. Additionally, consumers may also lack awareness of the advantages offered by cold form blister packaging, which can impede this market further.
Covid-19 ImpactThe COVID-19 pandemic has presented various challenges to the cold-form blister packaging market. As the pandemic disrupted global supply chains and manufacturing operations, it led to supply chain disruptions, raw material shortages, and logistical challenges. Additionally, stringent lockdown measures and social distancing regulations hindered business operations, leading to project delays and decreased investments in packaging technologies and infrastructure upgrades, potentially impacting the demand for cold-form blister packaging.
The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) segment is estimated to hold the largest share due to its crucial role in providing essential features to the packaging process. It is a thermoplastic polymer known for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred material for blister packaging. Additionally, these films are typically rigid and resistant to punctures and can be easily thermoformed at relatively low temperatures during the packaging process, thereby boosting this segment’s expansion.
The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The healthcare segment is anticipated to have highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its stringent requirements for product protection, tamper resistance, and patient safety. Healthcare products, particularly pharmaceuticals, require protection from environmental factors such as moisture, oxygen, and light to maintain their efficacy and stability. Moreover, the healthcare industry often deals with a wide range of product shapes and sizes, requiring a flexible packaging solution, which is driving this segment’s growth.
Region with largest share:Europe commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period owing to increased adoption of cold form blister packaging across various industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Some of the major players are also increasingly relying on cold form blister packaging due to its superior barrier properties, ensuring the protection of sensitive drugs from moisture, oxygen, and contamination. In addition, the region's growing aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases have further fueled the demand for this market in this region.
Region with highest CAGR:North America is expected to witness highest CAGR over the projection period, owing to the use of a special aluminum-based laminate that provides high barrier properties, making it suitable for protecting sensitive pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. Moreover, in North America, the stringent regulations imposed by regulatory bodies such as the FDA regarding packaging and labeling also contributed to the adoption of cold-form blister packaging, which is thereby propelling this region's expansion.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players in the Cold Form Blister Packaging Market include UFlex Limited, Amcor plc, SteriPackGroup, Constantia Flexibles, Sonoco Products Company, WestRock Company, Honeywell International Inc, Klöckner Pentaplast, ACG, Bilcare Limited, Svam Toyal Packaging Industries Pvt. Ltd., Tekni-Plex, Inc., Essentra plc, Ningbo Dragon Packaging Technology Co., Ltd. And Wasdell Group.
Key Developments:In January 2024, Amcor announced a significant expansion of its North American thermoforming capabilities for the healthcare market.
In December 2023, Honeywell announced plans to enhance and strengthen its building automation capabilities with the acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation's Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion, in an all-cash transaction.
In September 2023, Amcor announced the North American launch of curbside-recyclable AmFiber™ Performance Paper packaging, part of the company’s AmFiber portfolio.
Materials Covered:
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Aluminum
• Oriented Polyamide
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Other Materials
Applications Covered:
• Consumer Products
• Healthcare
• Food & Confectionary
• Electronics & Semiconductors
• Other Applications
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances