Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Product (High Barrier Films, Lids & Labels, Pouches & Bags, Seals, Wraps and Other Products), Material (Paper, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polypropylene, Bioplastics and Aluminum), End User and By Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market is accounted for $25.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $33.85 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. Flexible packaging preserves item’s quality and shelf life while shielding them from moisture, ultraviolet (UV) rays, mildew, dust, and other environmental pollutants. It is commonly accessible in pouches, bags, and other formats and is constructed from flexible materials including foil, plastic, and paper. In comparison to rigid packaging, it uses less base material, which cuts down on production time and energy use. Flexible packaging is widely utilized by pharmaceutical businesses worldwide for the packaging of medications and medical supplies since it is portable, simple to discard, and needs fewer raw materials during production.
Market DynamicsDriverIncreasing demand in healthcare sector
Healthcare supplies and equipment are prone to deterioration, biological contamination, and are readily disrupted by outside forces. The pharmaceutical and healthcare items require protection against tampering and contamination. The market for healthcare flexible packaging is expanding significantly as a result of the growing elderly population and the rising prevalence of various chronic conditions.
RestraintStringent government regulations
To ensure public safety, government laws extend the packaging process and impose restrictions on the medication industry. Recycling plastics, aluminum cans, and other packaging materials is subject to strict governmental laws. The packaging businesses for healthcare products must comply with all anti-tampering regulations and must select multi-layer labeling. The world health organization's pharmacopeia standards must be taken into account by manufacturers. All of these factors are impeding market expansion.
OpportunityRaising usage of single-use packages
Flexible packaging is worthwhile, especially for single-use product packaging. Single-use goods are becoming more and more prevalent since they reduce the chance of cross-contamination. Because the items and packaging can both be sanitized, the packaging offers fewer risks for infection. Additionally, they enable low-cost design innovation. It is affordable, long-lasting, and very crucial in a medical or hospital context since it may provide a clean environment. Cost, convenience, and energy efficiency are facilitating the market's expansion.
ThreatDisposability of plastics
Most plastic packaging that is destined to landfills ends up in natural surroundings as a result of inadequate waste management systems across the world. Materials are packaged in blisters with aluminum sheets and plastic, which is frequently transformed into microplastic that cannot be recycled. The average lifespan of plastic packaging is less than six months before it is thrown, and even then, the majority of it is never recycled or burned. Plastic pollution endangers wildlife, disrupts ecosystems, and endangers human health. The issue of disposability is hindering market expansion.
Covid-19 ImpactCOVID-Demand for rapid-response packaging is being driven by 19 immunization programs throughout the world. Healthcare packaging producers provide tubs, lids, trays, and inserts that are used to distribute corona virus test kits and immunizations at a dizzying pace. In the medical device and life sciences industries, demand for packaging products has skyrocketed. As a result, throughout the pandemic, the healthcare Flexible packaging industry has shown favourable growth.
The pouches & bags segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The pouches & bags segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to its numerous applications. Most of the medical items are packaged in pouches and bags. They are primarily utilized by healthcare facilities to securely collect and dispose of hazardous medical waste, including items contaminated with body fluids, blood products, and linen. Throughout storage, handling, and transportation, they guarantee safety and maintain their sterility. These factors collectively are boosting sector demand.
The contract packaging segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The contract packaging segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Contract packaging company already has the machinery needed and the knowledge required to run them efficiently. They also have cutting-edge technology, offering the best and most effective solutions for the package. Less upfront money is needed for storage and warehousing. The expansion of contract packaging services is thought to be most favourable in emerging economies.
Region with largest shareAsia Pacific is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The demand for products in this region is quite high from developing nations like China and India. One of the main end-use industries that will offer profitable development prospects for the region's producers of medical flexible packaging is contract manufacturing. The expanding healthcare sector and rising per capita income are both anticipated to have a beneficial effect on market growth.
Region with highest CAGRNorth America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to its expanding barrier material innovation and improved economic outlook. It has the strong presence of major companies, such as Amcor and Bemis. Additionally, there is a sharp increase in product demand due to the growing use of medication delivery systems such IV bags and feeding bags. Furthermore, rising R&D spending in the pharmaceutical sector is indirectly promoting market expansion.
Key players in the marketSome of the key players profiled in the Healthcare Flexible Packaging Market include Amcor Limited, Sealed Air Corporation, Bemis Company Inc, Huhtamaki Oyj, Mondi Group Plc, Becton Dickinson & Company, Coveris Holdings S.A., Catalent Inc, Sonoco Products Company, Constantia Flexibles Group GmbH, Aptar Group Inc, Berry Group Inc, Datwyler Holdings, Reynolds Group Holdings, WestRock, CCL Industries Inc, Gerresheimer and Winpak Ltd.
Key DevelopmentsIn April 2023, Sonoco expands sustainable packaging with EnviroFlex® paper pre-qualification for How2Recycle® labeling. This pre-qualification comes as a result of Sonoco’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.
In April 2023, CCL Industries announced that it has acquired eAgile Inc. (eAgile) and the intellectual property of Alert Systems ApS (Alert). located in Grand Rapids, Michigan with proprietary, patented hardware and software solutions for the healthcare industry supplied alongside RFID inlays embedded into labels. The $54 million purchase price includes an estimated $1 million net cash assumed with $7 million deferred for five years.
In September 2022, Mondi has worked on an innovative collaboration with German machine producer Heiber + Schröder to create a high-speed automated packaging machine that meets the process, efficiency and safety requirements of eCommerce fulfilment operations. The new eComPack machine is designed for mid to large size eCommerce operations seeking efficiency and reliability.
In January 2022, Amcor launched a new platform of paper-based packaging products AmFiberTM. AmFiber innovations aim to redefine the capabilities of traditional paper packaging, providing a wider range of features and functional benefits to meet the changing needs of consumers.
Products Covered
• High Barrier Films
• Lids & Labels
• Pouches & Bags
• Seals
• Wraps
• Other Products
Materials Covered
• Paper
• Polyethylene Terephthalate
• Polyethylene
• Polyvinyl Chloride
• Polypropylene
• Bioplastics
• Aluminum
End Users Covered
• Medical Device Manufacturing
• Implant Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Contract Packaging
• Other End Users
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 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- 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