Global demand for pharmaceutical packaging is expected to rise by 5.5% each year, reaching USD 62 bn in 2015, according to a new study published by market researcher Freedonia (Cleveland, Ohio / USA; www.freedoniagroup.com). About 70% of this growth will occur in the developed countries of western Europe, the US and Japan, although “World Phamaceutical Packaging” also predicts that, coupled with government programmes to upgrade the quality of locally produced medicines, China’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities will grow rapidly, too. Other countries predicted to evolve into fast-growing pharmaceutical markets include India and Brazil.

In general, annual growth rates for the period 2010-2015 are slightly below those registered from 2005-2010, when the global pharmaceutical packaging market grew at 5.8%. Aside from North America, where the annual growth rate has remained stable over the past 10 years, all other regional markets are expected to see lower growth in the years leading up to 2015.

Freedonia predicts that North America will remain the largest consumer of pharmaceutical packaging, especially with its drug-producing sector introducing ever more sophisticated therapies with specialised packaging needs. By contrast, western European growth will likely be driven by government standards on unit dose, high barriers and anti-counterfeit packaging, the US researcher asserts. While Japan is expected to remain a large and diverse consumer of pharmaceutical containers and closures, Freedonia expects the island-state to see below-average growth as drug makers increasingly focus on efficient packaging to offset price pressures.

Primary pharmaceutical containers are expected to account for USD 39 bn of pharmaceutical packaging come 2015, slightly exceeding the overall growth rate at 5.6% per year, Freedonia says, adding that prefillable syringes and vials likely will record the fastest growth. While plastic bottles are predicted to remain the most common oral drug packaging, their annual growth rates probably will remain below average. Nevertheless, this type of packaging will continue to dominate over-the-counter medicines, Freedonia says. Blister packaging is expected to remain the second most common type of pharmaceutical container.

As for pharmaceutical pouches, Freedonia predicts this market will see below average growth since applications are limited to unit dose packaging. By contrast, the US researcher predicts that prefillable inhalers will see strong growth as the number of patients treated for relevant diseases continues to rise. In addition, advances in aesthetic and barrier properties mean tubes will remain a leading container for topical medication, although Freedonia cautions that there will be increasing competition from plastic dispensing bottles and unit dose pouches.