Global Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market is expected to record a CAGR of 15.13% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 96.54 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 343.01 Billion.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Overview

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging is the creation and application of environmentally sustainable packaging options that minimize ecological footprint while providing safety, efficacy, and integrity to pharmaceutical products. This encompasses the utilization of biodegradable, recyclable, compostable, and reusable materials and innovative packaging that reduces material consumption and waste. These packaging options are formulated to satisfy rigorous regulatory requirements while supporting global sustainability targets and corporate environmental responsibility initiatives.

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging is expanding at a rapid pace due to heightened consciousness about environmental challenges, more stringent regulations, and greater consumer expectations for green product offerings. Pharmaceutical companies, as well as producers of packaging materials, are spending capital on research and development to launch innovative materials and technology, striking a balance between performance and sustainability.

Third-party collaborations as well as coordination along the value chain are propelling the upscaling of eco-solutions. This shift towards circular economy thinking is also influencing packaging strategy, promoting reusing, recyclability, and reduced carbon footprints.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Key Growth Drivers

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends has tremendous growth opportunities due to several reasons:

• Increasing Green Consciousness: The global rising concern for environmental issues, such as plastic contamination and carbon impact, has established heightened consciousness among consumers, governments, and companies. The consciousness drives demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions that contribute minimal ecological traces while maintaining product integrity. For example, in March 2025, Berry Global’s 2024 Sustainability Report highlights significant progress in circularity and climate objectives, such as a 43% increase in post-consumer resin use, 130% growth in bioplastics, 93% recyclability of packaging, and product design for sustainability. Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduced by 28.3% since 2019, renewable energy consumption increased by 31%, and workplace safety and engagement were improved. They were rewarded with an MSCI AA rating and EcoVadis Gold, proving their dedication to a net-zero, inclusive future.

• Advances in Technology: Advances in technology in the manufacturing process and material science have enabled mass production of eco-friendly packaging materials meeting the extremely stringent specifications of the pharmaceutical sector. Such innovations involve the production of recyclable, degradable, and compostable packaging items that ensure product efficacy and safety. For example, Amcor’s November 2024 sustainability targets, as reported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment Report, are achieving recyclability of 94% of its flexible packaging and 95% of its rigid packaging, 9.4% PCR in plastics, and growing its AmFiniti recycled material portfolio. The company also achieved a 9% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a total 3.4 million-ton CO₂ reduction by signatories. In celebrating industry achievement, Amcor and the Foundation urge further global action and regulation to end plastic waste.

• Green Product Consumer Demand: Contemporary consumers are getting more and more concerned about consumer consumption. Such a change in consumer behavior compels pharma companies to shift towards green packaging solutions in an attempt to match market demand as well as customer loyalty. For example, in February 2025, Berry Global launched CleanStream Home and Industrial, a high-purity post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic for non-contact-sensitive packaging in the homecare and industrial segments. Developed with state-of-the-art AI-based decontamination and sorting, it is perfect for high-performance uses such as trigger sprays and paint cans. Leamington Spa, UK-headquartered plant allows closed-loop recycling, reducing carbon footprint by 35% vs. virgin plastic, saving 36,000 tonnes of CO₂ per annum. The technology is designed to match the rising demand for high-performance, sustainable packaging without a reduction in quality.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Key Threats

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market has several primary threats that will influence its profitability and future development. Some of the threats are:

• Excessive Transition Costs Ahead: Green packaging is highly capital-intensive on the front end for research, development, and tooling-up manufacturing equipment and processes. Such could serve as a hurdle, particularly to small and medium enterprises. Sonoco, for example, debuted its first green bond issue in January 2022 and raised $1.2 billion to maintain its sustainability efforts and pay for the $1.35 billion acquisition of Ball Metalpack, a preeminently recyclable metal-packaging company. ISS ESG-verified and consistent with the 2021 Green Bond Principles, the move is consistent with Sonoco’s Green Financing Framework and reiterates its commitment to circular economy solutions and its purpose of “Better Packaging. Better Life.”

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Supply Chain Disruptions are problems in the availability and supply of sustainable materials such as bio-based polymers or recycled plastics, which are at the embryonic stages of global expandability. They depend on local recycling networks, limited suppliers, and complex logistics and are therefore susceptible to delays, shortages, or inconsistent quality. In the pharma packaging industry, where sterility, material quality, and regulatory compliance take precedence, cost and manufacturing timetables will be affected by even minor disruptions. To guard against these dangers, as businesses go green, they need to build more local, diversified, and resilient supply chains.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Opportunities

• Biodegradable Blister Pack Development: Biodegradable blister packs represent an eco-friendly option to traditional plastic packaging that is sensible for sustainability programs and regulations. Such a development type is a great source of innovation opportunity for pharmacy packaging. For example, in November 2024, sustainable blister packaging is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical market by combining security with sustainability in the form of recyclable and biodegradable materials such as all-paper packs to reduce landfill waste and emissions. While stress still exists over balancing historical plastic performance and cost control, advances such as Locked4Kids’ child-resistant sustainable solutions provide tangible progress. This innovation heralds a strong move toward greener, compliant, and consumer-acceptable pharmaceutical packaging.

• Tech Start-up Collaborations: Incumbent companies partner with technology start-ups to tap into the newest solutions and upgrade the green packaging innovation. Incumbent companies can bring in innovation in material, design, and recycling technologies through such partnerships. For instance, in October 2024, Pester Pac Automation, along with Solutum Technologies, introduced an entirely biodegradable stretch and overwrap film for pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging. Water-certified biodegradable and compostable, the film contains no microplastics, offers enhanced tear strength, reduces material use, and reduces transport emissions. Compatible with present Pester machinery and reducing cutting air pneumatic energy by up to 80%, the solution delivers efficient, sustainable packaging in line with sustainability goals and compliance regulations.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Category Wise Insights

By Material

• Plastic: Plastics are widely used in pharma packaging since they are strong, rigid, and cheap. They also possess appropriate barrier properties that isolate the pharmaceutical products from water, air, and other extraneous particles. Environmental concerns due to traditional plastics have, however, moved towards greener plastics, i.e., reusable and bioplastics. For instance, Amcor will acquire Berry Global in an all-stock deal worth $8.4 billion in November 2024, offering a nearly 10% premium to Berry shareholders. The merger, which will be finished by mid-2025, will create a packaging giant with $24 billion in annual revenue, expanding Amcor’s global presence to over 140 countries and enhancing its consumer and healthcare packaging portfolio. The transaction is estimated to push earnings per share 12% higher in fiscal year 2026 and over 35% through 2028.

• Paper & Paperboard: Paper and paperboard packaging material is increasingly finding applications in pharmaceutical packaging as eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. They are biodegradable, recyclable, and made from renewable resources and hence are a perfect match for secondary packaging such as cartons and labels. For example, Sonoco will present its packaging innovations at Pharmapack 2025 in Paris in December 2024, bringing together its Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, and Consumer divisions on stand J95. Highlights are sterile thermoformed solutions, high-volume injection molding, and paper-based recyclable packaging such as EnviroCan and GREENCAN for supplements and healthcare products. One of the main advantages of both ranges is simple consumer recyclability. EnviroCan consists of a minimum of 95% fibre, with a minimum of 60% recycled content, and has a paper end with a barrier layer to maintain product shelf life.

• Glass: Glass is a classic material in drug packaging, prized for its inertness and impermeability. It is widely applied to vials, ampoules, and bottles to provide stability and purity for drug products. For example, in June 2024, SCHOTT Pharma is pushing forward its innovation with large-volume refillable polymer syringes, including a partnership with KORU Medical Systems to improve subcutaneous infusion therapies for chronic conditions and cancer. The firm also launched PartnerLab, a platform to speed up drug registration. In order to address the global needs, SCHOTT Pharma is investing USD 371 million in a new North Carolina facility, doubling by 2030 its supply of glass and polymer syringes to the US market and taking pressure off the pharmaceutical supply chain. Another new technology production plant in Hungary adds strength to its world position.

• Metals: Metals, particularly aluminium, are widely applied in drug packaging due to the fact that they have better barrier properties that protect drugs from light, oxygen, and moisture and therefore ensure drug stability and effectiveness. Aluminium is also used largely in foil seals, closures, and blister packs, where its permeability is of utmost significance to safeguard sensitive pharmaceutical products. Besides this, metals also possess the advantage of being recyclable, hence a green choice in packaging material. It is this confluence of utility and environmental benefit that renders metal a central element in pharmaceutical packaging.

• Others: Others, in the name, comprise new materials in the form of composite materials and biodegradable polymers, aimed at contributing towards sustainability without compromising the necessary protection and security needed by drugs. These materials offer an eco-friendly alternative to the conventional materials of packaging drugs, ranging from metals to plastics, as they either biodegrade or come from renewable material sources. With more pressure being placed on the pharmaceutical sector to reduce its carbon footprint, such materials are now being researched to minimize waste, minimize carbon emissions, and enhance circularity in packaging systems.

By Product Type

• Plastic Bottles: Plastic bottles are widely utilized in liquid and solid pharma drug products for strength and convenience. For instance, in January 2025 at Pharmapack 2025, Berry Global Healthcare will unveil its innovations, such as the new ClariPPil bottles and jars for oral solid dose products made from fully recyclable clarified polypropylene, with up to 71% lower CO₂ emissions and improved moisture protection versus PET. Also featured on the show floor will be Aptar Pharma’s simple-squeeze preservative-free dispensers, compatible with 10 ml ophthalmic bottles. Berry CDMO services will also be on display, allowing pharmaceutical organizations from design to manufacturing to advance product launches and assist with sustainability initiatives.

• Blister Packs: Blister packs are formed by sealing a plastic cavity with a lidding material, typically used on tablets and capsules, which delivers dose accuracy in addition to protection. For instance, in November 2022, the pharma sector, which emits more CO₂ than the automotive sector, is rapidly embracing green packaging solutions. Current trends also include biodegradable packaging, bioplastics made from renewable raw materials, recycling PET and HDPE, and non-material ideas for straightforward recyclability. Solutions also include right-sizing package sizes to reduce waste, straightforward use of the package by the elderly, and enhanced tamper-evidence to facilitate security. Among these is Amcor’s AmSky Blister System, a fully recyclable HDPE-based system that removes the use of vinyl and aluminum, reduces carbon emissions by as much as 70%, and can be retrofitted on existing equipment with ease, illustrating how packaging solutions are driving circular economy thinking and more stringent environmental regulations.

• Pre-filled Inhalers: Pre-filled inhalers provide accurate measurements of medication in the lungs themselves, often found in respiratory applications such as asthma. For example, in March 2023, Stevanato Group cooperated with Resyca for the creation of pre-fillable glass syringes for use in Resyca’s soft mist inhalers for efficient inhalation of fragile biologics and mRNA medicine. The partnership focuses on Stevanato’s Alba syringes—designed with a low-particle silicone oil coating – and their integration into Resyca ‘s proprietary Integrated Spray Module (ISM) in the Pre-Filled Syringe Inhaler (PFSI) system. The companies, in partnership, seek to provide a turnkey inhalation solution that guarantees drug stability, safety, and easy-to-use administration, meeting increasing biopharma demand for self-administered treatments.

• Ampoule: Ampoules are sealed glass or plastic vials employed to store sterile pharmaceutical solutions, maintaining product integrity until administration. For example, in November 2024, Adragos Pharma finished a USD 0.0147 billion expansion of its Livron-sur-Drôme facility in France, increasing sterile injectable production by 30% with a new EU GMP Annex 1-compliant ampoule filling line and cleanroom. The facility expansion provides the facility with the ability to produce over 160 million ampoules per annum with flexible volumetric fill ranges of between 1ml 20 ml, and that improves capacity, efficiency, and its ability to respond to enhanced global demand for sterile injectables.

• Jars & Canisters: Jars and canisters are some of the fundamental aspects of drug packaging, mostly employed for containing bulk forms of products like powders, capsules, and tablets. The jars provide excellent protection from external environmental factors such as light, air, and moisture, which ensures the stability and shelf life of the medicines. Their structure provides easy access for dispensing, making them appropriate for both clinical and consumer use. The types of materials utilized, usually plastics such as PET or HDPE, are selected due to their resistance to chemicals, durability, and compatibility with pharmaceutical products. Moreover, the recyclability of these materials complies with the industry’s increased focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

By Process

• Recyclable: Recyclable packaging is material that is processed and used again to conserve the environment as well as consume fewer resources. For example, in March 2023, Amcor highlighted the increased focus on medical packaging sustainability amid pressures from the environment while conserving high standards of safety and performance. While plastics account for around 25% of waste from hospitals, trends in packaging design are transforming into simplifying and right-sizing so that materials will be decreased. Such innovations as nanomaterials, HDPE, and PET that are recycle-ready, and the utilization of recycled content are increasingly gaining support. Despite regulatory misalignment between the U.S. and the EU, coordinated efforts to align definitions are ongoing. Amcor’s Sure Form Pro ICE forming films that reduce plastic use by up to 40% and carbon emissions by up to 54% illustrate the industry’s move towards greener options without sacrificing healthcare safety.

• Reusable: Reusable packs have the potential to be used several times, reducing wastage and introducing sustainability into the pharma supply chain. For example, in April 2024, Berry Global’s 2023 Sustainability Report highlights achievements under its Impact 2025 strategy, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions, increasing recycled material content, and supporting circular economy activity. Recipient of The Climate Registry’s Organizational Leadership Award at the 2024 Climate Leadership Awards for global climate action and GHG management leadership, the company was honored for its commitment to sustainability. Berry continues to invest in environmentally friendly packaging, increasing post-consumer recycled content, and working with the value chain to drive industry-wide growth in sustainability.

• Biodegradable: Biodegradable material for packaging drugs is programmed to break down by natural means due to microbial action and is thereby an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. They cannot be blamed for environmental pollution and ecological imbalances due to short-term trash. Driven by growing international sustainability goals and regulatory needs, the pharmaceutical industry is shifting towards biodegradable resins like polylactic acid (PLA), PHA, and starch polymers to employ in process applications in packaging like blister packs, pouches, and film coatings to support cleaner supply chains and reduced carbon footprints.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Impact of Latest Tariff Policies

The new tariff regime has been a mixed bag for the world’s Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market. On the one hand, higher tariffs on foreign raw materials like bioplastics and recycled polymers have translated into increased costs of production. This has affected profit margins and curtailed the take-off of green packaging in cost-sensitive markets. Most manufacturers are now forced to re-evaluate sourcing plans and shift to local suppliers. This repositioning is creating short-term supply chain dislocations globally.

On the other hand, some regions are using tariffs to promote local sustainable packaging companies by discouraging the importation of poor-quality or non-compliant packaging materials. These shielding policies have launched investments in local innovation and capacity building. For this reason, numerous local businesses are expanding production of recyclable and biodegradable pharma packaging. This regional response is helping to achieve global supply chain equilibrium and reduce overdependence on foreign suppliers. Yet, the unbalanced application of such policies might cause regulatory and trade imbalances.

In aggregate, the price fluctuation driven by tariffs is leading businesses to reconsider long-term planning. Several are venturing into joint ventures and local manufacturing units to reduce risk. The change could prompt quicker take-up of circular economy models and investment into new materials technology. However, market splintering and variable policy enforcement continue to be issues for international players. The ultimate effect of these tariff policies will only be as smooth as governments and industry participants transform together.

Report Scope

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Regional Perspective

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market can be divided across regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region:

• North America: North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other neighbouring nations, is a huge market for environmentally friendly drug packaging. The region’s tough environmental policies and high-end health care facilities forward the demand for a green packaging system. For example, Cabinet Health, which was recently recognized as one of the best inventions of 2024, revolutionizes the game of pharma packaging in the game, which is accompanied by a return to finishing single-use plastic bottles. With the cost-based subscription of more than one million members and in-store pickup promotions with CVS and Target, the company provides a green option that minimizes plastic waste through convenient, sustainable delivery of medication.

• Europe: Europe, such as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Netherlands, is leading the way with sustainable pharmaceutical packaging due to strong environmental policies and adherence to circular economy principles. For example, in December 2022, the EU is stepping up measures to reduce plastic waste by proposing tougher rules on single-use plastics, requiring increased recyclability and recycled content in packaging, and encouraging reusable alternatives. These reforms are intended to propel a circular economy, making brands responsible for packaging throughout their life cycle and challenging industries, particularly fashion, beauty, and consumer goods, to be creative with sustainable materials and business models to remain in compliance.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region, which includes China, Japan, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, and others, is recording a surge in green pharma packaging as a result of industry growth, growing concern for the environment, and policies from the government in support of it. For instance, in December 2022, Estelus Pharma, Christian, Daid Shanko, and Tikida agreed to concentrate on sustainable packaging of drugs in Japan to focusing on biomass-based plastic, recycling, and designing and recycling material. It is seeking to minimize the environmental footprint of the industry and increase environmentally friendly operations, including Estalus’ plant-based blister pack, Christian’s carbon neutrality objectives by 2040, Daidya Sinki’s biomass package, and Takeda’s low-value bio-bottle.

• LAMEA: LAMEA, with Brazil, the Middle East, and Africa, is slowly adopting sustainable pharmaceutical packaging from global sustainability movements and growing environmental pressures. For example, in January 2025, ALPLA entered the recycling industry for HDPE in South America through the acquisition of a majority holding in Brazilian company Clean Bottle, with which it already has a joint venture having the capacity for the production of recycled HDPE valued at 15,000 tonnes per year. The São José dos Pinhais plant is home to green infrastructure and furthers ALPLA’s ambition of increasing the amount of recycled material in its packaging and contributing to a circular economy. This is ALPLA’s inaugural recycling plant for the region, furthering employment opportunities locally as well as supply chain resilience within its global agenda of sustainability.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Key Developments

In recent years, the Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market has experienced several crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In March 2025, SGD Pharma is advancing sustainable pharmaceutical packaging through major investments in energy-efficient manufacturing, cutting-edge vial innovations, and decarbonization efforts validated by the SBTi. Recognized with a 2024 EcoVadis platinum medal, the company highlighted its progress at DCAT Week 2025, showcasing solutions like Sealian-treated glass, IDENCY Type I vials, and Velocity Vials developed with Corning, reinforcing its leadership in eco-friendly, high-performance packaging.

• In January 2025, at Pharmapack 2025 in Paris, Gerresheimer and Bormioli Pharma are making their first joint appearance under the theme “Two Stories – One Future,” showcasing a unified portfolio of advanced pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery solutions. Highlights include new sustainable containment options, enhanced closures and accessories, the EZ-fill Smart platform for ready-to-fill vials and cartridges, and the Gx Cap-a digitally connected container cap designed to boost medication adherence in clinical trials. The companies are also focusing on biologics packaging and at-home therapy devices and are contributing insights on sustainability and innovation at the event’s Learning Lab and Innovation Gallery.

• In January 2024, Origin, a pharmaceutical packaging firm, introduced a new Environmental Positioning Policy focused on sustainability. The policy prioritizes recyclable materials such as glass, plastic, cardboard, and paper while ensuring patient safety and environmental responsibility. Origin is committed to improving packaging design, obtaining top environmental certifications, and adhering to industry standards. The company also plans to reduce emissions through onshoring, energy efficiency, and waste management while educating its workforce on sustainability. Managing director Keith Wade emphasized Origin’s dedication to sustainability for the benefit of stakeholders and the environment.

These important changes facilitated the companies to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Competitive Landscape

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Amcor plc
• Berry Global Inc.
• Sonoco Products Company
• WestRock Company
• CCL Healthcare
• SGD Pharma
• OLIVER
• Gerresheimer AG
• West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.
• Nottingham Spirk
• Crown Packaging Corp.
• Nipro Europe Group Companies
• Origin Pharma Packaging
• Syntegon Technology GmbH
• Bormioli Pharma S.p.A.
• Others

These firms apply a sequence of strategies to enter the market, including innovations, mergers, and acquisitions, as well as collaboration.

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market is being influenced by world leaders such as Amcor plc, Berry Global Inc., Sonoco Products Company, and WestRock Company, which offer sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions to global pharmaceutical companies. They focus on producing recyclable, compostable, and lightweight packaging materials that meet the safety and sterility needs of pharmaceutical products.

This enables pharmaceutical businesses to minimize their environmental impact without compromising product integrity. Besides, they spend heavily on R&D to develop future-generation packaging that complies with the world’s sustainability standards. They become the standard that others in the industry follow.

Amcor plc launched recyclable and paper-based blister packaging in its AmSky platform, which since 2022 has been partnered with leading pharmaceutical brands to ramp the production. Berry Global Inc. has focused on sustainable pharmaceutical-focused packaging solutions, modifying its CleanStream recycling technology to accept pharmaceutical-grade applications.

Sonoco Products Company introduced its EnviroSense expansion in 2023 with recyclable rigid containers and sustainably sourced laminates for pharmaceutical and medical packaging. WestRock has also become more well-known with the introduction of custom paper-based packaging for prescription samples and over-the-counter medication. The actions constitute a change from plastic-heavy materials towards renewable certified sources.

These firms have also formed cross-industry partnerships and acquisitions to build their portfolios towards sustainability. Amcor, for instance, partnered with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, while Berry Global is a member of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council. Sonoco has invested in smart packaging technologies to track environmental conditions in order to enable compliance and quality control.

WestRock’s collaboration with pharmaceutical packagers for drugs catalyzed mass-scale adoption of their eco-friendly products in Europe and North America. Through such strategic measures, these organizations are not only meeting demand but also creating the future of the pharmaceutical packaging industry.

The Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market is segmented as follows:

By Material

• Plastics
• Paper & paperboard
• Glass
• Metal
• Others

By Product Type

• Plastic bottles
• Blister
• Pre-filled inhalers
• Ampoules
• Jars & Canisters

By Process

• Recyclable
• Reusable
• Biodegradable

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America