Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 55.54 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 72.97 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 5.61% |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Analysis
The Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size is worth USD 55.54 Billion in 2025, growing at an 5.61% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 72.97 Billion by 2030.
- Medical professionals, particularly in hospitals, aim to raise safety and efficiency standards continually. As a way to address safety issues for patients and medical staff, unit dose packaging was created. Unit dosage packaging is defined as a dose of medication packed in a single packet for convenience, safety, and monitoring purposes. Creativity pharmaceutical packaging businesses enhanced unit dose packaging's original ideas over time.
- Over the next decade, unit-dose packaging sales are projected to surge, fueled by a booming pharmaceutical sector and a concerted effort to minimize drug wastage by facilitating timely product usage. The escalating demand for personalized medications and treatments customized for individual patients stands out as a significant driver.
- As biotechnology continues to advance, it is poised to propel the growth of primary pharmaceutical packaging, particularly unit-dose packaging. This surge is likely to pave the way for the introduction of novel injectable parenteral therapies. The rising demand for prominently visible unit-dose packaging, especially for conditions such as diabetes, is set to bolster market expansion further.
- According to the International Diabetes Federation, China is projected to have the highest number of diabetics in 2045, with an estimated 174 million individuals aged 20 to 79 expected to be affected by the disease. Therefore, the demand for unit-dose pharmaceutical packaging is expected to increase in China across the forecast period.
- Improving the medical and allied industries largely depends on the ongoing development of pharmaceutical packaging solutions, such as unit dose packaging. Packaging for single doses eliminates the need to measure out each dose while reducing worries about incorrect dosing. Due to their unique barcodes, single-dose containers may easily be administered under staff supervision.
- However, manufacturing unit doses often require substantial upfront investments, such as acquiring specialized machinery and packaging materials. Unlike bulk packaging, individualized packaging for each dose can lead to elevated production and packaging costs that may dent the top line of the market.
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends
Blister Packaging to Aid the Market Growth
- Drugs are typically packaged in blister packs because they are more protected from gas and moisture, giving them a longer shelf life. Product stability is challenging to achieve in situations with high humidity and temperature. Blistering materials can mitigate temperature fluctuations that can happen during shipping. A unit dose of medication is contained in each of the several compartments that make up blister packs. Owing to this, customers can easily determine how much medication to take at once.
- A key trend driving the unit-dose industry is increasing demand for environmentally friendly blister packs. Several manufacturers across the market are launching innovative sustainable products that are bolstering the market. For instance, in July 2024, Aluflexpack, a leading producer of high-quality flexible packaging solutions, unveiled its latest innovation: a new blister pack tailored for the pharmaceutical sector. Crafted entirely from lacquered aluminum, this blister pack presents a sustainable and recyclable option, standing in contrast to conventional multi-material packaging.
- Unit-dose blister packs have several advantages over other packaging techniques for pharmaceutical products, including the assurance of product or packaging integrity, the shelf life of each individual dose, and the ability to make a compliance pack or calendar pack by printing the days of the week above each dose. A form-fill-seal procedure is used to make blister packs at the pharmaceutical business or the authorized contract packer.
- With the growing population across the globe, the pharmaceutical market is expected to witness an upswing in the forecast period. According to research conducted by IQVIA, the entire global pharmaceutical market was valued at USD 1.48 trillion in 2022. This represented a significant increase from the pre-pandemic market value of USD 1.28 trillion in 2019. This growth trend is expected to continue in the forecast period. Therefore, it can be assumed that blister packs, which are commonly used as unit-dose packaging for pharmaceutical tablets, will also witness firm growth in the period going forward.
- Blister packaging, equipped with sensors, plays a crucial role in monitoring dosing activity, ensuring the precision of clinical trials. For example, WestRock’s CerePak blister packs incorporate concealed microprocessors and printed conductive inks, meticulously logging the date, time, and location of each dose removal. This feature is especially vital for regimens with dosage variations or a combination of placebo and active drugs. Additionally, these packs utilize lights and vibrations as reminders for patients to take their medications. There is also an optional push-button questionnaire, enabling users to provide feedback with every dose.
Asia-Pacific to Witness a Fast Market Growth
- The growth of the unit dose packaging market in the Asia Pacific is majorly attributed to the high population growth across various countries, the increase in disposable income among the people, and the fact that many of the top proprietary drug manufacturers in the world, who create and produce advanced therapeutics with unique packaging requirements, are located in this region. These nations have elderly, wealthy populations demanding sophisticated healthcare systems that offer necessary and optional treatments.
- Opportunities for pharmaceutical packaging in the Asia-Pacific area would expand to a complete range of configurations, driven by the expanding drug-producing sectors of China, India, and Japan's well-established proprietary pharmaceutical industry. Notably, owing to the rise in single-income holders and nuclear families, unit dose packaging materials would be in high demand in the forecast period not just in China, India, and Japan but also in South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, all of which have major pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
- The expanding pharmaceutical production capacity and the evolving need for higher value unit dose containers would cause the countries with developing pharmaceutical packaging markets, led by China and India and other Asian countries, to command noticeably faster revenue growth over the long term.
- In January 2024, Zuellig Pharma, a prominent healthcare solutions provider in Asia, entered into a commercialization partnership with Substipharm Biologics. This collaboration aims to broaden the reach of the IMOJEV Japanese encephalitis vaccine in nine Asian markets: Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. With the launch of newer vaccines in the market, there can be a bolstered the demand for unit dose vials across these markets.
- Many of these developing nations, like India, are constantly updating their pharmaceutical laws and guidelines to improve healthcare and expand their potential for exporting medicines. The need for unit-dose pharmaceutical packaging would increase and diversify because of these actions. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the value of pharmaceuticals exported from India rose to USD 25.4 billion in 2023, significantly up from USD 17.3 billion. This growth is expected to be witnessed in the forecast period also, giving a surge in the demand for the mostly preferred unit dose packaging format.
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry Overview
The unit dose pharmaceutical packaging market is fragmented as it currently consists of many players. Several key players in the market are constantly making efforts to bring advancements. A few prominent companies are entering into collaborations and are also expanding their global footprints in developing regions to consolidate their positions in the market. The major market players include Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Schott AG, and Berry Global.
- In July 2024, SCHOTT Pharma launched new 10 ml ready-to-use (RTU) single-dose cartridges tailored for storing sensitive biologics. These biologics are pivotal in treating conditions like cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, genetic issues, and immunological diseases. The cartridges' proven compatibility with various devices empowers patients to self-administer their medications at home, enhancing convenience and simultaneously curbing healthcare costs.
- In January 2024, SGD Pharma unveiled a new siliconisation operation at its Saint-Quentin Lamotte (SQLM) facility. By internalizing its glass siliconisation services, the company bolsters its already comprehensive suite of in-house offerings. This move not only heightens responsiveness and ensures a secure supply but also enhances the flexibility in vial sizes and dosage. While glass vials remain a staple in pharmaceutical packaging, there's an emerging demand for primary packaging tailored to handle more sensitive, aggressive, and viscous drug products.
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Leaders
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Pfizer Inc
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Johnson & Johnson
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Schott AG
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West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
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Berry Global, Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market News
- January 2024: Schott Pharma unveiled its Everic freeze vials, tailored for the ultra-cold storage of mRNA and gene therapy medications. Capable of enduring temperatures plummeting to -80°C, these vials eliminate the glass breakage issues frequently encountered with standard vials during freezing and thawing. This innovation safeguards against the loss of crucial medications and mitigates expensive downtimes. Enhanced vial strength is attributed to optimized glass tubing, refined vial geometry, and advanced production techniques.
- June 2024: Keystone Folding Box Co., a key designer and manufacturer of paperboard packaging solutions, unveiled its latest innovation: a paperboard blister wallet featuring a push-through opening functionality. Tailored for hard tablets, the company's Push-Pak ensures intuitive push-through dosage access. This design facilitates a tighter, more condensed blister arrangement and minimizes the package's overall size. The blister wallet boasts a good child resistance rating yet remains user-friendly for seniors and individuals with dexterity challenges.
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry Segmentation
The market studies the demand for major Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging for the major packaging products, including blister, ampoules, vials, prefilled syringe cartridges, bottles and jars, medication tubes, pouches, and other products, along with corresponding revenue accrued from the sales of these unit dose packaging products.
The unit dose packaging market is segmented by product (blister, ampoules, vials, prefilled syringe cartridges, bottles and jars, medication tubes, pouches, and other products), by material (paper & paperboard, metals, glass, and plastic), and by Geography (North America [United States and Canada], Europe [United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Rest of Europe], Asia Pacific [China, Japan, India, Australia and New Zealand, and Rest of Asia Pacific], Latin America [Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America], and Middle East and Africa [United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa]. The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Product | Blister | ||
| Ampoules | |||
| Vials | |||
| Prefilled Syringe Cartridges | |||
| Bottles and Jars | |||
| Medication Tubes | |||
| Pouches | |||
| Others Products | |||
| By Material | Paper & Paperboard | ||
| Metals | |||
| Glass | |||
| Plastic | |||
| By Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Europe | United Kingdom | ||
| Germany | |||
| France | |||
| Asia | China | ||
| Japan | |||
| India | |||
| Australia and New Zealand | |||
| Latin America | Brazil | ||
| Mexico | |||
| Middle East and Africa | United Arab Emirates | ||
| Saudi Arabia | |||
| South Africa | |||
| Blister |
| Ampoules |
| Vials |
| Prefilled Syringe Cartridges |
| Bottles and Jars |
| Medication Tubes |
| Pouches |
| Others Products |
| Paper & Paperboard |
| Metals |
| Glass |
| Plastic |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Europe | United Kingdom |
| Germany | |
| France | |
| Asia | China |
| Japan | |
| India | |
| Australia and New Zealand | |
| Latin America | Brazil |
| Mexico | |
| Middle East and Africa | United Arab Emirates |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa |
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Research Faqs
How big is the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?
The Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size is worth USD 55.54 billion in 2025, growing at an 5.61% CAGR and is forecast to hit USD 72.97 billion by 2030.
What is the current Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size?
In 2025, the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 55.54 billion.
Who are the key players in Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?
Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Schott AG, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and Berry Global, Inc. are the major companies operating in the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
What years does this Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 52.42 billion. The report covers the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Unit Dose Pharmaceutical Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
