US Sterile Medical Packaging Market Size 2024-2028

The US sterile medical packaging market is estimated to grow by USD 3.90 billion at a CAGR of 5.97% between 2023 and 2028. Market growth relies on several factors, including substantial healthcare expenditure on medical technologies, robust pharmaceutical sales, and the introduction of smart healthcare and new sterile medical packaging solutions by manufacturers. These elements collectively drive market expansion, reflecting significant investments in advanced healthcare technologies, strong pharmaceutical market performance, and ongoing innovation in sterile medical packaging. The substantial healthcare expenditure underscores the priority placed on advanced medical solutions, driving demand for cutting-edge technologies and packaging solutions. Moreover, the continuous launch of new solutions indicates a dynamic market response to evolving healthcare needs, ensuring product safety and efficacy. It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2018 to 2022.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.

• Material Outlook 
  • Plastic
  • Glass
  • Aluminum
  • Others

• Product Outlook 
  • Thermoformed trays
  • Blister packs
  • Bottles
  • Others

By Material

The market share growth by the plastic segment will be significant during the forecast period. The plastic materials most commonly used in sterile medical packaging applications include HDPE polymer, PVC, followed by polyethylene (PE), PP, polystyrene (PS), and PET. Plastics are used in medical packaging, such as bottles, clamshells, syringes, and pouches. Various sizes, colors, and shapes of bottles are available and made from different resins. It is also made with additives such as antioxidants, impact modifiers, lubricants, stabilizers, and plasticizers. Additionally, a clamshell is a plastic container that consists of two halves joined by a hinge area. Clamshell packaging offers many benefits, including aesthetics, portability, and ease of opening.

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The plastic segment was valued at USD 3.83 billion in 2018. Packaging materials consist of various raw materials such as PVC ,HDPE polymer and PET. Clamshell packaging is widely used to package a variety of items such as surgical instruments, medical instruments, surgical instruments, and diagnostic products to reduce the possibility of tampering. Hence, the high usage of plastics in sterile medical packaging will drive the segment and, hence, the market during the forecast period. Additionally, market vendors are focused on developing recyclable plastics in the United States. Therefore, increasing developments by providers are expected to focus on the segment and, thus, on the market in the forecast period.  

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The market is crucial for maintaining aseptic conditions in healthcare settings, ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical supplies and medical devices. Packaging systems made of advanced materials provide a microbial barrier against microorganisms and gases, vital for infection control and preserving the integrity of medical items. With a focus on paper and paperboard for their low weight and longevity, these packaging solutions address the health awareness needs of consumers, especially for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, highlighting the importance of safe and effective sterilized medical packaging. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver 

High healthcare expenditure on medical technologies is notably driving the market growth. Rising healthcare costs can be attributed to factors such as an aging population, increasing public demand, and, most importantly, advances in medical technology and penetration of the healthcare system. Technological advances in medicine have enabled medical practitioners to diagnose and treat diseases in previously difficult ways. Such developments contribute to increasing healthcare costs. Healthcare costs for medical technology are very high in the United States. Increasing healthcare spending on medical technology can bring new types of medical devices and products to the market. As the availability, number, and variety of devices and products on the market increase, so does the demand for sterile medical packaging. Additionally, in the pharmaceutical industry, patient protection is a physician's top priority, so sterile medical instruments and devices are of great importance. 

Sterile medical devices and instruments help doctors prevent the spread of bacterial infections and diseases and effectively reduce the risk of complications. The manufacturing and packaging of medical instruments and devices are critical to achieving and maintaining sterility. Therefore, high medical spending on medical technology is expected to drive the demand for sterile medical packaging. This is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. 

Significant Market Trends 

Growing focus on sustainable medical packaging is a key trend influencing the market growth. Vendors in the market are focusing on sustainable medical packaging solutions. Vendors aim to replace plastic with biocompatible materials such as recyclable boxes, compostable bags, and eco-friendly tubes. Various suppliers, such as DuPont and Amcor, are also promoting sustainable medical packaging. DuPont Tyvek is sterile, sustainable packaging for the healthcare industry. Tyvek is made from layers of flash-spun and bonded HDPE filaments. Tyvek has many advantages, including High compatibility with recycling technology, lightweight,  and less waste, fewer additives. 

Additionally, in April 2022, Amcor announced the addition of a new, more sustainable High Shield laminate to its pharmaceutical packaging portfolio. The new low-carbon, recyclable packaging provides the high barriers and performance requirements needed by the pharmaceutical industry while supporting pharmaceutical companies' recycling goals. Hence, increasing focus on providing sustainable medical packaging coupled with the benefits of sustainable medical packaging is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.  

Major Market Challenge

Stringent regulations for pharmaceutical packaging are challenging the market growth in US. Packaging materials, including primary and secondary packaging, used to package pharmaceutical products in the United States must comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and guidelines. Primary packaging is the packaging that comes into direct contact with the medicinal product. The FDA requires that all primary and secondary packaging materials be fit for purpose. In other words, the packaging must protect and be compatible with the product dosage form. It also requires that primary and secondary packaging be made of safe materials. 

Primary pharmaceutical packaging is designed to protect products from degradation and subsequent loss of potency due to microbial contamination, oxidation, and exposure to light. Products used for pharmaceutical primary packaging must be manufactured under cleanroom conditions that meet class 1,00,000 cleanliness standards. Therefore, suppliers operating in the market must adhere to these guidelines. This presents a challenge to the vendors operating in the market and may hamper the market growth during the forecast period. 

Key Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Market Companies?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

3M Co: The company offers biodegradable medical plastics, and it also manufactures different varieties of adhesives.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• Amcor Plc
• Avient Corp.
• Berry Global Inc.
• Cardinal Health Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• DWK Life Sciences GmbH
• Eagle Medical Inc.
• Janco Inc.
• Nelipak Corp.
• Oliver Healthcare Packaging Co.
• Orchid MPS Holdings LLC
• Placon Corp.
• ProAmpac Holdings Inc
• Sonoco Products Co.
• Steripack Group Ltd.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Market Analyst Overview

The market plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of healthcare products, especially in patient care and the treatment of chronic diseases. Advanced technologies are employed to create reliable packaging solutions that meet stringent healthcare standards and provide a microbial barrier against external factors. These solutions, including thermoform trays, foam tray ,flexible pouches, and plastic trays, are designed for the sterilization methods required for different products, such as chemicals or radiation. They ensure the preservation and integrity of medical equipment, vials, ampoules, and pre-fillable syringes, catering to the needs of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The market's focus on durability, strength, and recyclability aligns with the growing demand for sustainable healthcare solutions.

Furthermore, the market addresses the crucial need for safe and effective packaging solutions in healthcare settings. These solutions are designed to protect enclosed products from environmental factors and ensure their sterility through appropriate sterilization methods. Factors such as humidity and shelf life are carefully managed to maintain the integrity of the packaged items during storage and transportation. The market caters to diverse industries, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, biotechnology reagents providing packaging solutions for drug delivery systems, biopharmaceuticals, and other biological applications. The use of materials like metals and polyethylene ensures the required moisture and microbial barrier properties while also considering factors like sustainability and adaptability. These packaging solutions play a vital role in the preservation of medical devices and ensuring healthcare standards are met, especially for individuals facing health difficulties who require medical help.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Forecasting Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the market growth and forecasting of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming market trends and analysis and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough market growth analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market analysis and report on the factors that will challenge the market research and growth of market companies

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