Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market Surges USD 9.12 Bn in 2025 at 6...

Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market Expansion 2025 Smart and Eco-Friendly Packaging Reshaping Pharma Logistics

The corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow from USD 8.56 billion in 2024 to USD 16.13 billion by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 6.54%. The pharmaceutical corrugated packaging market, valued at USD 9.12B in 2025, is projected to hit USD 16.13B by 2034, growing at a 6.54% CAGR. North America led in 2024, while Asia Pacific shows strong growth ahead across box types, walls, features, and channels.

Last Updated: 31 July 2025 Category: Healthcare Packaging Insight Code: 5734 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.54%, from USD 9.12 billion in 2025 to USD 16.13 billion by 2034, over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rising demand for eco-friendly packaging, which can preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products for a longer period, has influenced the growth in the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market. This market is dominating in the North America region due to the presence of major pharmaceutical companies and strict regulatory guidelines.

Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market Growth and Trends 2025

Key Insights

  • In terms of revenue, the market is valued at USD 9.12 billion in 2025.
  • The market is projected to reach USD 16.13 billion by 2034.
  • Rapid growth at a CAGR of 6.54% will be observed in the period between 2025 and 2034. 
  • North America dominated the global market by holding more than 38% of the market share in 2024.
  • North America dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024.
  • Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
  • By box type, the regular slotted container (RSC) segment contributed the biggest market share of 55% in 2024.
  • By box type, the die-cut / sleeve-style boxes segment will be expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By wall type, the single-wall corrugated segment contributed the biggest market share of 62% in 2024.
  • By wall type, the double-wall for high-value/fragile goods segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By add-on features, the tamper-evident seals segment contributed the biggest market share of 50% in 2024.
  • By add-on features, the barrier-coated boards segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By application, the oral solid dosage segment held the major market share of 45% in 2024.
  • By application, the injectables & biologics segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By distribution channel, the direct to pharmaceutical OEMs segment contributed the biggest market share of 60% in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, the Contract Packaging & CMOs segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Market Overview

The global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market focuses on corrugated board boxes used for secondary packaging of pharmaceutical products, such as vials, tablets, injectables, and medical devices. These corrugated boxes offer strength, stability, and moisture protection and are often enhanced with anti-tamper features, printed instructions, or cold-chain compatibility. Their advantages in sustainability, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance make them the preferred choice in pharma logistics.

Rising Focus on Eco-friendly Packaging

  • There is a huge shift towards eco-friendly packaging in the pharmaceutical sector, which has influenced the growth of this market.

Constant Technological Advancement

  • The constant growth in packaging technology of pharmaceutical products has increased the demand in the market.

Increasing Customized Packaging Demand

  • The huge customization demand for marking brand identity has raised the demand for this packaging market innovation.

How Can AI Improve the Global Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market?

The incorporation of AI in the global corrugated packaging for the pharmaceutical market plays an important role in increasing efficiency, equality, and sustainability of the packages. It enhances the productivity of the market by monitoring the safety and integrity while manufacturing this packaging. AI can predict market trends and design unique patterns of corrugated packaging that raise the adoption of such packaging for pharmaceutical products. It controls the quality of the production, which enhances the reliability of the packages.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing Adoption of Eco-friendly Packaging in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The rising ecological issue and consumer awareness have encouraged the usage of eco-friendly packaging for developing pharmaceutical products, which further enhances the global corrugated packaging for the pharmaceutical market. Corrugated packaging delivers benefits like superior recyclability, lightweight properties, and durability, which bring into line with the pharmaceutical industry’s requirement for safe and environment-conscious resolutions.

The rising pharmaceutical sector, especially in emerging regions, has seen a yearly upsurge in demand for sustainable packaging choices, accompanied by progressions in logistics and e-commerce that have sharpened the requirement for strong packaging to avoid product injury during transportation. Furthermore, discriminating customer consciousness about drug security and quality additional to supporting the fondness for corrugated packaging, shows that customers are more expected to select products with sustainable packing.

Challenges and Restraints

Increasing Demand for Temperature-Controlling Packaging

The increasing demand for temperature-controlled packaging in the pharmaceutical industry has hindered the demand for global corrugated packaging for the pharmaceutical market. The constant disruption of the supply chain distribution has decreased the expansion of the market. The growing operational charges because of the requirement for specialized testing tools have decreased the expansion of the market.

Opportunity

Rising Protective Packaging

The growing demand for protective packaging is boosting the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market. The increasing importance of ecological sustainability and the acceptance of biodegradable resources are generating an abundant ground for invention in corrugated packaging. Pharmaceutical corporations are shifting in the direction of environment-friendly packaging to fulfill regulatory needs and customer preferences, providing producers with the options to grow advanced, lightweight, and recyclable corrugated materials.

The rising e-commerce segment, which demands safe and strong packaging to confirm product security during transportation, offers a substantial development avenue for this industry. This extension is generating a demand for pharmaceutical packing that fulfils international values of quality and security. The requirement to provide to these developing markets is reassuring packaging corporations to capitalize on new production services and develop packing solutions that are both cost-effective and compliant with worldwide values.

Segmental Insights

Why the Regular Slotted Container (RSC) Segment Dominated the market in 2024?

The Regular Slotted Container (RSC) segment contributed a considerable share of the global corrugated packaging for the pharmaceutical market in 2024 due to e-commerce expansion, effective, and affordable packaging demand. The growing availability of material efficacy, sustainability, and automated packaging processes has raised the demand for this segment. Repeated process results in bulk production of packages with the help of advanced technology. The growing demand for sustainable packaging in the pharmaceutical sector has influenced the demand for this segment.

The die-cut / sleeve-style boxes segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for customization options has influenced the market to generate unique packaging for pharmaceutical usage. The acceptance of smart packaging resolution, comprising temperature sensors and QR codes, has raised innovation in this market.

Why Single-Wall Corrugated Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The single-wall corrugated segment is expected to account for a considerable share of the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market in 2024 due to the growing demand for enhanced protection and cost-efficacy. The rapid expansion of telemedicine supply and sustainable packaging has influenced the demand for such segment, which provides superior quality protection to the products. Strict packaging guidelines have also increased the inclination of brands towards single-wall corrugated packaging. Continuous technological advancement in this sector has raised the demand for this segment.

The double-wall for high-value/fragile goods segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. The continuous innovation in the pharmaceutical industry has enhanced the demand for extra protective packaging. These boxes are designed in a certain way where two layers of fluted cardboard are used, which increases the protection level of the products.

Why Tamper-Evident Seals Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The tamper-evident seals segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical materials market in 2024 due to rising concern for the superior quality protection of advanced medicines. The requirement for safe and consistent packaging resolution. Corrugated packaging provides safety in transporting sealed products over a certain distance and helps them to store for a prolonged period. This segment plays a significant role in secondary packing, mainly for the transportation of label seals, security tapes, and adhesive seals.

The barrier-coated boards segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. These boards provide protection from microbial activities, moisture, grease, oxygen, and many others. These are highly compostable and recyclable, which enhances the acceptance for this market. This segment is popular for secondary packaging of pharmaceutical products.

Why the Oral Solid Dosage Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The oral solid dosage segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical market in 2024 due to its enhanced strength and durability. Its strong cushioning effect helps to keep fragile containers of medicines safe while transporting or storing for a longer period. The development of the pharmaceutical e-commerce sector has influenced the demand for oral medication, which is easy to store and transport over longer distances. Oral solid dosage, such as tablets, capsules, granules, and powders, is convenient for consumption by patients and has enhanced the demand for this segment.

The injectables & biologics segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. With the expanding pharmaceutical industry, the packaging requirements of this market are also increasing. Evolving regulations for the packaging of such injectables have influenced the demand for this market. The requirement for protection from contamination due to various factors has raised the demand for corrugated packaging.

Why Direct to Pharmaceutical OEMs Segment Dominated the Market in 2024?

The direct to pharmaceutical OEMs segment is expected to have a considerable share of the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical materials market in 2024 due to its structural patterns and protective services. Suppliers sometimes customize structural patterns, brand-specific printing, regulatory-compliant materials, and protective features, which raises the demand for this segment notably. Rising e-pharmacy, sustainability trend, and regulatory demands have influenced the demand for this segment. Customized inventions like serialization-embedded cartons raised the demand for this segment.

The contract packaging & CMOs segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. This segment is growing rapidly due to increasing demand for transit protection, regulatory compliance, and brand presentation. It is rising significantly because of the sustainability demand in the pharmaceutical packaging sector. Growing utilization of recyclable paperboard, lightweight, and biodegradable packages has raised the demand for this segment.

Regional Insights

Developing E-commerce Infrastructure Demand in North America Promotes Dominance 

North America region held the largest share of the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical materials market in 2024, due to the rising e-commerce infrastructure, which is increasing superior quality packaging. The rising pharmaceutical industry has influenced the standard packaging demand has evolved the market profoundly. The innovative packaging technology has raised the production of high-quality packages that prevent the leakage of products. The rising concentration on environment-friendly and recyclability of the packages influenced the investment in this industry.

Asia Pacific’s Rising Lightweight Packaging Supports Growth 

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the fastest rate in the global corrugated packaging for pharmaceutical materials market during the forecast period. Countries such as India, Japan, China, and several others are rapidly developing their packaging standard due to the huge export business of the pharmaceutical industry. It includes contract, blister, corrugated, and primary packaging. It is developing as a lucrative market, influenced by the rapid extension of pharmaceutical production hubs.

Top Companies in the Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market

Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market Top Key Players

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

  • In January 2025, Marlena Hardy, Innovation Product Manager, DS Smith: “TailorTemp® demonstrates just how versatile and reliable fibre-based material can be, not only to maintain temperatures in cold chain logistics, but also to deliver a recyclable outcome for customers seeking to meet sustainability targets. Design is everything, and our team is using specialist predictive modelling in the creation of solutions for our pharma customers that are fit for purpose and then validating them in the laboratory without delay”.

New Advancements in the Market

  • In January 2025, DS Smith launches an innovative temperature-controlled packaging solution.
  • In October 2024, Berry Global launched a range of clarified polypropylene (PP) bottles for healthcare applications, which offer sustainability and enhanced product protection compared to traditional coloured PET pill bottles.

Global Corrugated Packaging for Pharmaceutical Market

By Box Type

  • Regular Slotted Container (RSC)
  • Die-Cut/Folio Boxes
  • Sleeve & Tray Configurations
  • Printed Promotional/Instructional Packaging

By Wall Type

  • Single-Wall Corrugated
  • Double-Wall Corrugated
  • Triple-Wall Corrugated

By Application

  • Oral Solid Dosage (Tablets, Capsules)
  • Injectables & Biologics
  • Medical Devices & Diagnostics
  • Over-the-Counter Healthcare Products

By Add-On Features

  • Tamper-Evident Seals and Closures
  • Moisture-Barrier or Coated Boards
  • Printed Safety and Dosing Information
  • Temperature-Control Liner Inserts

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct to Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (OEM)
  • Contract Packaging and CMOs
  • Wholesale and Drug Distributors

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
Share With : linkedin twitter facebook
  • Insight Code: 5734
  • No. of Pages: 150
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 31 July 2025
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Yogesh Kulkarni is an experienced Research Analyst specializing in the packaging sector, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and market intelligence. He currently contributes his expertise to Towards Packaging.

Learn more about Yogesh Kulkarni

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in packaging market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards Packaging 's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The market is growing due to the rising demand for eco-friendly, durable, and compliant packaging in the pharmaceutical sector. Growing environmental concerns, increased pharmaceutical exports, and the expansion of e-commerce in healthcare logistics are key drivers. Corrugated packaging offers high recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and protective features that align with both sustainability goals and regulatory standards.

The market is projected to grow from USD 9.12 billion in 2025 to USD 16.13 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.54%. With increasing demand for customized, sustainable, and regulatory-compliant packaging, the market presents strong long-term investment potential, especially in emerging regions and with innovations like smart packaging and AI-driven production.

North America dominates due to advanced infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, while Asia Pacific shows the fastest growth potential, driven by the booming pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs in China, India, and Japan. Increasing exports and demand for cost-efficient packaging make APAC a lucrative region for future investments.

AI and automation are enhancing production quality, sustainability, and design efficiency. Technologies like predictive modeling, smart packaging with sensors and QR codes, and biodegradable barrier-coated boards are disrupting traditional packaging processes and creating new growth avenues for innovation and differentiation.

Strict global pharmaceutical packaging regulations especially around safety, tamper evidence, and traceability are increasing the demand for compliant packaging solutions. Regulatory pressure is also pushing companies toward more sustainable materials and serialization-ready designs, driving adoption of corrugated packaging.

Major trends include a shift toward eco-friendly and recyclable packaging, rising demand for customized and branded packaging, growth in e-pharmacy, and the adoption of temperature-controlled and protective packaging solutions. These trends are reshaping how pharmaceutical companies package, store, and ship their products globally.

Key companies include WestRock, International Paper, DS Smith, Mondi Group, Packaging Corporation of America, Amcor, and Sonoco Products. These firms are investing heavily in innovation, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing processes to gain competitive advantage.

AI enhances production efficiency, predictive maintenance, quality control, and demand forecasting. It also aids in creating optimized designs and smart packaging that improve safety, traceability, and brand identity. Over time, AI will reduce waste and enhance agility in supply chain and manufacturing.