Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Reaches USD 58.67 Bn by 2034

Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Growth, Key Segments, and Regional Dynamics with Manufacturers and Suppliers Data

According to market projections, the Europe pharmaceutical packaging industry is expected to grow from USD 32 billion in 2024 to USD 58.67 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 6.25%. In 2024, plastics (45%), bottles & jars (40%), and oral solids (50%) led the market, while e-commerce pharmacies and online platforms are set to grow rapidly through 2034.

Last Updated: 22 October 2025 Category: Healthcare Packaging Insight Code: 5860 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The Europe pharmaceutical packaging market is projected to reach USD 58.67 billion by 2034, growing from USD 34 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 6.25% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The market is growing due to increasing demand for safe, sustainable, and innovative packaging solutions that ensure drug protection and regulatory compliance.

Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Growth and Trends 2025

Key Takeaways

  • By material type, the plastics segment has contributed the biggest share of approximately 45% in 2024.
  • By material type, the multi-layer laminates segment will grow at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By packaging type, the bottles & jars segment is predicted to have the biggest share of approximately 40% in 2024.
  • By packaging type, the pre-filled syringes & cartridges segment will grow at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By dosage form, the oral solid segment has contributed to the largest share of approximately 50% in 2024.
  • By dosage form, injectables will rise at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By end user, the retail pharmacies segment is predicted to have the biggest share of approximately 55% in 2024.
  • By end user, the e-commerce/online pharmacies segment will grow at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
  • By distribution channel, the distributors & wholesalers segment has contributed to the largest share of approximately 50% in 2024.
  • By distribution channel, online platforms will rise at a notable CAGR between 2025 and 2034.

Market Overview

The Europe pharmaceutical packaging market is witnessing steady growth, driven by tighter regulations for drug safety, growing healthcare demands, and increased pharmaceutical production. Demand is being further fueled by the growing use of eco-friendly and sustainable packaging materials. Smart and tamper-evident packaging innovations are also improving patient convenience and product security, which is helping the market expand throughout the region. Tamper-evident packaging innovations are also enhancing patient convenience and product security.

Market Outlook

  • Industry Growth Overview: The Europe pharmaceutical packaging market is growing steadily because of increased pharmaceutical production, more stringent laws, and the need for intelligent and sustainable packaging. Personalized medications, vaccines, and biologics all contribute to growth. To improve efficiency and compliance, businesses are also investing in automation and cutting-edge materials.
  • Global Expansion: European companies are expanding internationally through exports, partnerships, and acquisitions. Eco-friendly and intelligent packaging that complies with EU regulations boosts their competitiveness overseas. Because of their global presence, businesses can reach developing nations with growing healthcare demands.
  • Startup Ecosystem: Startups are innovating with eco-friendly, smart, and digitally enabled packaging solutions. Government funding and venture capital aid in the speedy com

Key Technological Shifts in the Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Technological Shift Description/Impact
Smart Packaging Integration of RFID, OR codes, and IoT for real-time monitoring of drug authenticity, temperature, and supply chain visibility.
Prefilled & auto-injectable devices Adoption of prefilled syringes, cartages, and auto injectors for biologics, vaccines, and self-administered therapies, improving dosing accuracy and patient convenience.
Sustainable & eco-friendly materials Shift toward recyclable, biodegradable, and multi-layer laminate materials to reduce environmental impact and comply with EU sustainability regulations.
Tamper-evident & child-resistant designs Advanced closures, seals, and blister technologies to enhance drug safety and prevent misuse.

Value Chain Analysis

  • Material Processing and Conversion: Involves finding and turning raw materials into usable packaging components such as metals, glass, paper, and plastics. Functionality and compliance features are added by conversion technologies like printing, molding, and extrusion. A key factor in guaranteeing materials quality that satisfies pharma grade standards is the suppliers.
  • Package Design and Prototyping: Focus on creating safe, user-friendly, and regulatory-compliant packaging designs tailored to specific drug needs. Before large-scale production, prototyping guarantees testing for sustainability, tamper resistance, and durability. To balance innovation and cost effectiveness, pharmaceutical companies and design firms must work together.
  • Logistics and Distribution: Ensures secure handling and timely delivery of packaged pharmaceuticals across Europe. Temperature-controlled logistics is one specialized solution that protects vaccines and sensitive biologics while they are in transit. Supply chain transparency is improved through the integration of barcoding, RFID, and tracking systems. To meet the climate goals of the EU, logistics companies also implement transportation practices.

Market Opportunity

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Pharmaceutical companies are facing pressure to reduce plastic waste and implement recyclable solutions because of Europe's strong push toward a circular economy. Reusable containers, paper-based packaging, and biodegradable plastics are becoming more popular. Growing consumer awareness of sustainability has also contributed to this change in green packaging.

Market Restraint

Environmental Concerns in Plastics

Despite sustainability initiatives, plastics continue to be used in a sizable portion of pharmaceutical packaging. Obstacles include the challenge of recycling multi-layer materials and limitations on medical waste. Supply chains may be disrupted, and costly switchovers to alternatives may be necessary as pressure to phase out non-recyclable plastics grows.

By Material Type

Why did the Plastics Segment Dominate the Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?

The plastics segment dominated the Europe pharmaceutical packaging market with a 45% share in 2024 because of its lightweight quality's affordability, and adaptability. It is frequently used for bottles, blister packs, vials, and caps because it is easy to make and durable. Plastics dominance in oral injectable and topical dosage forms is guaranteed by its ability to be tailored for barrier qualities, clarity, and drug compatibility.

The multi-layer laminates are expected to be the fastest in the market during the forecast period due to their superior barrier protection against light oxygen and moisture. They are being used more often in sachets, blisters, and pouches for medications that are sensitive, such as vaccines and biologics. Laminate materials quick rise in the European market, being driven by the growing need for longer shelf lives and improved drug safety, as well as sustainability advancements in laminate materials.

By Packaging Type

What Made the Bottles & Jars Segment Dominate the Market in 2024?

The bottles & jars segment dominated the Europe pharmaceutical packaging market with approximately 40% share in 2024, because they are frequently found in oral solids, liquids, and supplements. They are economical in large-scale manufacturing, providing strong protection and are simple to handle. Glass and plastic bottle maintain their top spot because they are still necessary for both patient convenience and regulatory compliance.

The pre-filled syringes & cartridges segment is predicted to be the fastest in the market during the forecast period. Due to the growing need for vaccines, self-administration treatments, and injectable biologics. They increased patient adherence, lowered the risk of contamination, and improved dosing accuracy. Adoption of these practical, user-friendly formats has been further accelerated by the trend toward personalized medicine and home healthcare.

By Dosage Form

What Made the Oral Solid segment Dominate the Market?

The oral solid segment has dominated the market with approximately 50% share in 2024, since it accounts for the greatest portion of drug use in Europe. Blister packs, bottles, and cartons are frequently used in their packaging to ensure child safety, tamper evidence, and durability. Oral solid packaging is always in demand due to the high prevalence of chronic illnesses and preventive treatments.

The injectable segment is predicted to be the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period because of the rise in vaccines, biologics, and specialty drug treatments. To ensure sterility, stability, and precise dosing, advanced packaging options such as prefilled syringes, vials, and cartridges are crucial. The expansion of this market is also being driven by the rise in hospital-focused therapies and self-administered injectables.

By End User

What Made the Retail Pharmacies Segment Dominate the Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?

The retail pharmacies segment has dominated the market with approximately 55% in 2024 because they are where prescription and over-the-counter medications are primarily distributed. Pharmaceutical companies are a major force behind standardized formats like bottles, blisters, and cartons because packaging solutions must guarantee patient safety compliance and ease of dispensing. The demand for pharmaceutical packaging is consistently maintained by their well-established networks.

The e-commerce/online pharmacies segment is predicted to be the fastest in the market during the forecast period because of the growing popularity of pharmaceutical home delivery and online purchases. Additional protection, tamper evidence, and temperature control during transit are necessary for packaging solutions in this channel. The growth of this channel. The growth of this market is driven by consumers increasing desire for quick delivery and convenience.

By Distribution Channel

How did the Distributors & Wholesalers Segment Dominate the Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market?

The distributors & wholesalers segment dominated the market in 2024, by managing large shipments to pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their well-established networks guarantee prompt delivery of packaged medication, effective inventory control, and storage. Because of their standardized packaging and adherence to legal requirements, they are essential to the supply chain.

The online platforms are growing fastest, driven by a direct-to-consumer business model and the growing adoption of digital healthcare. The focus of this channels packaging is on secure transportation, tamper evidence, and safety. The demand for online drug delivery is being further accelerated by the expansion of telemedicine and home healthcare services.

Country Level Analysis

The Europe pharmaceutical packaging market is witnessing growth, driven by the need for smart and sustainable packaging solutions, stringent regulations, and an increase in pharmaceutical production. In general, the regional market is being shaped by sustainability initiatives, technological innovation, and supportive policies.

Germany dominates the European pharmaceutical packaging market because of its robust pharmaceutical production base, high healthcare spending, and cutting-edge packaging innovations. The market is driven by the need for smart tamper-evident and sustainable packaging solutions, especially for oral solid dosage forms, biologics, and vaccines.

The UK pharmaceutical packaging market is an important part of Europe’s sector, driven by the need for clever tamper-evident and environmentally friendly packaging solutions, strict drug pricing regulations hinder investment growth, but businesses are embracing new materials and digital tracking to maintain competitiveness, safety, and compliance. Also increasing demand for packaging formats is the growing use of vaccines and biologics.

Recent Developments

  • In October 2025, LOG Pharma Primary Packaging, in collaboration with Dow, introduced its innovative barrier eco line at CPHI Frankfurt 2025. This sustainable packaging solution aims to enhance drug protection while reducing environmental impact.
  • In October 2025, Xampla UK-based green materials company Xampla raised $14 million to advance its mission of replacing single-use plastics. The funds will support the development of biodegradable alternatives for pharmaceutical packaging.

Top Vendors in Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

  • Amcor plc: A global packaging company providing flexible and rigid containers for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
  • West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.: A manufacturer of injectable drug delivery and packaging systems, including components for syringes, vials, and cartridges.
  • Gerresheimer AG: A German manufacturer specializing in primary packaging and drug delivery devices from glass and plastic for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
  • Catalent, Inc.: A contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides a range of drug delivery and manufacturing services.
  • SCHOTT AG: A German technology group producing specialized glass and glass-ceramic materials, with a separate pharmaceutical division, SCHOTT Pharma, for drug packaging

Top Players in Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Tier 1

  • AptarGroup, Inc.
  • Berry Global, Inc.
  • WestRock Company
  • Gerresheimer AG
  • Schott AG
  • Stevanato Group S.p.A.
  • Becton Dickinson & Co.
  • SGD Pharma
  • West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
  • Amcor plc

Tier 2

  • Nipro Corporation
  • Lonza Group AG
  • CCL Industries
  • Catalent, Inc.
  • Stölzle Glass Group
  • Rommelag Kunststoff-Maschinen Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
  • Essentra plc
  • Huhtamaki Oyj
  • Clariant AG
  • Gerresheimer Bünde GmbH

Tier 3

  • Owens-Illinois, Inc.
  • Rexam Plc
  • Evonik Industries AG
  • Aagard Group LLC
  • SGT S.A.
  • Neopac AG
  • Weener Plastics Group
  • Bormioli Pharma S.p.A.
  • Tekni-Plex, Inc.
  • Gerresheimer Lohr GmbH

Segmentation of the Europe Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

By Material Type

  • Glass
  • Plastics (HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PET)
  • Aluminum
  • Paper & Cardboard
  • Multi-Layer Laminates

By Packaging Type

  • Bottles & Jars
  • Blister Packs
  • Vials & Ampoules
  • Pouches & Sachets
  • Pre-Filled Syringes & Cartridges
  • Tubes
  • Others (Cans, Drums, Specialized Containers)

By Dosage Form

  • Oral Solid (Tablets, Capsules)
  • Oral Liquid (Syrups, Suspensions)
  • Injectable (Vials, Prefilled Syringes)
  • Topical (Creams, Gels, Ointments)
  • Inhalation & Nasal
  • Others (Suppositories, Powders)

By End-User

  • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • E-commerce / Online Pharmacies
  • Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)

By Distribution Channel

  • Direct Sales
  • Distributors & Wholesalers
  • Online Platforms

By Region

  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe

Tags

Share With : linkedin twitter facebook
  • Insight Code: 5860
  • No. of Pages: 400
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 22 October 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 Europe pharmaceutical packaging market is valued at USD 34 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 58.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.25%.

Growth is driven by stringent drug safety regulations, rising pharmaceutical production, and increasing adoption of sustainable and smart packaging technologies across Europe.

Plastics hold the largest share at around 45% in 2024, thanks to their lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility, while multi-layer laminates are growing fastest due to superior barrier protection.

Bottles and jars account for about 40% of the market in 2024, mainly for oral solids and liquids, while pre-filled syringes and cartridges are witnessing rapid adoption for biologics and vaccines.

Oral solids lead with nearly 50% share in 2024 due to high demand for tablets and capsules in chronic disease treatment.

Retail pharmacies hold the largest share (~55%) as they handle most prescription and OTC drug sales, while online pharmacies are the fastest-growing channel.

Germany dominates the market due to its strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base, innovation in packaging materials, and high healthcare spending.