Barrier Films For Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)), By Product Type, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts,
Published Date: May - 2025 | Publisher: MIR | No of Pages: 260 | Industry: bulk chemicals | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format
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The size of the global barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging market was worth USD 8.39 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to advance at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2025-2030. The barrier films for the pharmaceutical packaging market is propelled by a growing need for extended shelf life and moisture, oxygen, and light protection. Moreover, an increase in chronic diseases and growing regulatory focus on product safety increases market growth.
The pharmaceutical packaging barrier films market is dominated by growing demand for drug safety and longer shelf life. For instance, medicines like effervescent tablets, biologics, and antibiotics are extremely sensitive to moisture and need packaging materials with high barrier properties to maintain their potency and efficacy over time. The increased emphasis on patient safety and meeting stringent quality requirements has compelled pharma companies to implement sophisticated packaging solutions such as high-barrier films.
The increase in specialty pharmaceuticals and biologics is also helping the market to grow. They need more protection because of their complicated structures. They are more sensitive to the environment than the conventional small-molecule drugs. Pharmaceutical companies, therefore, use more high-performance barrier films like polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), cyclic olefin polymers (COP), and aluminum foil laminates. For instance, barrier films employed in blister packaging for biologics protect drug stability and minimize the likelihood of contamination to ensure that the drug is safe and effective up to the point of consumption.
Regulatory compliance and sustainability trends are also influencing the market. Regulatory agencies like the U.S. FDA and EMA require stringent guidelines for pharmaceutical packaging, such as barrier performance, material safety, and compatibility with the drug product. Concurrently, there is increasing pressure towards environmentally friendly and recyclable materials. This has prompted innovation in creating multi-layer barrier films that combine high protection with recyclability.
In addition, the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing and contract packaging operations globally is further increasing the demand for barrier films. The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted investments in pharmaceutical production and cold chain logistics, particularly for vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines. This has increased the use of barrier films in secondary and tertiary packaging forms like pouches, sachets, and overwraps. Additionally, with the outsourcing of packaging operations to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), there is more focus on standardized, high-performance packaging materials that are capable of being applied across varied drug portfolios and regional regulatory environments.
Material Insights
The polyethylene (PE) segment led in terms of the highest revenue of more than 34.0% in 2024. PE is most commonly utilized in pharmaceutical packaging because of its high moisture barrier property, flexibility, and low cost. It is commonly applied as a sealant layer in multi-layered barrier films. PE, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is prized for its clarity, softness, and ability to heat-seal, making it ideal for tablet, capsule, and medical device packaging.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is forecasted to exhibit the highest growth CAGR of 5.1% from the forecast period. PET, for its superb strength, transparency, and moisture- and gas barrier, finds use in drug packaging. PET, as a laminated cover layer over foil of aluminum or other barrier types in blister packaging or sachets, is a popular choice. Gaining usage on account of a growing requirement for transparent, tamper-clear, and decorative-looking drug packages drives the adoption of PET.
Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Product Type Insights
The multilayer films segment attained the highest market revenue share of more than 46.0% in 2024 and is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period. Multilayer films are made up of several layers of polymers that are fused together, and each layer adds a particular attribute like moisture resistance, oxygen barrier, or mechanical strength. Multilayer films are significantly used for packaging drugs that are sensitive in nature and have to be shielded against environmental damage. Multilayer films are propelled by the increased need for high-barrier packaging in the pharmaceutical market, particularly for biologics and sensitive drugs to moisture.
Laminated films segment is dominated by the growing need for flexible, durable, and good-looking packaging solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. Laminated films are created by combining two or more layers of films with adhesives or heat, providing combined advantages of the individual layers. These films are recognized for their superior mechanical strength, printability, and high barrier properties, and are widely used for sachets, pouches, and blister packs.
Application Insights
The blister packaging segment achieved the highest market share of more than 41.0% in 2024 and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 4.8% in the forecast period. Demand for blister packaging depends mainly on its capacity to provide unit-dose protection, minimize risks of contamination, and enhance patient compliance. Furthermore, growing self-medication and over-the-counter (OTC) drug sale trends, particularly in developing markets, drive growth. The increasing geriatric population and the requirement for tamper-evident and child-resistant packaging also support demand for barrier films in this segment.
Multi-layer barrier films are utilized for packaging powders, granules, or transdermal patches in pouched form. They are lightweight, flexible, and provide good protection against light, moisture, and oxygen, making them an attractive material for pharma and medical device applications. The demand for convenient, portable, and single-use packaging is propelling the use of barrier films in pouch applications.
Bottles and vials are used as main containers for liquid, powder, and injectable pharmaceuticals. Either as linings or secondary seals, barrier films increase the barrier of the container against moisture, gas, and microbial contamination. The films protect sensitive pharmaceutical formulations from degradation during storage and transit. Growth in the segment is fueled by the growth in the biologics and injectable drugs market, which needs high-barrier packaging to ensure drug efficacy.
Region Insights
North America's expansion in the barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging industry is attributed to its strong pharmaceutical industry base and stringent regulatory environment. The FDA's stringent packaging requirements for drug stability, shelf life, and protection against moisture, oxygen, and contaminants have prompted pharma companies to use high-performance barrier films. Key players like Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Merck have built large manufacturing bases across the continent, generating steady demand for advanced packaging solutions.
U.S. Pharmaceutical Packaging Barrier Films Market Trends
The U.S. pharmaceutical packaging barrier films market is driven mainly by the explosive growth of biologics, injectables, and personalized medicine in the U.S. Moreover, the increasing complexity of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain, fueled by cold chain logistics, online pharmacies, and decentralized clinical trials, has amplified the need for high-performance packaging. Further, government assistance to domestic pharma production, including programs under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARADA) and the FDA's Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), continues to encourage investment in packaging developments.
Europe Barrier Films for Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends
Europe pharmaceuticals packaging market barrier films has one of the biggest and most established pharmaceutical markets in the world, with Germany, Switzerland, and France hosting some of the world's largest pharmaceutical corporations. These corporations need sophisticated packaging solutions to secure their products while in transit and storage, thereby propelling the market growth within the country.
Barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging market in Germany is dominated by its amalgamation of pharmaceutical production skills, strict regulatory environment, strong innovation ecosystem, and export-focused economy. The nation has large-scale global pharmaceutical corporations, such as Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Merck KGaA, each of which require high-quality protective packaging materials to guarantee drug security and regulatory compliance.
Asia Pacific Barrier Films for Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Trends
APAC barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging market led the global market and held the highest revenue share of more than 41.0% in 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The region is home to fast-growing pharmaceutical manufacturing centers in nations like India, China, and Singapore, which together produce a large percentage of the world's generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This manufacturing focus necessarily generates demand for quality packaging solutions, such as barrier films that prevent sensitive drugs from moisture, oxygen, and light degradation.
The China barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging market is fueled by its enormous base of pharmaceutical manufacturing, which has grown immensely over the last few years as domestic firms expand capacity while multinationals create regional production bases to cater to Asian demand. The Chinese government's "Healthy China 2030" has also emphasized pharmaceutical innovation and quality upgrades throughout the supply chain, indirectly impacting packaging materials.
Key Barrier Films For Pharmaceutical Packaging Company Insights
The market situation of the pharmaceutical packaging barrier films is marked by stiff competition among worldwide and regional manufacturers competing to improve product functionality, regulatory support, and environmental friendliness. Industry leaders hold a strong position in the market by ongoing development of multilayer film technology, high-tech materials like PVDC and EVOH, and environmentally friendly options. The sector is critically driven by regulations for pharmaceutical packaging, compelling the companies to commit to R&D and strategic alliance investments to meet barrier property, shelf-life, and safety requirement needs. There is also pressure from new market entrants using cost-saving innovations and eco-friendly materials, thus increasing competition for an already evolving market.
In May 2024, TOPPAN Holdings Inc. and TSF in India will introduce Indian production of GL-SP, a BOPP-based barrier film for eco-friendly packaging. The film boasts barrier performance similar to vapor-deposited PET, with excellent oxygen and water vapor barrier performance, making it suitable for packaging use in the food, medical/pharmaceutical, and industrial materials industries.
In October 2023, Solvay introduced Diofan Ultra736, an ultra-high barrier polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) coating solution for pharmaceutical blister films that has better water vapor barrier functionality and allows for thinner coating structure, ultimately minimizing the carbon footprint of the package. The aqueous, fluorine-free dispersion complies with regulatory standards for direct pharmaceutical contact and provides high oxygen barrier, chemical resistance, transparency, and thermoformability, supporting lower pack sizes with increased pill density.
Key Barrier Films For Pharmaceutical Packaging Companies
The following are the leading companies in the barrier films for pharmaceutical packaging market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
- Klöckner Pentaplast
- Sealed Air
- Cosmo Films
- UFlex Limited
- Honeywell International Inc.
- TOPPAN Inc.
- ACG
- West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
- Tekni-Plex, Inc.
- Neelam Global Pvt. Ltd.
- Perlen Packaging
- WEIFU Films
- Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
- ALMA Packaging AG
- Vishakha Polyfab Pvt Ltd
Barrier Films For Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 8.83 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 10.94 billion |
|
Growth rate |
CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
|
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
|
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, volume in kilotons, and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, volume forecast, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Material, product type, application, region |
|
States scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central & South America; Middle East & Africa |
|
Key companies profiled |
Klöckner Pentaplast; Sealed Air; Cosmo Films; UFlex Limited; Honeywell International Inc.; TOPPAN Inc.; ACG; West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.; Tekni-Plex, Inc.; Neelam Global Pvt. Ltd.; Perlen Packaging; WEIFU Films; Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.; ALMA Packaging AG; Vishakha Polyfab Pvt Ltd. |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analyst’s working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional, and segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Global Barrier Films For Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Report Segmentation
Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Polyethylene (PE)
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Polypropylene (PP)
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Polyamide (PA)
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Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
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Others
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Product Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Single-layer Films
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Multilayer Films
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Coated Films
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Laminated Films
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Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Blister Packaging
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Bottles and Vials
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Caps and Closures
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Pouches
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Others
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Region Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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North America
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U.S.
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Canada
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Mexico
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Europe
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Germany
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France
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UK
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Italy
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Spain
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Asia Pacific
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China
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India
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Japan
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Australia
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South Korea
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Central & South America
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Brazil
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Argentina
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Middle East & Africa
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South Africa
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Saudi Arabia
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UAE
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