The global sales of plastic vials and ampoules are estimated to be worth USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and are anticipated to reach a value of USD 5.8 billion by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period between 2024 and 2034. The revenue generated by plastic vials and ampoules in 2023 was USD 3,270.7 million. The industry is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 5.6% in 2024.
Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)/ cyclic olefin polymer (COP) is predicted to reach a market valuation of USD 1,549.8 million by 2024 and is expected to gain an incremental expansion of 1.8x times the market value. The COC/COP material's ability to maintain stability and integrity of the filled content under various storage conditions including cold chain logistics contributes to segment growth.
Global Plastic Vials and Ampoules Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 3,270.7 million |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 3.4 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 5.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.4% |
Vials are poised to offer an incremental opportunity worth USD 1,520.0 million and are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The demand for plastic vials is on the rise due to their durability, resistance to breakage and lightweight preferred by the pharmaceutical industry for storing medication including oral solutions and injectable.
The personal care and cosmetics industry is anticipated to capture approx. 28.4% of the total market share in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 991.4 million by 2024. The plastic vials are preferred in the personal care and cosmetics industries for packaging of serums, essence and other high liquid formulations for their lightweight and shatter-resistant nature.
South Asia is expected to lead the global plastic vials and ampoules market with a CAGR of 5.3% during the assessment period and is anticipated to gain an incremental expansion of 1.7x times the market value. Many countries like India are experiencing growth in investments in the healthcare infrastructure leading to higher demand for pharmaceutical packaging solutions including plastic vials and ampoules.
The global plastic vials and ampoules are poised to gain an incremental opportunity worth USD 2,562.3 million with a CAGR of 5.4% during the assessment. The global market for plastic vials and ampoules is growing with the increase in emphasis on sustainability with manufacturers developing recyclable and biodegradable plastic vials and ampoule.
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global plastic vials and ampoules market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 5.3%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 5.5% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 5.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 5.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 5.1% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.7% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 5.1% in the first half and slightly increase to 5.7% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS.
Growing Single-Use Packaging in the Pharmaceutical Industry to Drive Plastic Vials and Ampoules Market
Single-use packaging in pharmaceuticals helps reduce the contamination of the drugs and ensures the safety and integrity of these drugs and vaccines. This type of packaging is particularly important for sensitive biological drugs and injectable medications which is boosting the usage of these single-use dosage packaging in pharmaceuticals.
Plastic vials and ampoules completely suit these single-use dosages due to their disposable nature and they also align with the current industry scenario for hygienic practices. These practices reduce the risks of contamination thus generating the demand for single-use packaging.
For example, vials used for vaccination and injectables, developed by manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna are made of plastic in order to ensure each dose filled is sterile and ready to use without any additional preparation. This trend of single-use dosage is growing particularly where sterility is crucial like hospitals and clinics. This growing trend of single-use dosage is poised to drive the market for plastic vials and ampoules.
Rising Demand for Biopharmaceuticals to Drive the Market
The growing biopharmaceutical sectors amid the rise in chronic diseases and personalized medication for example the rise in monoclonal antibodies, a drug mostly used in the treatment of cancer and other drugs. These drugs are used for various treatments of chronic diseases necessitating the robust and secure packaging solutions of these sensitive drugs.
Plastic vials and ampoules due to their durability, strength and resistance to chemical interactions possess the ability to maintain the stability of these biologic drugs used to treat harmful chronic diseases. These plastic vials & ampoules are considered as better alternatives to glass products which are prone to breakage and can contaminate these drugs.
As the demand for these biologic drugs increases, the demand for these plastic vials and ampoules is expected to grow. Further, the advancement in plastic packaging i.e. the improved sealing capabilities boosts the demand for plastic vials and ampoules market.
High Competition from the Glass Material to Pose Challenges
Vials and ampoules made from plastic materials may face intense competition from the traditional glass material which is the most preferred option by various manufacturing companies for its history of use and the fact that there is a possibility of chemical interactions with the plastics that may damage the drug.
These factors may hinder the growth of the plastic vials and ampoules market particularly in situations where high-value and high risks are assigned with sensitive biologic drugs and vaccines. Further, the regulatory bodies and many healthcare providers have a strong preference for glass material due to the above particular reasons coupled with superior quality may pose challenges for the plastic vials and ampoules market.
The global plastic vials and ampoules industry recorded a CAGR of 4.3% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of the plastic vials and ampoules industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 3,270.7 million in 2023 from USD 2,650.2 million in 2019.
The plastic vials and ampoules observed a growth with the industry shifting towards single-use dose and pre-filled packaging solutions. This shift was seen due to the need to reduce risks of contamination and maintain the sterility of sensitive biologic drugs and vaccines. This process gained popularity as it simplified the administration process and improved the factor of patient safety.
The technological advancements in the manufacturing process of these plastic vials and ampoules through the implementation of technologies such as blow-fill-seal and advanced injection molding reduced the overall risk of contamination and also improved productivity and product consistency.
The stringent regulations imposed by the various bodies like the FDA, and EMA have given certain rules and regulations to comply for single-use dose packaging which manufacturers need to comply with and maintain the high standards for the products that meet these regulations.
These plastic vials and ampoules are lightweight in nature, durable and cost-effective solutions that are made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and cyclic olefin polymers (COP) are the most utilized materials over the glass as glass is prone to breakage and contamination of drugs and vaccines driving the demand for the plastic vials and ampoules.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base. Prominent companies within tier 1 include Berry Global Inc., Gerresheimer AG, and Adelphi Healthcare Packaging.
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players that have a presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local market. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge.
These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include Thornton Plastics, DWK Life Sciences GmbH, Amcor Plc, TekniPlex, Fresenius Kabi Contract Manufacturing, Arcade Beauty, and Ningbo Suncity.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
The section below covers the industry analysis for the plastic vials and ampoules market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided. The United States is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a market share of 80.1% through 2034. In East Asia, China is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.9% by 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 4.4% |
| Brazil | 4.2% |
| Russia | 4.7% |
| Spain | 3.5% |
| France | 4.5% |
| China | 6.9% |
| India | 7.0% |
| Japan | 4.8% |
The data published by Invest India states that the pharmaceutical industry in India is predicted to reach USD 65 billion by 2024.
Many pharmaceutical companies are increasing the adoption of biodegradable and recyclable polymers for producing plastic vials and ampoules knowing their environmental benefits. The most popular materials used for the production of these vials and ampoules are polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which are recyclable and can be broken easily, as PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane.
PET on the other hand is recyclable and is known for its durability, resistance to moisture and transparency thus is suitable and used for wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry including vials and ampoules.
These materials align with the sustainability aspects and also offer protective qualities required for sensitive drugs to ensure integrity and increase the shelf life of these drugs. As the pharmaceutical industry grows it is expected to drive the demand for these plastic vials and ampoules. The India plastic vials and ampoules market is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 7.0% between 2024 and 2034, reaching over USD 314.9 million by 2024.
Chemical Industries Associations published data stating the chemical industry in the UK is generating around USD 72.31 billion annually in 2024 and is the major contributing sector to the UK’s economy.
The chemical industry prefers plastic vials and ampoules for their ability to safely store a wide range of chemicals including volatile and reactive substances. The plastic vials that are most preferred by the chemical industry are particularly made from COC/COP advanced polymers as they offer superior chemical resistance and are less reactive and more stable compared to glass materials.
The durability and resistance to breakage properties of plastic vials and ampoules make them suitable for the rigorous demands of the chemical industry.
This durability of plastics is important will handling hazardous or corrosive chemicals as it reduces risks of leaks and preserves the quality of the materials to drive the demand for the plastic vials and ampoules market. The market for plastic vials and ampoules in the UK is poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% throughout the assessment period.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By product type and capacity, the vials segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% throughout 2034. Additionally, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) segment by material is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecasted period.
| Material | COC/COP |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 47.4% |
The cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)/ cyclic olefin polymer (COP) dominates the plastic vials and ampoules market and is predicted for accounting 45.0% of the overall market share by 2024.
COC/COP materials of plastic are gaining popularity due to their exceptional properties and advanced polymers of this family are known for their high purity, excellent moisture barrier properties and chemical resistance making them ideal for protecting sensitive drugs and biologics. The property of optical clarity of these materials allows for visual inspection of the contents ensuring the medication content remains free from contamination.
| End Use | Healthcare |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 40.1% |
The healthcare segment is forecasted to reach a market valuation of USD 1,350.4 million by 2024 and is growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the assessment period. The healthcare sector including hospitals and clinics mostly favors plastic vials and ampoules for their lightweight, durability and resistance to breakage compared to glass materials.
The adoption of single-dosage or fixed-dosage filling particularly for situations where sterility is important drives the demand for plastic vials and ampoules that reduce the risks of errors administer accurate medication, and thus improve patient outcomes.
Key players operating in the plastic vials and ampoules market are investing in new technologies and the development of innovative plastic disposable solutions and also entering into partnerships and collaborations. Key plastic vials and ampoules providers have also been acquiring smaller players to grow their presence to further penetrate the plastic vials and ampoules market across multiple regions.
Recent Industry Developments in Plastic Vials and Ampoules Market
| Report Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Estimated Size (2024) | USD 3.4 billion |
| Projected Size (2034) | USD 5.8 billion |
| CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.4% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2023 |
| Historical Period | 2019 to 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2034 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD billion; million units of vials and ampoules for volume |
| Materials | Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene, COC/COP |
| Product Types & Capacities | Vials (up to 2 ml, 3 ml to 5 ml, 5 ml to 7 ml, 8 ml & above), Ampoules (up to 2 ml, 3 ml to 5 ml, 5 ml to 7 ml, 8 ml & above) |
| End Uses | Healthcare (Research Laboratories, Drug Manufacturers, Hospitals, Clinical Research), Personal Care & Cosmetics, Chemical Industry, Homecare Products |
| Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, Middle East & Africa |
| Key Players | Berry Global Inc, Thornton Plastics, Gerresheimer AG, Adelphi Healthcare Packaging, DWK Life Sciences GmbH, Amcor Plc, TekniPlex, Fresenius Kabi Contract Manufacturing, Arcade Beauty, Ningbo Suncity |
| Additional Attributes | Increased demand from pharmaceutical packaging and diagnostics, shift toward polymer-based containers over glass, and greater adoption in cosmetics and homecare industries are boosting volume. Preference for break-resistant, lightweight formats is enhancing long-term market potential. |
| Customization and Pricing | Customization and Pricing Available on Request |
In terms of material, the industry is divided into polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and COC/COP.
In terms of product type & capacity, the industry is segregated into vials and ampoules. Vials are further sub-categorized as up to 2 ml, 3 ml to 5 ml, 5 ml to 7 ml, and 8 ml & above. Ampoules are sub-divided into up to 2 ml, 3 ml to 5 ml, 5 ml to 7 ml, and 8 ml & above
The industry is classified by end-use industries as healthcare, personal care &cosmetics, chemical industry, and homecare products. Healthcare is further classified as research laboratories, drug manufacturers, hospitals and clinical research.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa have been covered in the report.
The global plastic vials and ampoules industry is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.4% between 2024 and 2034.
The global plastic vials and ampoules industry stood at USD 3,270.7 million in 2023.
The global plastic vials and ampoules industry is anticipated to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2034 end.
South Asia region is set to record the highest CAGR of 7.2% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global plastic vials and ampoules industry include Berry Global Inc., Thornton Plastics, Gerresheimer AG, Adelphi Healthcare Packaging, and DWK Life Sciences GmbH.
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Plastic Vials and Ampoules Market
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