The global pharmaceutical contract packaging market size was estimated at USD 33.87 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 55.78 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033. This strong growth outlook is driven by the increasing trend among pharmaceutical companies to outsource packaging operations to specialized contract packaging organizations. With rising pressure to reduce overall operational costs, accelerate time-to-market, and improve efficiency, pharmaceutical manufacturers increasingly rely on external partners with dedicated expertise. By collaborating with specialized packaging companies, drug manufacturers can redirect their focus toward core competencies such as research, drug discovery, and clinical development, while outsourcing the highly technical packaging tasks that require regulatory knowledge, advanced equipment, and specialized labor. These partnerships help ensure compliance with evolving global regulations and streamline the handling of new, complex packaging requirements that accompany modern pharmaceutical products.

Another key factor driving the market's growth is the expanding demand for customized and technically complex packaging solutions, particularly for biologics, biosimilars, and personalized medicines. These next-generation therapies often require sophisticated packaging formats that ensure sterility, protect product integrity, and maintain stability throughout distribution. For example, biologics and injectable drugs must be stored in temperature-controlled, sterile, and tamper-resistant packaging that prevents contamination and degradation. Contract packaging providers have invested in advanced technologies, high-quality materials, and specialized facilities to meet these demands, enabling pharmaceutical firms to deliver safe and effective products while meeting strict regulatory criteria. As the pipeline for biologics and individualized treatments continues to grow, contract packaging companies play an increasingly vital role in ensuring these therapies reach patients safely.

Moreover, the globalization of pharmaceutical production and distribution amplifies the importance of contract packaging providers. As pharmaceutical supply chains stretch across continents, packaging must meet an array of international standards, including those set by the FDA, EMA, and MHRA. This is particularly important for countries such as India one of the world’s largest suppliers of generics and China, a major producer of APIs and finished formulations. Contract packaging companies act as critical enablers by offering multi-market compliant packaging, serialization, and regulatory support, allowing pharmaceutical firms to expand into new regions efficiently. The continued expansion of global pharmaceutical production directly fuels demand for contract packaging services, creating sustained growth opportunities for experienced and technologically advanced providers.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• North America dominated the pharmaceutical contract packaging market with the largest revenue share of over 36.8% in 2024. The pharmaceutical contract packaging industry in the U.S. led the regional market, accounting for an 84.59% share in 2024, supported by its mature pharmaceutical sector and highly advanced packaging infrastructure.
• The pharmaceutical contract packaging market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by the region’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, government initiatives supporting domestic manufacturing, and increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure.
• By material, the plastics segment contributed the largest revenue share of 38.5% in 2024. Plastics remain a preferred material due to their versatility, durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of molding into complex shapes required for modern pharmaceutical packaging. Meanwhile, the glass segment is projected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2033 as demand rises for sterile, non-reactive packaging for injectable formulations.
• By packaging type, the primary packaging segment is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2033, driven by increasing demand for secure packaging formats in direct contact with pharmaceutical ingredients. Within this category, the vials sub-segment is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% due to rising vaccine production, widespread use in injectables, and expansion in biologics.

Order a free sample PDF of the Pharmaceutical Contract Packaging Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 33.87 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 55.78 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 5.8%
• North America: Largest Market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing Market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Leading players in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market include Amcor plc, Ball Corporation, Nipro Corporation, Daito Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pfizer, and several others. These companies leverage extensive global networks, high-quality production capabilities, and technological innovations to maintain strong market positions. Emerging technologies including serialization, RFID tagging, real-time track-and-trace solutions, and smart IoT-enabled packaging create significant growth opportunities for contract packagers looking to differentiate themselves. Regulatory requirements across major markets such as the U.S., the EU, and Brazil mandate robust serialization and traceability systems to combat counterfeit medicines, making technology integration an increasingly critical competitive factor. The adoption of 2D barcodes and tamper-evident packaging further enhances supply chain transparency and compliance.

In August 2025, Amcor plc expanded its healthcare packaging network by opening a new warehouse and distribution facility in San José, Costa Rica. This facility enhances supply chain efficiency across the Americas and provides improved access to products such as trays, die-cut lids, forming films, bags, pouches, and labels.

In the same month, SCHOTT Pharma introduced the SCHOTT TOPPAC polymer cartridge, the industry's first ready-to-use polymer cartridge adhering to ISO standards. Offering superior break resistance compared to glass while maintaining glass-like functionality, the cartridge supports major fill-and-finish systems and injection devices. Available in 1.5 ml, 3 ml, and 5 ml formats with a 10 ml version in progress the innovation highlights the industry's push toward safer, more convenient, and technologically advanced packaging systems.

Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.

Conclusion:

The global pharmaceutical contract packaging market is poised for sustained growth as pharmaceutical companies increasingly rely on specialized outsourcing partners to manage complex, highly regulated packaging requirements. The rising demand for biologics, biosimilars, and personalized medicines continues to push contract packagers to enhance capabilities in areas such as cold chain management, sterile packaging, and advanced containment systems. In addition, globalization of drug manufacturing and distribution underscores the need for packaging providers that can ensure regulatory compliance across multiple markets while supporting efficient international supply chains. Technological advancements, including serialization, RFID, and smart packaging, further strengthen the strategic importance of contract packaging in safeguarding product integrity and combating counterfeiting. Overall, the market will continue to expand as innovation in pharmaceutical therapies drives parallel innovation and investment within the contract packaging sector.