Blister Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Paper & Paperboard, Plastic Films, Aluminum), By Technology, By Type (Carded, Clamshell), By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global blister packaging market size was valued at USD 27.09 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. This market growth is attributed to the rising consumer shift from traditional bottles to blister packs for packaging unit doses in healthcare. Furthermore, the use of pre-formed cavities allows producers and manufacturers of blister packaging to reduce extra material usage and minimize the need for additional protective packaging materials. Blister packaging is experiencing moderate growth in the U.S., driven by the high level of safety provided by these packaging solutions.

The demand for blister packaging has been increasing over the years in the country due to the growing preference for blister packaging by consumers for these packaging solutions. The market has also been fueled by the rising demand for over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, antacids, and vitamin supplements.

In addition, the country is witnessing a growing trend toward the adoption of innovative technologies in blister packaging, such as RFID tags, which offer enhanced security throughout the supply chain by applying a seal outside the packaging. Tampering of samples in blister packaging is minimized as the protective layer remains intact until a single tablet or capsule is dispensed or administered.

Material Insights

Based on material, the blister packaging market is further categorized into paper & paperboard, plastic films, and aluminum foil. Among these, plastic films dominated the material segment in 2022 and accounted for the highest share of over 43.6% in terms of revenue. This is attributed to their lightweight properties which makes them ideal for transportation by reducing the shipping cost.  Plastic films from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene (PE) provide sturdy packaging that is transparent and protects the product against external environmental factors which is further driving the market growth for this segment.

The paper & paperboard segment is anticipated to grow at a fast CAGR over the forecast period due to its easily customizable properties and increased demand from the food industry for various products such as frozen foods, dairy products, premixes, and others. Moreover, the growing consumer preference for paper-based packaging solutions over plastic packaging solutions owing to environmental concerns is further driving the demand for this segment.

Aluminum is used in blister packaging due to its excellent barrier property against moisture, air, and light. Some of the pharmaceutical products on the market are sensitive to light and moisture and require effective barrier protection against these elements, which drives the demand for aluminum material-based blister packaging.

Technology Insights

Based on technology, the blister packaging market has been further categorized into thermoforming and cold forming. Among these, thermoforming technology accounted for the highest share of over 84.3% in terms of revenue in 2022. This technology process involves heating a plastic sheet to make it flexible and then shaping it into a specific form using a vacuum or a mold. This method produces a robust, transparent, and cost-effective packaging solution that protects the product from external environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen. The market growth of this segment is driven by several unique properties such as its ability to produce customized shapes and sizes of packaging at a lower cost.

The cold-forming process involves dry bond lamination technology to club aluminum foil between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nylon films and then pressed it into a mold using a stamp. Unlike a thermoforming method, this is accomplished without applying heat. The cold-forming technology-based blister packaging exhibits the ability to resist oxygen and water completely and provide a longer shelf life to the products owing to the thickness of the aluminum foil in the laminate.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is further segmented into carded type and clamshell type. Among these, the carded-type blister packaging recorded the highest market share of over 56.2% in terms of revenue in 2022. The product placed inside the blister with a card sealed to it using adhesive or heat offers visibility, convenience, lower cost, and protection to the product which further drives the demand for this segment. For instance, AAA or AA batteries are sold in blister packaging with a clear plastic blister and a cardboard backing. This packaging protects against damage and moisture, while also allowing the product information and batteries to be visible to consumers.

The clamshells type blister packaging market growth is attributed to its benefits provided such as versatility, higher protection, and attractive packaging design. Clamshell packaging is easily customizable and can be manufactured as per the required shape and size. Moreover, these packaging solutions can be designed uniquely by adding graphics and logos to the packaging allowing consumers to differentiate the products from the competitors.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the market is segmented into healthcare, consumer goods, industrial goods, and food. Among these, the healthcare segment accounted for one of the highest shares of over 64.4% in terms of revenue in 2022. This is attributed to its increasing usage in the packaging of various healthcare products such as prescription drugs, OTC drugs, medical devices, and others. Blister packs offer product protection, tamper-evident features, and convenience to pack unit doses of medical drugs. Moreover, the market growth of blister packaging in the healthcare sector is also being driven by the increasing trend of smart blister packaging. This involves tracking a patient's drug intake to improve their compliance by providing medication data based on their activity.

In the consumer goods segment blister packaging solution is gaining popularity for packaging a range of products such as toys, cosmetics, toothbrushes, and personal care products.  Blister packaging offers excellent product visibility, protection, lower cost, and customization options which drives its demand for packaging of consumer goods. For instance, Arcade Beauty offers thermoform blister packaging for its wide range of make-up and skin-care products. Moreover, the rising environmental concerns among consumers regarding the negative impacts of other packaging alternatives further drive the demand for blister packaging solutions made with sustainable materials.

Regional Insights

North America recorded a market share of over 29.5% in terms of revenue in 2022. The presence of several healthcare end-user industries such as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer Inc, and the presence of highly advanced healthcare packaging manufacturers in the region has increased the market penetration of blister packaging in North America. For instance, Huhtamaki manufacturers blister packaging to cater to the healthcare industries in North America. The healthcare industry is one of the major users of blister packaging due to its advantages in protecting and maintaining the integrity of its products. Furthermore, the growing awareness among consumers regarding the importance of safe and hygienic packaging for their health is anticipated to further boost the demand for blister packaging in the region.

Furthermore, the growing importance of recycled and biobased plastics has driven toy manufacturers to consider recycled plastics-based blister packs for the packaging of their products. For instance, U.S.-based Hasbro, Inc. plans to pack its toy products in bio-based and recycled polyethylene terephthalate blister packaging by 2024.

The blister packaging market growth in Asia Pacific is attributed to the increased demand from personal care, electronics, and healthcare industries for products such as mobile charging cords, testers, generic drugs, and liquid cosmetics. The growing focus on population health management and the rise of new diseases in the region has led to increased pressure on pharmaceutical companies to manufacture more medicines to be made available for patients. Moreover, the presence of several blister packaging key players such as UFlex Limited, Constantia Flexibles, Amcor plc, and others further fuel the market growth in the region.

China accounted for one of the largest market shares in Asia Pacific in the base year 2022 owing to one of the largest pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries in the country. The growing population and disposable income of consumers have resulted in a spike in the demand for pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. Furthermore, the market is driven by several government initiatives to promote the growth of healthcare sectors such as the Made in China 2025 plan aiming to transform the country's manufacturing sector emphasizing the development of high-end manufacturing capabilities. This plan includes a focus on the development of the healthcare and medical device industries, which are major end-users of blister packaging.

Major pharmaceutical companies including Sanofi SA, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and AstraZeneca Plc are all based in Europe. Due to the presence of major pharmaceutical companies in the area, there is a high demand for blister packaging to shield products from environmental elements like moisture and humidity. Consequently, this fuels the expansion of the European blister packaging sector.

Central & South America has an established agricultural sector. The region is a major producer of fruits which can drive the demand for clamshells to pack cut fruits. Furthermore, increased polyvinyl chloride production in Brazil has driven global blister packaging manufacturers to enter the Brazilian blister packaging industry. The manufacturers engage in mergers and acquisitions to establish their presence in the country. For instance, in April 2022, Sonoco Product Company completely acquired Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes, Ltda, a Brazilian joint venture company. Since Sonoco Product Company is involved in the manufacturing of blister packaging, this acquisition will help the company expand its product in the Brazilian market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key Companies resort to multiple mergers and acquisitions in a bid to gain market share in a particular region. In some cases, the companies build technological collaborations to produce an advanced product with superior performance characteristics to increase revenue. For instance, on April 20, 2023, SÜDPACK introduced its new PharmaGuard blister packaging which includes PP-based bottom and top webs with improved sealing and barrier protection against water vapor, UV rays, and oxygen. Some prominent players in the global blister packaging market include:

• Amcor plc

• Constantia Flexibles

• UFlex Limited

• Sonoco Products Company

• WINPAK LTD.

• WestRock Company

• SteriPackGroup

• Honeywell International Inc

• Klöckner Pentaplast

• ACG

• SÜDPACK

• Tekni Plex

• Blisterpack Inc.

• Abhinav Enterprises

• YuanPeng Plastic Products Co., Ltd

Recent Developments

• In May 2023, SÜDPACK Medica introduced "PharmaGuard", an innovative blister concept for solid applications. The recyclable packaging concept serves as a building block in improving the eco-balance of the pharmaceutical industry.

• In October 2022, TekniPlex Healthcare introduced the world's first fully transparent mid-barrier recyclable blister pack at Pack Expo.

• In August 2021, Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) launched kpNext, the first-to-market innovation in reusable PET blister films. kpNext is the only PET recyclable blister that works flawlessly with pharmaceutical manufacturing form, fill, and seal equipment.

• In April 2021, Amcor launched the revolutionary New AmSky™ blister system that eliminates PVC from blister packaging, offering improved recyclability.

Blister Packaging Market Report Scope

Global Blister Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global blister packaging market report based on material, technology, type, end-use, and region:

• Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Paper & Paperboard

    • Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS)

    • White-lined chipboard

    • Others

  • Plastic Films

    • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

    • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

    • Polyethylene (PE)

    • Others

  • Aluminum

• Technology Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Thermoforming

  • Cold Forming

• Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Carded

  • Clamshell

• End-use Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Healthcare

  • Consumer Goods

  • Industrial Goods

  • Food

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Southeast Asia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • United Arab Emirates

    • South Africa