Ophthalmic Packaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Dose (Single Dose, Multi Dose), By Type (OTC, Prescription), By Material (Plastic, Glass), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global ophthalmic packaging market size was valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2021 to 2028. The growing need for brand enhancement and brand differentiation in a highly competitive environment, development of novel packaging material, and growing need to adhere to new regulatory guidelines on recycling of packaging materials are some of the factors contributing to the growth of the market. The market witnessed a sharp decline in terms of size in 2020 when compared to 2019 owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has had a severely disruptive impact on the entire ophthalmic industry with a limited number of patients visiting hospitals.

However, major market players are rapidly adapting to the new environment with innovative strategies. For example, Johnson & Johnson Vision focused largely on using the market slowdown to train healthcare professionals with their advanced portfolio. This is expected to have a long-term positive impact on its brand image. Carl Zeiss Meditec also focused on providing remote care solutions and training ophthalmologists. Alcon focused on developing its SMART Suite that provides a cloud-based platform to manage data in clinics and ORs. Like other healthcare practices, the ophthalmology space is expected to witness lucrative growth using telemedicine services. In addition, increasing demand for prescription as well as OTC products for the management of COVID-19-related ophthalmic complications is expected to fuel the market growth in the upcoming years.

The growing prevalence of various ophthalmic conditions, such as dry eye and conjunctivitis, is anticipated to augment the demand for ophthalmic packaging devices, which is a primary factor driving the need for eye care services globally. According to the USA General Population Cross-sectional Study, 2018, around 16 to 49 million Americans have a dry eye disease, accounting for 5% to 15% of the total population.

Emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil are providing the opportunity for the growth of ophthalmology. Growing population, rising focus on increasing life expectancy, and increasing disposable income are some of the factors expected to provide growth prospects to companies in the coming years as they are facing challenges due to the stagnation of mature markets, expiration of patents, and rise in regulatory barriers.

Drug delivery refers to approaches, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting pharmaceutical compounds in the body as and when required for safely achieving its desired therapeutic effect. The rising prevalence of eye disorders, rapid technological advancements, increasing adoption of individual therapies, and growing awareness regarding eye care are some of the major factors driving the demand for drug delivery devices, which, in turn, are positively impacting the market growth.

Dose Insights

The multidose segment dominated the market in 2020 with over 70.0% share. The high penetration index of multidose containers in the OTC market is a key factor fueling the segment growth. In addition, multidose containers are highly patient compliant and environment friendly. It is easier for a patient to carry an eye drop compared to the strips of single-dose containers.

Multi-dose packaging is expected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period on account of the growing patient demand and convenience of usage. Typically, multi-dose packaging for liquid ophthalmic products consists of a bottle, dispensing tip or nozzle, cap, and tamper-evident features. Preservatives are used to maintain product quality and avoid microbial contamination.

Single-dose packaging is intended for one-time use of ophthalmic products. Single-dose packaging does not contain preservatives, thus minimizing the risk of allergic reactions to patients. The single-dose packaging segment will be driven by the demand for single-dose packaging in eye-related surgeries and improved healthcare manufacturing facilities.

Material Insights

Plastic led the market with a revenue share of over 45.0% in 2020 and is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Most of the commercially available ophthalmic preparations are packaged in plastic contains. Ease of use, cost-efficiency, and inertness are the factors contributing to its rising adoption.

The plastic segment is mainly driven by its lower weight, cost-efficiency, and convenience. Certain ophthalmic products such as eye drops are packed in entirely plastic dispensers. Most of the plastic bottles and dispensing tips used for this purpose are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) resin. Harder resins such as polyethylene or polypropylene are used for the cap. LDPE offers key clinical advantages, such as inertness, flexibility, and decreased chances of contamination. In addition, LDPE is compatible with most resins and formulation compounds; however, translucency and permeability characteristics are some of their disadvantages.

Type Insights

The prescription segment dominated the market with a revenue share of over 55.0% in 2020 owing to its large-scale use as a first-line treatment. The prescription segment is expected to be driven by an increase in the geriatric population worldwide and advanced drug delivery mechanisms. Prescription medicines are generally used for more complicated ophthalmic diseases, such as glaucoma or severe conjunctivitis.

The OTC segment is expected to grow at a healthy rate during the forecast period. Frequent launch of products, increasing number of pharmacies, and growing awareness about self-medication and preventive care are the factors expected to drive the segment. 

Severe cases of conjunctivitis and neurotrophic keratitis that are unresponsive to OTC medications are then treated using antibiotics. The increasing number of product approvals for various ophthalmic conditions is anticipated to accelerate the segment growth. In February 2019, Aptar Pharma received EU approval for its multidose ophthalmic prescription drug Taflotan/Saflutan used for the reduction of elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Europe.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest share of over 35.0% in 2020 owing to the rising prevalence of ocular disorders, the growing export of ophthalmic products, increasing investment in R&D specific to the ophthalmic field, and stringent regulatory policies in parametrical packaging.

Patent expiries, a rise in the aging population, favorable government policies, and an increase in healthcare expenditure are expected to drive the regional market. North America is one of the largest consumers of plastics owing to the high demand from the packaging industry. Plastics find numerous applications in various industries due to their varied features, such as easy molding, ability to acquire desired shape and resistance to water and climate. Plastic containers are easy to manufacture and are available in a variety of shapes and types. These factors are likely to augment the demand for plastics and polymers over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness considerable growth over the forecast period owing to the need for speedy and reliable packaging solutions that fulfill a combination of security requirements, enhance patient comfort, comprise tamper-evident technology, and provide high quality and product protection. The recent trend of enhanced social security and healthcare systems in Asia is expected to offer new growth opportunities to ophthalmic packaging providers.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key market players are adopting strategic initiatives such as M&As, partnerships, product differentiation, product designing, and collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. For instance, in October 2020, Gerresheimer launched a novel type of dropper insert for modern ophthalmic drugs with low viscosity. Some prominent players in the global ophthalmic packaging market include:

• Amcor Ltd.

• West Pharmaceutical Service Inc.

• Gerresheimer AG

• BD

• Schott AG

• Aptar Group

Ophthalmic Packaging Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ophthalmic packaging market report on the basis of dose, type, material, and region:

• Dose Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Multi Dose

  • Single Dose

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • OTC

  • Prescription

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Glass

  • Plastic

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE