Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Size - By Material, By Product, By Drug Type, By Application, Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Share

The global pharmaceutical glass packaging market was valued at USD 21.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% to reach USD 56.8 billion by 2034, attributed to factors such as rising global pharmaceutical demand and the stringent regulation for drug safety.
 

The rise in global pharmaceutical demand is a major growth driver in the market. The increasing aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is pushing the expansion of pharmaceutical industries which demand durable and high-quality packaging, making glass preferred material due to chemical stability and preserving drug effectiveness. According to a Statista report, global pharmaceutical industry accounted for USD 1.6 trillion dollar in the year 2023. In addition, the growth of generic injectable drugs which rely on specialized glass packaging solutions such as vials and ampoules is contributing to market growth.

Pharmaceutical glass manufacturers should design durable, chemically resistant vials and ampoules to capture increased demand from the growing pharma industry. Innovation in lightweight, break-resistant, and eco-friendly glass packaging will improve drug safety, regulatory standards, and competitiveness in the market.
 

Another significant growth driver in pharmaceutical glass packaging market is the stringent packaging regulations for drug safety. Various regulatory bodies such as FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and WHO (World Health Organization) enforces strict packaging guidelines to ensure drug stability and contamination prevention for injectable drugs and vaccines. This regulatory requirement is driving the shift from traditional glass to Type 1 borosilicate glass packaging due to its superior chemical resistance and extreme temperature resistance advantages.
 

The preference for ready to use packaging such as pre-sterilized vials, ampoules and syringes pushes the growth of pharmaceutical glass packaging market. These packaging eliminates the need for in-house sterilization of drugs and ensures smooth drug manufacturing and filling process. Moreover, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies are adopting ready to use packaging, as it reduces operational cost and reduces contamination risk while complying with regulatory requirements.
 

Pharmaceutical glass packaging manufacturers must prefer Type 1 borosilicate glass for highest chemical resistance and compliance with norms. Increasing demand for pre-sterilized, ready-to-use vials, ampoules, and syringes will reduce contamination threats, streamline drug production, and save cost for the pharmaceutical industry.
 

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Trends

• The adoption of RFID, NFC tags and track and trace system in pharmaceutical glass packaging market to enhance drug security is a significant trend. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating tamper evident seals and unique identification codes to improve the supply chain efficiency and transparency.
   
• Another significant trend observed in the pharmaceutical glass packaging industry is the rapid adoption of Type 1 borosilicate glass packaging. These are high quality glass packaging and offers drug stability and sterility advantages making them a preferred solution for vaccine and biopharmaceutical market.
   
• Break resistant and delamination free glass coatings are gaining rapid traction in the pharmaceutical glass packaging market. These coating offers prevention of glass breakage and chemical leaching advantages while reducing interaction with drug to ensure safe delivery and patient safety. These advanced coatings are emerging as significant trend in the market.
   

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Analysis

The market based on the material is categorized into type 1, type 2 and type 3.
 

• The type 1 material is the largest segment in the pharmaceutical glass packaging market accounting for USD 9 billion in the year 2024. The growth of this segment is driven by the surge in demand for biologics, vaccine and injectable drugs which require chemically stable packaging. This material offers highest chemical resistance and temperature stability which makes them ideal for various high value drugs. Moreover, strict government regulations mandate the use of borosilicate glass packaging for sensitive drug is pushing the adoption of type 1 material.
   
• The type 2 material is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period. The growing demand for oral liquid drugs and low acidity injectables are the key growth drivers of this section. This material offers cost effective alternative to type 1 material where moderate chemical resistance is required such as parental drugs packaging.
   

The pharmaceutical glass packaging market based on the product is bifurcated into vials, bottles, cartridges & syringes, ampoules and others.
 

• The bottles segment is the largest market and accounted for USD 6.3 billion in the year 2024. The risk of chronic diseases such as cough, cold and infection is pushing the demand for liquid formulation such as syrup which boosts the need for glass bottle packaging. Also, several liquid formulations are light sensitive which require amber coloured glass bottles to block UV light and ensure drug safety. Moreover, manufacturers are adopting lightweight glass bottles as they offer recyclability and reduce transportation cost while ensuring to meet the regulatory requirements.
   
• The cartridges and syringes segment is fastest growing segment and is anticipated to grow over a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period. Many biologics and vaccine manufactures are adopting cartridges and prefilled syringes as they offer precise and sterile dose while reducing contamination related risks. Moreover, these ready to use syringes eliminates the need for manual filling and reduces the risk of dosage errors which makes them preferable for injectable medicines.
   

The pharmaceutical glass packaging market based on the drug type is categorized into injectable drugs, oral drugs, topical drugs, ophthalmic drugs and others.
 

• The injectable drug type segment is the fastest growing segment and is projected to grow significantly with a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period. The growing demand for vaccines and gene therapy requires high quality borosilicate glass vials and syringes for sterile and chemically inert packaging. Manufacturers are shifting towards ready to use vials and prefilled syringes to reduce contamination risk and improve manufacturing efficiency. Moreover, the increasing vaccine production has significantly boosted the adoption of break resistant and chemical resistant glass vials to reduce transportation and production risk, which contribute to growth of this segment.  
   
• The oral drug type segment is projected to reach USD 13.7 billion by the year 2034. The surge in demand for over the counter (OTC) medicine for paediatric and geriatric patients, especially in liquid formulation is a key growth driver of oral drug type segment. Amber colour glass bottles are gaining rapid traction as various drugs are light sensitive and require UV protection. Moreover, the growing nutraceuticals and herbal medicine market are using glass bottles, which are perceived as premium and safe packaging material, which fuels the demand for oral type drugs market.
   

The pharmaceutical glass packaging market based on the application is divided into generic, branded and biologic.
 

• The generic application segment is the largest market and accounted for USD 9.1 billion in the year 2024. The increasing government policies towards cost reduction for generic medicines to provide global access for affordable medication is driving the demand for this segment.  Moreover, the expansion of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to cater the generic medicine need for aging population and chronic diseases pushes the growth of this segment.
   
• The biologic application is the fastest growing segment and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to increasing investment by leading pharmaceutical companies in highly specialized treatments for cancer, autoimmune disease and rare genetic disorders. Immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy and COVID – 19 accelerated mRNA vaccine production has enabled treatment of these rare diseases and driving expansion of this segment.
   

The North American region accounted for 35.3% of the global pharmaceutical glass packaging market share in the year 2024. The increasing demand for injectable drugs and biologics is some of the main drivers in North America. Various government initiative supports the adoption of sustainable packaging material which is propelling the demand for Type 1 borosilicate glass packaging for enhanced drug safety.
 

• The U.S. dominated the pharmaceutical packaging market, accounting for USD 6.8 billion in the year 2024. The country has developed pharmaceutical industry, and the increasing production and export of biologics and vaccines are the key growth drivers in the region. For instance, according to Statista, the U.S. was the largest pharmaceutical industry in the year 2023, generating more than USD 670 billion in revenue. In addition, the rapid expansion of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) further support the growth of market in the region.
   
• The Canada pharmaceutical glass packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.7% during the forecast period. Government initiative towards the waste reduction is pushing the adoption of Type 1 borosilicate glass packaging solution among manufacturers, which is expected to support the market growth. Moreover, government has introduced the EPR (extended producer responsibility) program which require manufacturers to take responsibility for the life cycle of their packaging material, which propel the demand for sustainable market.
   

The Europe region held 22.2% of the global pharmaceutical glass packaging market share in the year 2024. The growth of Europe’s market is attributed to the heightened interest in sustainable packaging solutions coupled with the growing demand for high quality luxury drug packaging.
 

• The Germany pharmaceutical glass packaging market accounted for USD 1.2 billion in the year 2024. The country has developed pharmaceutical industry coupled with stringent government policies for drug packaging which drives constant demand for pharmaceutical glass packaging solutions. Furthermore, the approval of biologic drugs production is pushing the demand for pre-filled syringes and cartridges.
   
• The UK pharmaceutical glass packaging industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10.3% during the forecast period. The implementation of a plastic packaging tax in the region, which penalizes the firms using non-recyclable packaging is driving the demand for Type 1 borosilicate glass vials. Additionally, the presence of leading pharmaceutical glass manufacturers in the region contribute to the growth of market.
   
• The pharmaceutical glass packaging market in France is projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2034. The market in France is heavily influenced by the government policies restricting the use of plastic and promoting glass based packaging for vaccine and biologics sector. In addition, the increasing demand for speciality pharmaceuticals is contributing to market expansion.
   
• The Italy pharmaceutical glass packaging industry accounted for USD 787.3 million in the year 2024. The growth of the market in Italy attribute to increasing demand for customizable glass based solution for pharmaceutical products export and premium packaging while meeting regulatory requirement. Moreover, the expansion of parental drug market in the region is pushing the demand for high quality glass containers.
   
• The Spain pharmaceutical glass packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2034. The expansion of the pharmaceutical industry in Spain has created a high demand for high quality glass packaging that comply with the strict EU safety requirements. Also, the surge in demand for generic and biosimilar medicine requires cost effective yet high quality glass packaging, which supports the growth of market.
   

The Asia Pacific region held 29.5% of the global pharmaceutical glass packaging market share in the year 2024. The Asia Pacific region, headed by China, Japan, and South Korea is growing due to increasing pharmaceutical production and export. Moreover, the increasing government investment in biotech industries pushes the demand for pharmaceuticals glass packaging.
 

• The pharmaceutical glass packaging industry in China is projected to reach USD 7.7 billion by the year 2034. Stringent government regulations for sustainable packaging and increasing demand for vaccine storage solutions are the key growth drivers in the country. Moreover, the growing demand for traditional Chinese medicine exports is also pushing the demand for pharmaceutical glass packaging.
   
• The Japan pharmaceutical glass packaging market accounted for USD 981.9 million in 2024. The growth in demand for market is attributed to rapid adoption of high purity glass vials and ampoules for precision medicine coupled with advanced with water based glass coating is fuelling the growth of market in the region.
   
• The India pharmaceutical packaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 12.7% during the forecast period. The ban on single-use plastics by the government has resulted in a shift toward sustainable pharmaceutical packaging which is pushing the demand for glass syringes, cartridge, and glass vials. Additionally, the rapid expansion of contract pharmaceutical manufacturing has increased the demand pharmaceutical glass packaging.
   

The Latin America region held 3.6% of the pharmaceutical glass packaging market share in year 2024. The market in Latin America is fueled by the rapid expansion of biotech research facilities, leading to an increasing pharmaceutical production and exports coupled with growing demand for sustainable packaging.
 

The MEA region is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 8.5% by 2034. The market in the Middle East & Africa is boosting due to the expansion of pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, pushing the demand for injectable drugs and vaccines. In addition, strict government regulation towards drug safety and waste reduction ensures smooth entry in the pharmaceutical market.
 

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Share

The pharmaceutical glass packaging industry is highly competitive and fragmented with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The top 5 players in the global pharmaceutical glass packaging market are Schott AG, Gerresheimer AG , Corning Incorporated, Stevanato Group S.p.A., and Nipro Corporation, collectively accounting for over 26% market share.
 

Major players in the market are investing in sustainable material and high-quality glass packaging to meet the strict regulatory requirements and growing demand for eco-friendly packaging. The next-generation pharmaceutical glass packaging are focusing towards the break resistant and chemically stable glass, which ensure drug safety while aligning with sustainability goals.

New developments in surface coatings and barrier technology have pushed the adoption of Type 1 borosilicate and aluminosilicate glass packaging, improving the durability and drug compatibility. Moreover, the increasing cases of diabetic cardiovascular and cancer is pushing the demand for pharmaceutical vials and ampules, which contribute to growing demand for pharmaceutical glass packaging.
 

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Market Companies

The pharmaceutical glass packaging industry features several prominent players, including:

• Schott AG
• Gerresheimer AG
• Corning Incorporated
• Stevanato Group S.p.A.
• Nipro Corporation
• SGD S.A.
• DWK Life Sciences
   

Schott AG is a global leader in pharmaceutical glass packaging market and offers a diverse range of high-quality glass packaging solutions that meet regulatory requirements. This company offers Type 1 & DC vials which offers enhanced safety and reliability of injectable drug storage while extending the shelf life. They also offer high quality glass packaging container under their FIOLAX technology to ensure streamline packaging of sensitive drugs.
 

Gerreshemeimer AG, a close competitor operating in the same vertical is known for its extensive portfolio of products and specializes in Type 1 borosilicate glass to manufacture vials and ampules, which meet highest packaging standards. This company also offers various customized packaging solution catering to specific pharmaceutical companies requirements.
 

Pharmaceutical Glass Packaging Industry News

• In October 2024, Nipro Pharma packaging company launched their D2F (direct 2 fill ) glass vials. These vials offer high quality and a ready to use solution while meeting the packaging standard and to cater the growing demand of the pharmaceutical industry.
   
• In October 2023, Schott AG introduced their next generation pharmaceutical glass packaging solution as FIOLAX pro glass tubing. These are next gen Type 1 borosilicate glass tubes and aims to cater the future needs of pharmaceutical industry.
   
• In June 2023, Corning Inc and SGD pharma are entering into a strategic partnership to expand glass tube manufacturing facilities in India. This partnership aims to enhance vial quality and speed up global delivery of injectable drugs while meeting the global demand for critical medicines.
   

The pharmaceutical glass packaging market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Type l
• Type ll
• Type lll

Market, By Product

• Vials
• Bottles
• Cartridges & Syringes
• Ampoules
• Others

Market, By Drug Type

• Injectable Drugs
• Oral Drugs
• Topical Drugs
• Ophthalmic Drugs
• Others

Market, By Application

• Generic
• Branded
• Biologic

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE