According to the latest research report released by Technavio, the global ampoules packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 8% until 2020.
“Increased environmental concerns among consumers have increased the demand for sustainable packaging materials, thereby influencing the ampoule packaging market. Ampoules are made of conventional plastics, which do not decompose easily. Vendors are adopting sustainable materials to reduce the dependency on conventional plastics and adopt eco-friendly practices. The emergence of green plastics or biodegradable plastics will fuel the growth of the market during the forecast period,” says Sharan Raj, a lead industry analysts for packaging at Technavio.

“These plastics made from petrochemicals and contain biodegradable additives. They can be easily decomposed by microorganisms and produce less toxic gasses compared to conventional plastics. Increased use of materials, including polyvinyl alcohol, polyanhydrides and polylactic acid by plastic packaging manufacturers will reduce the market share of conventional plastics. Vendors in ampoules packaging are increasingly using biodegradable plastics to comply with stringent environmental regulations,” says Sharan.

Some of the other driving forces behind the growth of the global ampoules packaging market are as follows:

• Increased prevalence of chronic diseases and infections
• Strict government regulations and standards
• Significant growth in emerging countries

Increased prevalence of chronic diseases and infections
Increased prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., cancer and tuberculosis) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) serves the ampoules packaging market as a driver. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global prevalence of diabetes is projected to reach 592 million by 2035.

In addition, the number of patients with infectious respiratory, gastrointestinal, and sexually transmitted diseases (HIV infection and AIDS) as well as hospital-acquired infections (such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) has also increased.

Rising number of chronic diseases are increasing the demand for vaccines and anti-thrombotic drugs in the market. Owing to these developments, the global market for antithrombotic drugs is projected to reach U.S. $21.6 billion by the end of 2018. Thus, the increased prevalence, early diagnosis and regular monitoring of chronic diseases is likely to increase the demand for ampoules packaging during the forecast period.

Strict government regulations and standards
Strict government regulations and industry standards for packaging of pharmaceutical related products have resulted in a positive impact on the market. According to FDA regulations in the U.S., pharmaceutical solutions or drugs need high barrier packaging materials and sealants that are impermeable and resistant to solvents, grease, chemicals, and heat. Government regulations in developed countries such as Japan and European countries demand greater barrier and security protection of medical supplies and devices. In addition, for the supply medical products produced nationally to the domestic and international markets, governments in developing countries such as China and India have upgraded their industry standards for ampoule packaging to maintain quality, safety, and reduce breakage, spillage, and contamination. Thus, strict regulations and standards for packaging of pharmaceutical related products are expected to fuel the growth of the ampoules packaging market until 2020.

Significant growth in emerging countries
The global ampoules product manufacturers are focusing on emerging countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) to expand their operations. The governments are taking initiatives to build healthcare infrastructures and increase healthcare budgets. They are also focusing on the improvement of diagnostic procedures. Due to air pollution and water contamination, there has been an increase in the prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases. BRIC countries represent an attractive market for multi-national corporations in the healthcare industry owing to the rising awareness among consumers about chronic and infectious diseases. For instance, in 2011, Russian manufacturing, packaging, and R&D division received an assurance from the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers to invest a minimum amount of $1 billion. Novartis is also investing $500 million by 2016. In addition, Novo Nordisk, Nycomed, and Sanofi have also expanded their businesses in Russia. Other pharmaceutical companies like Roche have partnered with local pharmaceutical companies under out-licensing agreements. All these factors will fuel the global ampoules packaging market in the forecast period.