Pharmaceutical Market Outlook

Walter Würfel , Vice President Sales & Business Development

The pharmaceutical market in 2025 is expected to be a rapidly evolving landscape, with both opportunities and challenges ahead. As the demand for injectable medications, particularly in areas such as oncology, immunology, rare diseases, and increasingly in metabolic disorders like diabetes, continues to grow, so does the need for innovative packaging solutions that ensure the safety, efficiency, and ease of administration of these treatments.

One of the most notable trends is the rise of GLP-1 drugs, which are gaining traction in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. This class of medications is set to significantly increase the demand for injectable solutions, requiring packaging that not only ensures the stability of the biologics but also accommodates the specific needs of patients administering these injections at home.

Alongside GLP-1, biologics and biosimilars are also driving the need for specialised packaging that preserves product integrity while meeting increasingly stringent quality standards. These complex medications demand solutions that protect them from contamination, ensure accurate dosage, and provide clear instructions for patients. Packaging, including cartons, labels, and leaflets, plays a critical role in product safety and patient compliance, while also ensuring the delivery of critical information for the correct use of these advanced therapies.

The pharmaceutical industry is also experiencing a surge in personalised medicine and gene and cell therapies, which require highly tailored and specialised packaging. This necessitates packaging solutions that not only ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment but also adapt to the specific requirements of each individual product. Packaging must balance functionality with patient accessibility, often involving innovative features that simplify administration and improve overall patient experience.

At the same time, digital health technologies are becoming increasingly integrated into treatment regimens, which creates additional demands on packaging. Medications that interact with connected devices or rely on digital platforms require packaging that facilitates the smooth integration of these technologies, ensuring seamless patient experiences and proper dosage management.

Sustainability also continues to play a major role in shaping pharmaceutical packaging. As environmental concerns increase, pharmaceutical companies are being pushed toward more sustainable packaging solutions. Cartons, labels, and leaflets must not only meet regulatory standards but also adhere to more sustainable practices, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to seek recyclable and biodegradable materials for their packaging solutions, while minimising material usage and waste.

Finally, the ongoing challenge of supply chain resilience highlights the need for packaging solutions that can scale efficiently and adapt to fluctuations in demand. Shorter lead times, flexibility, and scalability in packaging are essential to ensure the continuous availability of life-saving medications, especially as demand for treatments like GLP-1s and other biologics continues to increase.

In conclusion, the pharmaceutical market in 2025 will be shaped by the expansion of advanced therapies, including GLP-1 drugs, the growth of injectables, personalised medicine, sustainability, and digitalisation. Pharmaceutical companies will need partners who provide not only functional and efficient packaging but also innovative, scalable solutions—such as cartons, labels, and leaflets—that address the complexities and challenges of this evolving environment.