Europe and MEA Medical Device Packaging Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Material Type, by Product Type, by Product Type : Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035

Europe and MEA Medical Device Packaging Market Overview - 2035

Europe and MEA medical device packaging market size was valued at $9.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $24.1 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024 to 2035. The growth of the Europe and MEA Medical device packaging market is driven by rise in technological advancements in packaging materials and solutions. For example, in April 2022, Amcor Plc, a global leader in sustainable packaging, became the first company to purchase certified circular polyethylene material using ExxonMobil’s Exxtend technology for advanced recycling.

Packaging of medical devices involves designing and producing protective enclosures to ensure the sterility, safety, and functionality of devices during storage, transport, and use. It uses materials such as plastics, foils, and laminates to protect devices from contamination, damage, and environmental factors such as moisture and light. Primary packaging directly encloses the medical device, ensuring sterility and immediate usability, such as pouches or blister packs. Secondary packaging adds an additional layer of protection and branding, typically including boxes or cartons that group primary packages. Tertiary packaging provides bulk protection for transport and storage, such as corrugated shipping boxes or pallets. Together, these layers ensure that devices remain secure and functional across the supply chain. 

Key Takeaways

• On the basis of material type, the plastic segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, the foil segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of product type, the blister segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, the boxes segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of Product Type, the sterile packaging segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of region, Europe dominated the market share in 2023. However, the Middle East and Africa region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

The Europe and Middle East & Africa (MEA) medical device packaging market is driven by a confluence of factors, restrained by certain challenges, and brimming with opportunities for growth. One of the primary drivers of this market is the rising demand for hygienic, contamination-free packaging solutions to maintain the sterility and integrity of medical devices. With the increasing number of surgical procedures, the demand for safe and effective medical device packaging has surged. This trend is further bolstered by stringent regulatory requirements set by health authorities in Europe and MEA, which mandate the use of high-quality packaging materials to ensure patient safety.

In addition, the growing emphasis on sustainable packaging has emerged as a critical growth driver. A 2021 survey by Amcor involving 12,000 consumers across the U.S., UK, Germany, Australia, China, and Brazil revealed that 76% of consumers prioritize recyclability over other sustainability attributes. This shift in consumer preference is pressuring packaging companies to adopt eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices, fostering the growth of recyclable and reusable packaging in the medical device sector.

Technological advancements also play a pivotal role in propelling the Europe and MEA medical device packaging market Growth. Innovations in material science, such as the development of bio-based polymers and advanced barrier films, have enhanced the protective properties of packaging. These materials offer superior resistance to moisture, oxygen, and microbial contamination, thereby extending the shelf life of medical devices. The opening of the Amcor Innovation Center Europe (AICE) in May 2024 in Ghent, Belgium, exemplifies the industry's focus on sustainability and performance enhancement. This center is set to spearhead the development of new material technologies aimed at improving packaging sustainability, which is expected to support the market’s growth trajectory in the coming years.

However, the high cost associated with sustainable and advanced packaging materials poses a challenge to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Europe and MEA regions. Adopting new materials and processes often requires significant capital investment, which can be burdensome for smaller industry players. In addition, fluctuating raw material prices, supply chain disruptions, and the complexity of meeting diverse regulatory requirements across multiple countries act as further deterrents. The lack of uniformity in regulatory frameworks between Europe and MEA countries adds to the compliance burden, hindering the seamless flow of medical devices across regions.

Despite these challenges, the Europe and MEA medical device packaging market presents substantial opportunities for growth. One significant opportunity lies in the rising adoption of smart packaging technologies, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and near-field communication (NFC) technology. These smart packaging solutions enhance traceability, reduce counterfeiting, and improve inventory management. As healthcare providers increasingly adopt digital solutions, the demand for smart, connected packaging is likely to grow. In addition, the push for local manufacturing in MEA countries is creating lucrative opportunities for regional suppliers and reducing dependency on imports. Governments in the MEA region are actively promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities as part of their economic diversification strategies. This shift toward local production is anticipated to boost demand for locally sourced medical device packaging solutions.

Sustainability also presents a golden opportunity for market players. Rise in consumer and regulatory push for environmentally friendly products is driving companies to innovate and introduce sustainable packaging options. Companies such as Amcor plc are already investing in R&D to create recyclable and reusable packaging materials. Moreover, the 2021 Amcor survey indicates that 83% of consumers expect brands to clearly communicate how to recycle packaging, while 80% believe local governments should improve recycling infrastructure. This consumer-driven demand for transparency and better recycling systems provides an opportunity for medical device packaging companies to enhance customer engagement and differentiate their offerings in a competitive market.

Segmental Overview

The Europe and MEA medical device packaging market is segmented into material type, product type, Product Type, and region. On the basis of material type, it is categorized into plastic, paper and paperboard, glass, foils, and others. On the basis of product type, the market is classified into pouches, clamshell packs, boxes, bags, blisters, and others. On the basis of Product Type, it is divided into sterile packaging and non-sterile packaging. On the basis of region, the market is analyzed across Europe (European Economic Area, UK, Serbia, Ukraine, and rest of Europe), and Middle East and Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, and rest of Middle East and Africa).

By Material Type

The plastic segment dominated the market share in 2023. Plastics are widely used in medical device packaging due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and strong protective properties. Their durability, lightweight nature, and compatibility with sterilization processes make them ideal for preserving the sterility and integrity of medical devices during storage and transportation. These qualities contribute to the growing preference for plastic packaging in the healthcare sector.

However, the foil segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Foil packaging is preferred for its superior barrier properties, providing enhanced protection against moisture, light, and oxygen. This ensures better preservation of sensitive medical devices, extending their shelf life and maintaining product safety, thereby driving its growing demand.

By Product Type

The blisters segment dominated the market share in 2023. Blister packs are valued for their secure, tamper-evident packaging, ensuring the safety and sterility of medical devices. They provide robust protection against environmental factors such as moisture and contamination while enabling easy device access. Their cost-effectiveness and versatility in accommodating various medical devices have established them as a leading choice in the medical device packaging market.

However, the boxes segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Boxes are favored for packaging bulkier medical devices due to their ability to provide superior protection, efficient storage, and easy stacking. Their adaptability to various device sizes and potential for branding opportunities further enhances their appeal, making them an essential choice for medical device packaging.

By Application

The sterile packaging segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing demand for hygienic and contamination-free medical devices has driven the need for sterile packaging. This packaging method safeguards device integrity and maintains sterility during storage and transportation. The rise in surgical procedures and stringent healthcare safety regulations underscores the importance of sterile packaging in ensuring device functionality and compliance with industry standards.

By Region

Europe dominated the market in 2023, owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, stringent regulatory standards, and high demand for innovative medical devices. The region’s focus on patient safety, quality control, and technological advancements in medical packaging further contribute to its market leadership, fostering growth in the medical device packaging sector.

However, the Middle East and Africa are expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to rapid healthcare infrastructure development, increase in healthcare investments, and rise in demand for advanced medical devices. In addition, surge in healthcare awareness, expanding medical tourism, and improved regulatory frameworks in the region drive the need for innovative and reliable medical device packaging solutions.

Competition Analysis

Competitive analysis and profiles of the major players in the Europe and MEA medical device packaging market include 3M Company, Amcor plc, Berry Inc., CCL Industries Inc., Constantia Flexibles, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Klockner Pentaplast, Nelipak Healthcare Packaging, Sonoco Products Company, and Technipaq, Inc. These companies have adopted various strategies such as expansion, agreement, investment, product launch to expand their product portfolio.

Recent Developments in Europe and MEA Medical device packaging Industry

• In September 2024, Amcor, a leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced a strategic investment of up to $45 million in ePac Flexible Packaging (“ePac”), a leader in high quality, short run length digitally based flexible packaging. The investment will increase Amcor's minority shareholding in ePac Holdings LLC.
• In June 2024, CCL Industries Inc., a world leader in specialty label, security, and packaging solutions, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% equity interest in its Middle East joint venture, Pacman-CCL (“PCCL”), from its partner, Albwardy Investment LLC, headquartered in Dubai.
• In April 2024, Berry Group, Inc., a leader in the design, development, and production of patient-centered healthcare solutions, announced that it has invested in additional assets and manufacturing capabilities to increase its healthcare production capacity by up to 30% across three of its European sites.
• In August 2022, Amcor, a leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced that it has closed the acquisition of a world-class flexible packaging plant located in the Czech Republic. The strategic location of the site immediately increases Amcor's ability to satisfy strong demand and customer growth across its flexible packaging network in Europe.

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