Europe and MEA Medical Device Packaging Market Expected to Reach $24.1 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Europe & MEA Medical Device Packaging market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2033," The Europe and MEA medical device packaging market size was valued at $9.7 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $24.1 billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.9% from 2024 to 2035. The plastic segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period.

Medical device packaging refers to the specialized process of designing and sealing protective enclosures for medical devices to ensure their safety, sterility, and functionality during storage, transportation, and usage. It uses materials such as plastics, paper, foils, and laminates to create packaging that safeguards devices from physical damage, contamination, and environmental factors such as moisture and light. Complying with stringent regulatory standards, medical device packaging ensures tamper evidence, ease of use, and compatibility with sterilization methods. It includes labeling and traceability features to support accurate identification, usage, and monitoring in healthcare settings, contributing to patient safety and operational efficiency.

Rise in demand for medical devices and surge in focus on infection control are key drivers of the medical device packaging market. With advancements in healthcare and a growing global population, the usage of medical devices has expanded, particularly in diagnostics, therapeutics, and surgical procedures. Infection control has become a critical focus, driving the demand for packaging that ensures sterility and protects devices from contamination during storage, transport, and use. Increase in emphasis on patient safety and strict regulatory requirements further boosts the adoption of high-performance packaging solutions.

In addition, initiatives by key players, such as product launches, are significantly contributing to market growth. For example, in November 2023, Coveris, a flexible packaging specialist, launched a recyclable thermoforming film designed for medical device applications. This co-extruded film offers high protection, puncture resistance, and suitability for various packaging purposes, meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. 

Such innovations highlight the shift toward sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining functionality and durability. As companies continue to focus on developing eco-friendly and advanced packaging materials, the medical device packaging market is poised for robust growth. These factors, combined with the rising demand for safer and more sustainable solutions, make the market an essential component of the global healthcare ecosystem.

The medical device packaging market is segmented into material type, product type, application, and region. On the basis of material type, it is segregated into plastic, paper & paperboard, glass, foils, and others. The plastic segment dominated the market share in 2023. This is attributed to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide excellent protection for medical devices. Plastics offer durability, lightweight characteristics, and compatibility with sterilization processes, making them ideal for maintaining the sterility and integrity of medical devices throughout storage and transportation.

However, the foil segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to its superior barrier properties, offering enhanced protection against moisture, light, and oxygen. Foil packaging ensures better preservation of sensitive medical devices, improving their shelf life and safety, which boosts its demand.

On the basis of product type, the market is divided into pouches, clamshell packs, boxes, bags, blisters, and others. The blisters segment dominated the market share in 2023, owing to their ability to provide secure, tamper-evident packaging that ensures the safety and sterility of medical devices. Blister packs offer excellent protection against environmental factors such as moisture and contamination while allowing easy access to devices. Their cost-effectiveness and widespread use in medical devices packaging contribute to their market leadership.

However, the boxes segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to their ability to offer enhanced protection, storage, and stacking efficiency for bulkier medical devices. Boxes are also versatile, accommodating a range of device sizes, and they provide better branding opportunities, making them increasingly popular in medical device packaging.

On the basis of application, it is classified into sterile packaging and non-sterile packaging. The sterile packaging segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for hygienic, contamination-free medical devices. Sterile packaging ensures the safety and integrity of devices by maintaining sterility throughout storage and transport. With the rise in surgical procedures and healthcare safety regulations, sterile packaging remains crucial in preserving device functionality and meeting strict industry standards.

On the basis of region, it is classified into Europe and Middle East & Africa. 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.

Key Findings of the Study

• On the basis of material type, the plastic segment dominated the Europe and MEA medical device packaging 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 Europe and MEA medical device packaging market share in 2023. However, the boxes segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of application, the sterile packaging segment dominated the Europe and MEA medical device packaging 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.