Predicted to reach a global value of $80 billion by 2020, pharmaceutical packaging is a lucrative market.

AUSPACK has tracked the latest trends in pharmaceutical packaging, so here’s an overview of the trends you should keep an eye on:

1. Plastic bottles on the up
With the decline of glass pharmaceutical bottles, plastic bottles are quickly becoming the most popular pharmaceutical container globally. Sales of plastic pharmaceutical bottles are estimated to hit $20.6 billion by 2020.

2. Continued growth of blister packaging
Blister packaging is expected to soon become the second best-selling pharmaceutical packaging, thanks to the growing popularity of unit dose formats and built-in track-and-trace technology.

3. Farewell, pharmaceutical pouches
Although pouches are gaining ground in other markets, particularly in the food industry, pharmaceutical pouches are on their way out, due to their limited use.

4. Spike for prefillable syringes
Freedonia predicted that prefillable syringes would become the fastest growing aseptic packaging type with growth of 11% per year.

5. Shelf-impact vs eco-efficiency
The market for OTC pharmaceuticals is highly competitive, so for brand owners, packaging has to provide maximum shelf impact and include eco-friendly options to cater for environment-conscious consumers

6. Surge in serialisation
With regulations requirements set to get more stringent, pharmaceutical manufacturers are stepping up their serialisation strategies. And for processors wanting to export to overseas markets it’s never been more important to implement serialisation.

You can see many of the latest trends in pharmaceutical packaging at AUSPACK 2017.

With more than 350 exhibitors, over 1200 brands and 6,000+ visitors it is a show not to be missed.

AUSPACK 2017 will run from March 7-10 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from March 7-10 and free registration is available at www.auspack.com.au