
Contract pharmaceutical packaging companies play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry, providing vital services to manufacturers of medications and healthcare products.
The contract packaging industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027, driven by increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and the need for flexible and efficient packaging solutions.
Many pharmaceutical companies outsource their packaging needs to contract packaging companies due to the high costs and complexities associated with in-house packaging.
Contract packaging companies often specialize in specific services such as labeling, blister packaging, and secondary packaging, allowing them to offer high-quality and cost-effective solutions to their clients.
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Contract Pharmaceutical Packaging
Contract pharmaceutical packaging companies have the expertise to pack sachets, pouches, and stick packs with precision and customisation.
They can expertly pack sachets, pouches, and stick packs, elevating your product presentation while seamlessly combining precision, customisation, and versatility in every package. This allows for a more professional and appealing product packaging.
Their expertise includes precision, customisation, and versatility in every package, making them a valuable partner for pharmaceutical companies.
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Packaging Formats and Options
Contract pharmaceutical packaging companies can expertly pack a variety of formats, including sachets, pouches, and stick packs, which can elevate your product presentation while combining precision, customization, and versatility in every package.
They can also handle bottles, both primary and secondary, and deliver rapid, multi-country solutions for pharmaceutical injectables.
In addition, CPOs can develop custom packaging solutions for unique products, providing access to specialized packaging solutions to tackle a wide range of packaging challenges.
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Blister
Blister packaging is a secure and reliable option for various formulations, including Thermoform Blister and Alu-Alu Blister.
Our experts can help you develop custom packaging solutions for unique products, addressing specific packaging challenges.
CPOs have the expertise to handle a wide range of packaging challenges, making them a valuable resource for businesses with complex packaging needs.
Blister packaging offers secure packaging for various formulations, providing a reliable and effective solution for product protection.
Bottles: Primary and Secondary
Bottles play a crucial role in pharmaceutical contract packaging, serving as the primary packaging system for various types of medicine and pharmaceutical products.
They are designed to be completely sealed and protected against damage, ensuring their condition remains intact from manufacturing to consumption.
In the field of pharmaceutical contract packaging, plastic bottles are employed for a broad spectrum of items, including liquid medications, tablets, capsules, and powders.
Plastic bottles are preferred for liquids due to their ability to preserve product quality and prevent contamination, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass being the most frequently used materials.
Glass bottles are heavier, but they offer durability and are impermeable to gases and fumes.
Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are lightweight and offer durability, making them suitable for a range of medication for liquid purposes.
In addition to primary packaging, bottles are also used in secondary packaging to group and arrange them for distribution or retail display.
Contract packaging firms take care of sourcing containers, bottles filling, labeling, and packing assemblies according to their customer's specification and needs.
They must ensure that they uphold industry standards and regulations.
Here's a list of common materials used for bottles in pharmaceutical contract packaging:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Glass
These materials are chosen based on compatibility, stability, and regulations.
Berry Global Healthcare launched a holistic package solution in February 2023 to assist customers in leveraging the growing requirements for CRC and TE packaging for the pharmaceutical and herbal market of syrup and liquid medicines.
Pouches and Sachets
Pouches and sachets are a versatile and convenient packaging option, allowing for precision, customization, and versatility in every package. We can expertly pack sachets, pouches, and stick packs to elevate your product presentation.
Our form, fill, and seal technology is extensive, making us home to a large assembly of pouch/sachet equipment. This means we can handle a wide range of pouch and sachet projects with ease.
Pouches and sachets are suitable for a variety of products, including oral solids, tablets, hard and softgels, as well as liquids. This makes them a great option for a range of industries and applications.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality
Contract pharmaceutical packaging companies must adhere to strict regulations to ensure the safety and quality of their products. Our company, for instance, holds environmental standards certified by ISO 14001.
We comply with regulations from various countries, including the UK, US, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and China. Our sites meet stringent requirements, such as those set by the UK's MHRA (EU GMP) and the US FDA.
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Partnering with a CPO can help you reduce your risk of packaging-related problems, as they have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of your packaging. This includes sourcing materials, labeling, and distribution.
Here are some of the regulations we comply with:
- UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA (EU GMP))
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
- Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
- Brazilian Healthy Regulatory Agency (ANVISA)
- Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
Understanding CPOs
Contract Packaging Organisations (CPOs) are companies that specialise in packaging and sometimes labelling pharmaceutical products on behalf of pharmaceutical companies.
Partnering with a CPO can help you reduce your risk of packaging-related problems, as they have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of your packaging.
A CPO's role is to handle packaging processes, allowing pharmaceutical companies to concentrate on their core competencies.
CPOs typically handle packaging from sourcing materials to labeling and distribution, making them a valuable partner for pharmaceutical companies.
By outsourcing packaging to a CPO, pharmaceutical companies can ensure that their products are packaged in compliance with regulatory requirements.
CPOs have expertise in packaging processes, including primary packaging, which involves the initial packaging of the pharmaceutical product.

Tertiary packaging, which encompasses packaging for transportation and distribution, is also a key aspect of a CPO's services.
Secondary packaging, which refers to packaging the primary packaged product into its final presentation for distribution, is another important service offered by CPOs.
By partnering with a CPO, pharmaceutical companies can benefit from the expertise and experience of a dedicated packaging specialist.
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Quality and Compliance
Quality and compliance are crucial aspects of regulatory compliance. Regulatory bodies such as the UK's MHRA (EU GMP), US FDA, and South Korean MFDS have stringent regulations that must be met.
A company's compliance is not just about meeting these regulations, but also about ensuring the quality of their products. This is where partnering with a Contract Packaging Organization (CPO) can be beneficial. CPOs are experts in pharmaceutical packaging regulations and can help ensure that products are packaged correctly and meet all necessary safety and quality standards.
To ensure product integrity and patient safety, it's essential to evaluate and verify a CPO's quality control systems and procedures. This includes checking their facilities and procedures to ensure they meet standards. Thorough due diligence and ongoing audits are crucial to avoid regulatory non-compliance.
Here are some regulatory bodies that CPOs must comply with:
- UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA (EU GMP))
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
- Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
- Brazilian Healthy Regulatory Agency (ANVISA)
- Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA)
Partnering with a CPO can help reduce the risk of packaging-related problems. CPOs have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of packaging, from sourcing materials to labeling and distribution.
Benefits of Outsourcing
Outsourcing to a contract pharmaceutical packaging company (CPO) can bring numerous benefits to your business.
By outsourcing your packaging, you can save money on costs. CPOs have economies of scale, allowing them to buy materials and supplies in bulk at lower prices. They also have the expertise to optimize your packaging processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Partnering with a CPO can help reduce your risk of packaging-related problems. CPOs have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of your packaging, from sourcing materials to labeling and distribution.
Outsourcing your packaging can also help you get your products to market faster. CPOs have the capacity and expertise to handle large orders quickly and efficiently, streamlining your packaging process.
By outsourcing your packaging, you can free up your internal resources to focus on your core competencies. This can help you improve your overall efficiency and profitability.
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Industry Trends and Insights
The global contract packaging organization (CPO) market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing outsourcing trends and the need for specialized expertise.
The market size is expected to grow from USD 67.46 billion in 2023 to USD 102.33 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.69% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
The North American pharma contract packaging market is forecasted to undergo consistent growth from 2024 until 2032, propelled by multiple factors such as an increase in new product development with complex packaging requirements.
Strategic alliances are considered as possible answers to deal with hardships and make the most of opportunities in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market.
The trend in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market may involve slow and gradual transformations, with smaller medium-sized groups created by mergers and acquisitions potentially taking over more market share.
Investors are expected to contribute significantly towards the development of such companies by providing capital as an expansion asset and acquisition of complementary assets.
In the past, companies like Tjoapack have acquired other businesses to expand their services, such as the acquisition of US-based PPS in October 2021.
The global CPO market is projected to reach USD 191.02 billion by 2030, presenting a booming potential for growth and expansion.
Here are some key areas for diversification and expansion:
- Diversification into niche areas like biologics, personalized medicine, and specialty packaging offers immense potential for CPOs with specialized expertise.
- Geographical expansion into emerging markets with rising demand for pharmaceuticals creates exciting opportunities for both established and new CPOs.
Implementing cutting-edge technologies like automation, robotics, and data analytics can streamline processes, improve accuracy, and boost efficiency, creating a competitive edge for CPOs.
Investing in green technologies and sustainable packaging solutions caters to the growing demand for eco-friendly practices within the pharmaceutical industry.
The increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals requires specialized packaging solutions, such as temperature-sensitive packaging and unique delivery systems.
Market and Competition
The contract pharmaceutical packaging market is dominated by a few big players, including Baxter BioPharma Solutions, AptarGroup Inc., and Gerresheimer AG. These companies have been around for a while and have a strong reputation in the industry.
Baxter BioPharma Solutions is a key player in this market, offering a wide range of contract packaging services that are tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. They have a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, which allows them to stay ahead of the competition.
AptarGroup Inc. is another major player that offers tailor-made packaging solutions for the generic and branded pharmaceutical markets. They have a strong focus on designing packages that are not only safe and easy to use but also fashionable and sustainable.
Gerresheimer AG is primarily engaged in the development and provision of excellent packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. They have a strong focus on providing a wide range of packaging solutions that meet the specific demands of their customers.
Here's a brief overview of the key players in the contract pharmaceutical packaging market:
- Baxter BioPharma Solutions: Offers a wide range of contract packaging services tailored to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
- AptarGroup Inc.: Offers tailor-made packaging solutions for the generic and branded pharmaceutical markets.
- Gerresheimer AG: Provides excellent packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
These companies are competing with each other and with upstart direct-to-consumer firms that use digital platforms to gain market share. The key competitive characteristics in this market include product innovation, sustainable practices, and the ability to respond to changing consumer tastes.
Services and Partnerships

Contract pharmaceutical packaging companies offer a range of services and partnerships to support pharmaceutical companies. These services can be tailored to meet specific needs, including clinical trial services, kitting, serialization, and post-market surveillance. By expanding service offerings, companies can provide comprehensive solutions and increase value.
Sharp Services, LLC, for example, provides labeling and packaging line equipment, as well as custom designed packaging lines. Their team creates the right package solution for your drug and supports you with everything. This level of expertise and guidance is essential for pharmaceutical companies navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges.
Enhanced services and partnerships can also be found with other contract packaging companies. For instance, some companies are expanding their service offerings to include clinical trial services, kitting, serialization, and post-market surveillance. This can provide a one-stop-shop for pharmaceutical companies, streamlining their supply chain management and reducing costs.
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Company List
Let's take a look at the companies that offer pharmaceutical contract packaging services. Ropack Inc. is one of the top companies in this field, according to various sources.

Ropack Inc. is not the only top company, however. PCI Pharma Services and Silgan Unicep (Silgan Dispensing Systems) also make the cut.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive list, you can check out the Pharmaceutical Contract Packaging Company List. This list includes a wide range of companies, such as Sharp Services, LLC, Reed-Lane Inc., and Jones Healthcare Group.
Here's a list of some of the top companies in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market:
- Ropack Inc.
- PCI Pharma Services
- Silgan Unicep (Silgan Dispensing Systems)
- Sharp Services, LLC
- Reed-Lane Inc.
- Jones Healthcare Group
- Almac Group Limited
- Assemblies Unlimited Inc.
- AmeriPac, Inc. (Veritiv Corporation)
- MJS Packaging
- Pharma Packaging Solutions
- Nelipak
- Aphena Pharma Solutions Inc.
- Southwest Packaging
- MPH Co-Packing
- Tjoapack Netherlands B.V.
- Quantrelle Packaging Solutions Ltd.
- Variopack Lohnfertigungen GmbH
- Central Pharma Contract Packing Limited
- Sepha Ltd.
- TPC Packaging Solutions
- Wasdell Group
- DaklaPack Group
- Recipharm AB
- Tripak Pharmaceuticals
- Jam Jams Group
- Asiapack Limited (Elanders Group)
- Finishing Services
Enhanced Services & Partnerships
Sharp Corporation offers enhanced services beyond basic packaging, including clinical trial services, kitting, serialization, and post-market surveillance. This provides comprehensive solutions for pharmaceuticals, increasing value and strengthening partnerships.
Sharp's team creates the right package solution for your drug and supports you with everything from labeling and packaging line equipment to custom designed packaging lines. They also offer guidance and recommendations for both common and challenging packaging requirements.
Sharp's continuous improvement culture ensures their team constantly explores ways to further improve operations and deliver more robust, scalable and efficient solutions. This is evident in their ability to deliver rapid, multi-country launches from their US, EU and UK facilities for multiple packaging formats.
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Sharp partners with logistics providers and technology companies to create an integrated ecosystem that optimizes supply chain management and delivers faster time-to-market for pharmaceuticals. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and facilitates the development of novel packaging solutions for advanced drug forms.
By expanding service offerings and forming partnerships, companies like Sharp can position themselves as strategic partners, offering not just cost-savings but also expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and supply chain optimization.
Here are some notable companies in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market that offer enhanced services and partnerships:
Value-Driven Partnerships
Value-Driven Partnerships are key to success in the pharmaceutical industry. By partnering with Contract Packaging Organisations (CPOs), pharmaceutical companies can tap into their expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and supply chain optimization.
CPOs can position themselves as strategic partners, offering not just cost-savings but also expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and supply chain optimization. This allows pharmaceutical companies to focus on their core business while relying on their CPO partner to handle the complexities of packaging and distribution.
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Specializing in specific therapeutic areas or drug forms allows CPOs to develop in-depth knowledge and cater to the unique needs of niche markets. For instance, a CPO specializing in oncology can provide tailored packaging solutions for cancer medications.
Building strong relationships with pharmaceutical companies based on trust, transparency, and open communication fosters collaborative innovation and long-term partnerships. This is achieved by setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication, and implementing robust measures to ensure transparency in the CPO's processes.
Here are some key benefits of value-driven partnerships:
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and supply chain optimization
- Cost savings through efficient packaging and distribution
- Increased innovation through collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Long-term partnerships based on trust and open communication
Geographic and Market Expansion
The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market during the forecast period.
Countries like India and China are major hubs for pharmaceutical manufacturing, driving the need for packaging services.
Contract packaging is often more cost-efficient for pharmaceutical companies, especially for small and mid-sized firms, as it eliminates the need to invest in in-house packaging infrastructure.
In the Asia Pacific region, the rise of biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine is driving demand for specialized and innovative packaging solutions.
A new factory, "MP-PS", is being constructed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory in Japan to manufacture prefilled syringes, a product that has seen a rise in demand due to its ability to prevent medical mishaps and improve patient safety.
The new factory will integrate the most recent technology from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory with the manufacturing technique developed by J. O. Pharma, a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory.
Here are some key statistics about the growth of the pharmaceutical contract packaging market in the Asia Pacific region:
- Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the pharmaceutical contract packaging market.
- Countries like India and China are major hubs for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Rise of biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine is driving demand for specialized and innovative packaging solutions.
- A new factory, "MP-PS", is being constructed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory in Japan to manufacture prefilled syringes.
Report and Research
The report on pharmaceutical contract packaging companies provides valuable insights into the industry.
Pharmaceutical contract packaging companies play a crucial role in the supply chain of the pharmaceutical industry.
To get a comprehensive understanding of the market, you can refer to the pharmaceutical contract packaging market report snapshots.
The report highlights key statistics and trends that are essential for businesses operating in this sector.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- Pharmaceutical contract packaging companies are a vital part of the industry.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the market, including its size, growth rate, and major players.
By examining the report, you can gain a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical contract packaging market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contract pharmaceutical company?
A contract pharmaceutical company is a manufacturer that produces pharmaceutical products for other companies under their label or brand. They provide outsourced manufacturing services to clients in the pharmaceutical industry.
What is an example of contract packaging?
Contract packaging involves various services such as blister and clamshell packaging, flow wrapping, and poly bundling, among others, to prepare products for distribution. These services help companies efficiently package and prepare their products for the market.
What is contract packaging services?
Contract packaging services transform raw products into consumer-ready goods through a comprehensive process that meets regulatory and market demands. This process involves multiple steps to deliver a fully packaged product tailored to a client's specific needs.
Sources
- https://www.recipharm.com/drug-product/pharmaceutical-packaging
- https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/pharmaceutical-contract-packaging-market/companies
- https://www.sharpservices.com/solution-category/packaging/
- https://pharmasource.global/content/guides/category-guide/contract-packaging-organisation-a-comprehensive-guide-to-pharma-cpos/
- https://www.towardspackaging.com/insights/pharmaceutical-contract-packaging-market-sizing
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