North america sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market

Sachet packaging is a form of flexible packaging, which is created using multiple layers of aluminum, plastic, and other materials. Sachet packaging helps to secure the product from physical or environmental hazards and are able to lock its freshness for a long period of time.

North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market is estimated to surpass US$ 612.1 Mn by the end of 2027 in terms of revenue, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2020 to 2027).

Drivers

The growing demand for OTC drugs is expected to drive the market growth of the sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals in North America. People rely on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as an accessible and effective solution for commonly occurring conditions such as common cold, allergies, body pain, upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract issues, fungal infections, skin inflammation, smoking cessation, and sleeping disorder among others. OTC drugs are available in wide variety of retail outlets, including grocery stores, drug stores, and mass merchandisers. For instance, according to a report released by the U.S. Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) in 2019, the availability of OTC medicines provide US$ 146 billion in value to U.S. healthcare system annually.

Moreover, advantages associated with sachet packaging is expected to foster the market growth of North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals. Sachet packaging requires minimal packaging material, consumes less storage space, and requires low shipping cost. This can lead to saving in overall packaging cost. The style and designs of sachet packs are customizable to a greater extent. Pharmaceutical manufacturers can have the packs in any size or shape so as to meet the demands for their business, brand, and product. Sachet packaging offers a large surface area presenting the perfect opportunity for pharmaceutical manufacturers for branding.

Among countries, the U.S. held dominant position in the North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market in 2019, accounting for 85.0% market share in terms of revenue, followed by Canada.

Figure 1. North America Sachet Packaging in Pharmaceuticals Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2019

Market Restraints

Availability of substitutes is hampering the sachet packaging demand in the North America. For instance, availability of other flexible packaging substitutes such as stick packaging and pouch packaging is expected to hamper market growth of the North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals over the forecast period.

From an economic point of view, stick packaging offers reduced raw material costs and has lower total packaging costs compared to sachet packaging. This factor is further expected to hinder the market growth of sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals in North America.

Market Trends

Innovation and new product development by several manufacturers is the current North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market trend. Manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative products, in order to strengthen their presence in the North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market. For instance, Amcor plc., headquartered Switzerland and operates globally including North America, offers Dessiflex Sachet Laminates, which include an active sealing layer that absorbs moisture trapped into the package or coming from cross-diffusion through the seals. It is ideal to protect very moisture-sensitive products and devices and to extend product’s shelf life. Dessiflex solutions are ideal for liquids, powder, and gels.

Figure 2. North America Sachet Packaging in Pharmaceuticals Market – Opportunity Analysis

On the basis of material type, in 2019, plastic segment accounted for 40.8% of the revenue share. The plastic segment is further segmented into polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and others. PE is largely used in the sachet packaging for the pharmaceutical drugs. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical products that need to be refrigerated, where oxygen can deteriorate the quality of packaged pharmaceutical sachets and reduces the shelf-life.

Figure 3. North America Sachet Packaging in Pharmaceuticals Market Revenue Share (%), By Material Type, 2019

North America Sachet Packaging in Pharmaceuticals Market - Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the buying pattern of consumers. Measures such as nationwide lockdown have led panic buying of food and hygiene products. This has surged the market for packaging products and solutions. Following the COVID-19 crisis, increasing number of patients are opting for self-medication rather than visiting a doctor. This has led to several people stocking up over-the-counter drugs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and others for symptom relief. Moreover, awareness and interest in the role of preventive health among consumers, has increased demand for products which help in boosting the immunity. This has led to increasing demand for health supplements. The overall increase in demand for pharmaceuticals is expected to drive the market growth of North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals during the pandemic.

Competitive Section

Key players operating in the North America sachet packaging in pharmaceuticals market include Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Amcor plc, American Flexpack, Constantia Flexibles, Glenroy Inc., Multi-Pack Solutions LLC, Ropack, Inc., Sharp, Synchpack, and Tripak Pharmaceuticals.