US Sterile Medical Packaging Demand to Approach $6.5 Billion in 2012

Demand for sterile medical packaging is projected to climb 6.1 percent per annum to $6.5 billion in 2012, representing nearly 37 billion units.  Growth will be fueled by the shift to an older demographic, which will lead to a rising incidence of acute and chronic conditions and an increasing volume of patient activity.  Upward trends in patient activity will broaden the overall use of sterile medical products, impacting favorably on demand for related packaging.  In addition, the sterile medical packaging market will benefit from ongoing product development activity in pharmaceuticals and medical devices and the upgrading of health care infection prevention standards.  These and other trends, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in Sterile Medical Packaging, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

The fastest gains are expected in pharmaceutical and biological applications, reflecting the commercialization of sophisticated biotechnology-based therapies delivered via injection or inhalation.  This factor will support above-average gains for prefillable syringes, vials and ampuls, prefillable inhalers and closures.  Demand will also be aided by widening preferences for safer, unit-dose delivery systems.

Demand in other sterile medical packaging product segments will increase more slowly, reflecting decelerating growth in surgical procedures and advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques.  Still, the growing role of specialized outpatient facilities in providing health care services will strengthen opportunities for sterile medical products and related packaging such as thermoformed trays, pouches, bottles, sterilization wrap, blister and clamshell packs, IV and blood containers, and bags.  Fastest growth among these products is anticipated for trays, pouches and blister and clamshell packs.

Despite competition from less costly pouches and bags, advances for trays and blister and clamshell packs will be supported by higher protective properties, which reduce the risk of damage during transport and storage.  Multiple compartment trays will gain ground as they virtually eliminate the risk of staff errors in the collection and organization of products required for various procedures.  Gains for pouches will reflect improved strength, puncture resistance and barrier properties, which will lead to expanding applications in the unit-of-use packaging of small- to medium-sized supplies and devices. 

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.