The Europe pharmaceutical glass packaging market was valued at approximately USD 3.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. This expected growth is primarily driven by high demand from the pharmaceutical industry, especially due to the widespread use of glass packaging in generic injectable drugs. Glass remains a preferred material in pharmaceutical packaging because of its superior protective properties—it acts as an effective barrier against atmospheric gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can potentially compromise the integrity of the drug by causing contamination.

Moreover, glass packaging safeguards pharmaceutical products from degradation processes such as oxidation and hydrolysis, thereby preserving their effectiveness over time. It also plays a critical role in maintaining drug stability by preventing the escape of volatile ingredients. These attributes significantly contribute to the increasing demand for pharmaceutical glass packaging and are expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

As of 2020, the glass manufacturing sector in Europe comprised 162 production plants spread across 23 countries, producing more than 80 billion glass products annually, as per the European Commission. Europe remains the leading producer of glass globally, accounting for nearly one-third of the world’s total glass production. The region's dominance is attributed to its reputation for producing high-quality glass, its capacity for innovation, and the availability of a highly skilled workforce. This well-established manufacturing base is anticipated to ensure a steady supply of raw materials necessary for the production of pharmaceutical glass packaging across Europe during the forecast period.

Additionally, the growing number of biologic drugs entering the European pharmaceutical market is placing new demands on packaging and drug delivery companies. Biologics are more complex than traditional small-molecule drugs and require precise handling, storage, and administration due to their sensitive nature. This complexity is fueling the need for innovative and customized glass packaging solutions that can address specific challenges such as maintaining product integrity during transportation, ensuring secure containment, and facilitating safe handling. As a result, demand for specialized pharmaceutical glass packaging is expected to rise significantly in the near future.

Key Market Trends Insights:

The DACH region (comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) emerged as the leading regional market in 2022, contributing more than 24.6% of the total revenue. This dominance can be attributed to the region’s strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and high demand for quality drug packaging solutions.

• By Product, bottles represented the largest segment in the pharmaceutical glass packaging market, accounting for 35.7% of the total revenue in 2022. The widespread use of glass bottles for storing liquid medications, vaccines, and injectable drugs contributed significantly to their market share, owing to their durability and excellent barrier properties.

• In terms of application, the pharmaceutical segment held the largest revenue share in 2022, commanding 80.8% of the market. This reflects the extensive use of glass packaging in the pharmaceutical industry to preserve drug integrity and ensure safe delivery, particularly for sensitive formulations like injectables and biologics.

• By Glass Type, Type I glass dominated the market, accounting for more than 66.4% of the revenue in 2022. Type I glass, also known as borosilicate glass, is highly resistant to thermal shock and chemical corrosion, making it ideal for storing sensitive pharmaceutical compounds. Its superior quality and protective characteristics make it the preferred choice for high-value drugs.

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Market Size Forecast:

• 2022 Market Size: USD 3.4 Billion

• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 5.8 Billion

• CAGR (2023-2030): 6.8%

Key Companies Market Share Insights:

A significant number of pharmaceutical glass manufacturing companies are primarily concentrated in Europe, which has contributed to the development of a well-established and efficient supply chain and production system across the region. The presence of long-standing manufacturers, advanced infrastructure, and skilled labor has made Europe a central hub for pharmaceutical glass packaging production.

However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift, with manufacturers increasingly relocating or expanding their operations to countries such as Brazil, India, and China. This transition is largely driven by the comparatively lower labor costs in these emerging economies, as well as the growing industrial and market opportunities they present. These regions offer favorable conditions for large-scale production, making them attractive destinations for global pharmaceutical packaging companies looking to optimize their manufacturing costs and tap into new growth markets.

Among the emerging players in this industry, SGD S.A and Şişecam Group are gaining notable attention. These companies are considered rising competitors due to their ongoing strategic investments aimed at expanding their production capabilities and business reach in the pharmaceutical glass packaging sector. For example, SGD S.A has been actively upgrading its manufacturing facilities in China and Spain, incorporating advanced technologies and modern equipment to enhance production efficiency and meet the increasing global demand. Such initiatives reflect the dynamic nature of the market and the drive of new entrants to compete with established players.

Key Players

• SGD S.A.

• Nipro Corporation

• Stölzle-Oberglas GmbH

• Bormioli Pharma S.r.l

• Owens-Illinois, Inc.

• West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

• Schott AG

• Gerresheimer AG

• Beatson Clark

• Ardagh Group S.A

• Şişecam Group

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Conclusion:

The European pharmaceutical glass packaging market is poised for steady expansion, fueled by robust demand from the pharmaceutical sector, especially generic injectables. Key advantages of glass—like its barrier protection, stability, and inert properties—are supporting this growth. Europe’s well-developed glass manufacturing industry offers a dependable supply base. Meanwhile, the rising introduction of biologics is pushing companies toward more tailored, innovative glass packaging solutions to meet stringent handling and safety requirements.