Pharmaceutical packaging to grow

Demand for pharmaceutical packaging products in the United States will rise 4.3% annually to $5.2 billion in 2006, with blister packaging leading the way in terms of revenues. According to the Freedonia Group’s study, Pharmaceutical Packaging, plastic bottles will continue to account for the largest unit demand among pharmaceutical containers. Pouches and strip packs reportedly will see above-average growth, while prefillable syringes will generate the fastest sales gains among parenteral packaging.

Meanwhile, paperboard boxes and cartons will continue to account for the largest usage among secondary pharmaceutical containers. On the minus side, the report says the market for medication closures will lose its growth momentum due to the increasing penetration of blister packs and other closure-less containers. The $3꼀, 219-page study is available from Cleveland-based Freedonia Group. Call 440/684-9600, or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.