The MEA Ampoules Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 1.66 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.97 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The growing pharmaceutical industry is helping the market grow. The need for ampoules increases with the increasing pharmaceutical production in the region.
Key Highlights
- Middle East and Africa has enormous potential for the pharmaceutical industry's growth, posing several opportunities for ampoule manufacturers. Additionally, the regional government supports the pharmaceutical industry's sustainable development through continued support and investments in long-term plans.
- The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 view the pharmaceutical industry as one with major growth potential. They aim to make significant developments due to the growth prospects, export potential, and mid-term to long-term economic impact of the industry.
- The industry is growing, and there is a need for packaging to heal communicable and non-communicable diseases. Thus, the demand for ampoule packaging in pharmaceutical manufacturing is increasing as it protects pharmaceuticals from damage, biological contamination, and external influences.
- Africa has clinical trial infrastructure and capabilities, most of which are in South Africa, as it has invested more heavily in R&D than others on the continent. The African business division of Ardagh Group, Ardagh Glass Packaging - Africa (AGP - Africa), announced an investment to expand the manufacturing capacity of its Nigel factory in Gauteng, South Africa. To satisfy anticipated demand over the coming years, the company will expand its facility by adding a third furnace, enabling it to produce sustainable glass packaging.
- Introducing stringent rules and regulations to improve the quality and integrity of domestically manufactured drugs increases the usage of glass as a material for pharmaceutical packaging products. Due to adverse environmental impact, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced bans or restrictions on several specific types of plastics used for pharmaceutical packaging, such as single-use plastics or certain non-recycled plastics.
MEA Ampoules Packaging Market Trends
Glass Ampoules Are Expected to Witness Significant Adoption
- Glass ampoules are widely adopted as a type of primary packaging in the pharmaceutical industry for injection drugs due to their various benefits, such as 100% tamper-proof packaging. Also, ampoules are a popular choice for primary packaging for injectables and are widely adopted in cost-sensitive or emerging markets like Middle East and Africa.
- The region is witnessing an increase in government initiatives and support to foster the adoption of generic products, coupled with the move to start generic medical stores. The high prevalence of infectious diseases in the region is expected to drive the adoption of injectables, increasing the adoption of glass ampoules during the forecast period. According to Alpen Capital, the healthcare expenditure was USD 60.7 billion in 2022, which increased to USD 63.8 billion in 2023. Such increases in healthcare expenditures drive the market's growth.
- In the case of diseases like HIV/AIDS treatment, the need for sterile drug injection equipment for injecting drugs increases, as the disease can easily be transmitted by using the same equipment to inject the drug. Hence, ampoules may be used for drug storage and transport. This is expected to increase the adoption of glass ampoules in the region, as the risk of HIV/AIDS is high.
- The UAE pharmaceutical market is one of the most developed and has a robust healthcare infrastructure. Domestic medication manufacturers in the United Arab Emirates have increased their production of medicines. With their long-standing presence in the nation through manufacturing or local distribution channels, major research-based pharmaceutical companies and top multi-nationals, like Pfizer, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck, AbbVie, Eli Lily, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, BMS, and Amgen, have opened up opportunities for market growth.
- The Saudi National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP) estimates that Saudi Arabia's pharmaceutical business will be worth SAR 44 billion (USD 11.72 billion approximately) by 2030. According to ITA, healthcare and social development were estimated to be valued at USD 36.8 billion in 2022, or 14.4% of its overall budget, and the third-largest category after education and the military. Privatizing the healthcare sector is a goal of the Saudi Arabian government. The increase in growth would create opportunities for various glass ampoule packaging companies to invest in the sector.
South Africa Expected to Hold a Significant Share
- South Africa's economy is booming due to a relatively stable political scenario and the enormous investments made by companies worldwide. The country has also seen significant growth in the pharmaceutical industry.
- The rapid growth in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa can be attributed to rapid urbanization, an increase in healthcare spending, and a rise in investments by leading pharmaceutical companies. International players are encouraged to expand their presence in the pharmaceutical landscape of South Africa. Companies such as Aspen Pharmacare are witnessing growth; it was valued at USD 2205.61 million in 2023 and USD 1823.6 million in 2020. Such revenue growth would leverage the market for ampoules.
- With rapid growth in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa, the need for proper packaging solutions also increases. This is because during the various processes in the supply chain of a pharmaceutical product, starting from manufacture to consumption, the pharmaceutical products need to be handled carefully. This is mainly due to the sensitivity of narcotics, which lose their therapeutic or medicinal properties when exposed to any exterior environment. Hence, pharmaceutical companies must follow stringent consumer safety and environmental regulations.
- Due to the growing number of diseases and the growing need to keep medical solutions safe from the external environment, pharmaceutical companies ensure the quality of pharmaceuticals throughout the manufacturing, storing, and packaging processes. Also, pharmaceutical companies are launching drugs to treat major diseases prevalent in the country, further boosting the demand for ampoules in South Africa.
- Africa is experiencing a significant increase in the need for sustainable packaging, fueled by several factors, including rising income levels, growing environmental consciousness, favorable demographics, and a move toward one-way packaging.
- According to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Private Sector Strategy, 40% of the disease hindrance on the continent is due to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases, all of which are commonly treated by packaged medicines. This might create opportunities for pharmaceutical packaging products, including ampoules, in the country.
MEA Ampoules Packaging Industry Overview
Glass ampoules offer superior transparency, facilitating effortless inspection and monitoring of their contents. As the pharmaceutical industry expands, it fuels the demand for glass ampoules. The region is witnessing a surge in demand for these pharmaceutical glass products, driven by escalating production levels.
The market is consolidated due to very few major players, such as Corning Incorporated, 3M Company, Schott AG, Gerresheimer AG, and Nipro Corporation. The market players strive to create significant collaborations with several regional organizations to expand their market presence and share. Developments in the pharmaceutical industry in the region are expected to provide opportunities for the existing as well as new market players.
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