The demand for Rigid Plastic Packaging in the healthcare industry is increasing year on year. In an article by Globenewswire.com, they claim that the market is projected to reach $262.5 Billion by 2027, which is a compounded annual growth rate (CAG) of 4.5%. The growth in pharmaceutical demand is a key factor that will trigger the growth of the plastic packaging market in the coming years.
Whilst trends show that plastic packaging will grow in the near future, retail consumers and their negative perception on plastics continue to hinder the sustainability of plastic packaging.
Therefore, delivering effective, multifaceted, circular packaging solutions, that are both convenient for consumers and don’t negatively impact the planet is a challenge packaging manufacturers are stepping up to.
Is Plastic bad?
The simple answer is NO! Plastic waste is bad. Rigid plastic packaging has a shameful public perception. Hashtags like #plasticfree and #noplastic are common sight on social media. With this, the plastic industry is facing the emotional issue of consumers influencing brands to move away from plastic.
Yet, while alternative packaging materials may be more socially acceptable, are they really “better”? Will the current popularity contest of alternatives to plastic be short-lived, thanks to their depletion of natural resources and negative environmental impact, including larger greenhouse gas emissions?
It’s a fact, more carbon emissions are used to manufacture common pharmaceutical glass packaging. PET Plastics require less energy to produce, process and recycle than glass. And as an added bonus, recycled PET has half the carbon footprint than virgin PET.
Why has the Healthcare industry moved more towards rigid plastic packaging?
All medical product packaging must be compliant with international regulatory standards for safety and traceability. The strong barrier properties of rigid plastic packaging, along with its versatility, durability, flexibility, lightweight, cleanliness, and transparency, make it the perfect choice for storing medical products. Alterative ‘eco’ materials might offer some of these key properties but just like glass, these other materials continue to fall short in meeting all of the stringent quality and safety standards. The advantages of plastic polymer vs other alternative materials in the medical field means plastic packaging in the Healthcare industry continues to grow.
How does the pharmaceutical industry benefit from rigid plastic packaging?
Plastic packaging allows us to protect, preserve, store and transport products in a variety of ways.
According to Plastics SA, plastic remains the dominant material in the packaging sector and not by chance. Plastics are non-reactive and sterile materials; they protect medical apparatus during transport and prevent equipment from becoming contaminated.
Doctors, nurses, hospital patients and lab technicians can be exposed to deadly viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. One of the ways to protect them from harm is through medical plastic packaging. Plastic is an ideal material to seal off sterile equipment and prevent contamination. Therefore, these plastics are vital for the daily functioning of hospitals and have saved countless lives. Not so long ago, during the Covid-19 pandemic, plastic packaging came to the fore in protecting and saving lives.
Without plastic packaging, a great deal of medical products that consumers purchase, and use would not make the journey to their homes or survive in a stable state long enough to be consumed or used.
Plastic Bubbles is an essential supplier of pharmaceutical rigid plastic packaging. Our 48 years of knowledge and experience, along with our FSSSC 22000 certified facilities continue to meet the most stringent safety and quality requirements. No wonder we continue to be a trusted partner for the pharmaceutical industry.