Report

The Contract Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 79.69 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 120.88 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.69% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Key Highlights
- The contract packaging market is integral to the supply chain, enhancing business productivity. Many manufacturers are increasingly outsourcing their packaging needs, allowing them to concentrate on their core competencies and driving a global surge in demand for contract packaging.
- Contract packaging services offer numerous benefits, ensuring products and their packaging consistently meet industry standards and government regulations. Moreover, these services help manufacturers cut operational costs. With the right equipment, expertise, and materials, contract packaging companies can significantly lower these costs for manufacturers, fueling the market's expansion.
- The growing pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries worldwide are boosting the demand for comprehensive contract packaging services. Adhering to stringent regulations necessitates rigorous inspections and quality checks. By outsourcing these packaging tasks, manufacturers can transfer the responsibility of compliance (often termed mil-spec packaging) to contract packaging agencies, making contract packaging a more attractive option than in-house solutions.
- Heightened consumer awareness regarding environmental issues, coupled with manufacturers' growing demand for cost-effective packaging, is prompting contract packagers to embrace sustainable and eco-friendly packaging designs. Additionally, the trends of sustainability and customization are set to bolster the contract packaging market, especially in consumer-packaged goods like personal care items and food and beverages, throughout the forecast period.
- In April 2024, Orlandi, a contract packer based in the United States, unveiled its latest offering, the EcoPro Paper Wrap. This product addresses the surging demand for eco-conscious packaging. EcoPro is a recyclable, high-barrier, heat-sealable paper wrap, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic films and foil pouches.
- Major players, as part of their growth strategy, are increasingly turning to acquisitions and expanding their geographical reach. For instance, in April 2024, Veritiv Corporation, a US-based distributor specializing in value-added packaging, announced its acquisition of Ameripac LLC, a contract packaging service provider in the United States. This move is aimed at bolstering Veritiv's market presence and expanding its customer base in contract packaging.
- As the packaging landscape evolves rapidly, many contract packaging providers find it challenging to stay abreast of these shifts, potentially hindering market growth. To maintain competitiveness, these providers must adapt to changing consumer preferences and demands.


Contract Packaging Market Trends

Pharmaceuticals Expected to Experience Significant Growth


- Advancements in the medical field are driving the rapid growth of the pharmaceutical industry. Evolving research methods are leading to significant improvements in innovative treatments for patient well-being, subsequently boosting the demand for contract packaging services in major markets.
- Specializing in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, contract packaging companies ensure products meet the highest quality standards, prioritizing regulatory compliance and safety. By outsourcing packaging services, pharmaceutical companies can reduce costs in areas like packaging, labeling, sterilization, and warehousing, fueling market growth. Pharmaceutical firms are increasingly turning to specialized companies for the packaging of their end products, underscoring the critical nature of drug packaging for patient safety.
- As complex medications and specialty drugs rise in prominence, contract packaging is becoming a favored choice in the pharmaceutical market. Contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are stepping in, offering holistic packaging services that allow pharmaceutical firms to streamline operations and concentrate on their core strengths. With their advanced infrastructure, CDMOs are facilitating stages from drug development to manufacturing and packaging, further propelling market growth.
- Contract packaging services grant pharmaceutical firms the flexibility and scalability to adjust to evolving market demands and production volumes. These services cater to a wide array of packaging formats, from blister packs and bottles to vials and sachets, addressing the diverse needs of various medications and dosages.
- Moreover, many contract packaging providers are investing in cutting-edge equipment and technology. This not only streamlines packaging processes and reduces errors but also boosts overall efficiency. Such investments empower pharmaceutical companies to scale production in line with rising demand.
- Insights from the Pharmapack Europe 2024 survey indicate a promising growth trajectory for contract packaging in the next year. The increasing prevalence of specialty and biologic medicines has heightened the demand for tailored packaging solutions, prompting manufacturers to turn to contract packaging services. These companies excel in crafting bespoke packaging solutions, allowing pharmaceutical manufacturers to stand out and cater to the distinct needs of specialty medications.


North America Expected to Account for the Largest Market Share


- The North American contract packaging market is witnessing rapid expansion across diverse industries, notably pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and beverages. In pharmaceuticals, heightened investments in drug manufacturing and stringent regional packaging regulations are driving a surge in demand for contract packaging services.
- Specializing in bespoke solutions, contract packaging firms cater to the distinct requirements of pharmaceuticals, offering everything from blister packs to unit-dose packaging. Their expertise in abiding by regulatory compliance and quality assurance ensures medications are packaged safely and to industry standards, further fueling the demand for these services in North America.
- In the cosmetics industry, contract packaging empowers brands with the flexibility to swiftly introduce products to the market. Collaborating closely with cosmetics firms, contract packagers craft innovative designs that not only elevate product aesthetics but also boost consumer appeal. Their comprehensive services span from filling and labeling to assembling and transportation, catering to everything from skincare to makeup.
- To address the rising demand for sustainable solutions in cosmetics, contract packaging firms are investing in cutting-edge technologies. This includes a focus on eco-friendly materials and recyclable options, propelling the market's growth.
- Advancements in packaging technologies are fueling a surge in personalized packaging trends within cosmetics, amplifying demand in North America. Companies like Cosmopak USA LLC are at the forefront, offering tailored services to bolster their brand image.


Contract Packaging Industry Overview

The contract packaging market is moderately fragmented, with the presence of many domestic and international companies. The companies in the market are continually expanding their geographical footprint with the help of partnerships and mergers. With the growth of outsourcing activities among various established players, the market has been witnessing significant competition in terms of providing reliable and quick services, making it competitive.


- February 2024: American Packaging Corporation (APC), a frontrunner in flexible packaging solutions, launched its latest RE Design for Recycle technology. This innovative packaging is specifically designed for frozen food items, including fruits and vegetables. With this addition, APC's RE sustainable packaging portfolio now boasts a diverse range of technologies, encompassing not only the new Design for Recycle but also the Design for Compost, Circular Content, Renewable Content, and various other Design for Recycle options.
- July 2024: Sustainable Packaging Technologies, drawing on the expertise of Banner Chemicals, a materials sciences company under the 2M Group, announced that it was set to prioritize bio-based packaging. Its goal is to curate a portfolio of biomaterial technologies and solutions that seamlessly integrate into current packaging manufacturing processes. Strategic partnerships and investments from Innovate UK and SSPP government funds have bolstered the efforts of Sustainable Packaging Technologies.


Additional Benefits:

- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support