Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Medical Devices Packaging Industry
Plastic Segment Expected to Hold Significant Market Share
- Plastics, especially in the medical industry, serve a myriad of purposes, catering to both single-use and multi-use scenarios. Referred to as medical plastics, these materials offer a cost-effective avenue for producing crucial equipment, supplies, and tools in healthcare. The healthcare sector heavily leans on various medical-grade plastics, spearheading research into novel polymers and materials. This ongoing research is crucial for developing advanced medical solutions that can meet the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
- Given its durability and recyclability, medical plastics dominate in single-use items like syringes and tubes. Yet, their utility extends far beyond, encompassing applications such as prosthetics. Plastic, being versatile, sustainable, and cost-efficient, remains a cornerstone of the medical landscape, witnessing ongoing innovative applications. These innovations are not only enhancing the functionality of medical devices but also improving patient outcomes and operational efficiencies within healthcare facilities.
- Medical device packaging requires control over moisture, light barriers, and childproofing. The growth of polymers in medical devices has brought a considerable transformation to the medical device packaging industry. Plastic medical devices are steadily replacing other materials, such as glass, ceramics, and metals, owing to benefits such as greater flexibility and affordable price.
- Plastic has a long life and can be used for a wide range of applications, and the cost of the material used to make plastic products is less, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing. Plastics are resistant to corrosion and shattering, and medical-grade plastics can be designed to handle repeated sterilizations. All these advantages allow the medical device manufacturers to significantly reduce their overhead costs, benefiting both the operations and the patients by offering services at a lower cost.
- PET, HDPE, PP, and vinyl are the most common plastics used in packaging medical devices. Medical device packaging providers are increasing their investments in developing sustainable packaging solutions due to the growing demand and stringent regulations. A similar approach is expected to be adopted by major packaging providers operating in Asia-Pacific to fulfill the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions for medical devices.
- India's medical device exports, valued at USD 3.39 billion in 2022-23, are projected to surge to USD 10 billion by 2025, as per the India Brand Equity Foundation. To bolster these exports, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have rolled out strategic initiatives. These efforts are poised to drive up the demand for advanced packaging solutions within the medical devices sector.
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China is Likely to Occupy Maximum Market Share
- China is among the leading medical device manufacturers in the world. Traditionally, the Chinese medical devices market has been known for low-end consumables and mechanotherapy devices. The country was largely dependent on foreign imports to procure high-end medical devices. However, there has been a shift toward more domestically made high-value, high-risk devices in the country lately, owing to government-backed initiatives such as 'Made in China.'
- Along with the expanding base of the healthcare sector, China's medical devices market is developing at a significant pace. One of the driving factors for the increase in demand for high-end medical devices in China is the aging population.
- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights China as one of the world's fastest-aging nations. In 2023, the country boasted 216.8 million individuals aged 65 or older, constituting 15.4% of its population. Projections from the ITA suggest that by 2025, China's population aged 60 and above will surpass 300 million. Moreover, the broadened medical insurance coverage has bolstered the demand for neurology and cardiovascular implants, especially as these sectors heavily rely on imported high-value consumables.
- The country also exports a major share of its locally manufactured devices across various regions, which is augmenting the demand for medical devices packaging in the country. For instance, according to WTO, China became the largest exporter of COVID-19-critical medical products in 2020 as it exported products with a value of USD 105 billion, about 2.8 times its exports in 2019.
- Anticipated growth in both export volume and domestic consumption of medical devices is set to propel the country's medical device packaging market during the forecast period. The healthcare sector, often criticized for its plastic usage, faces a notable challenge with the substantial waste generated by single-use medical plastic items.
- Regional manufacturers are actively seeking ways to curb medical waste, focusing on designing single-use items that are more recyclable. Given the imperative to shield items like needles and medications from potential cross-contamination, medical plastics have emerged as the go-to choice for packaging. Plastic pouches can be hermetically sealed, offering protection to single-use items and negating the need for pre-use sterilization. Moreover, plastic bottles and containers are adept at safeguarding prescriptions from UV rays, humidity, and other damaging elements.
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