The 2015 pharmaceutical industry produced US$1.1 trillion in global sales with medical devices reaching US$350 billion, according to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, which is the organizer of PACK EXPO East.
“With such significant industry growth, now is the time to invest in new technologies to improve operations and get prepared for more growth ahead,” said Paula Feldman, Director, Business Intelligence, PMMI. “With two out of three companies predicting an increase in capital equipment over the next one to two years, the US remains the largest market for pharmaceuticals and medical devices and there are great opportunities for OEMs in both segments.”
US shipments for the pharmaceutical market accounted for 70% of the sector, while medical devices made up 30%. Legacy lines are driving equipment change. Manufacturers have outdated equipment that needs replacing now or in the very near future. Branded and specialty drugs and innovative medical devices will likely drive spending growth in the developed markets, while an overall increase in the use of pharmaceuticals and medical devices will likely spur growth in emerging markets.
An aging population, longer life expectancy and a general increase in rare or chronic diseases is impacting healthcare worldwide. As PMMI‘s infographic shows, global medicine use is expected to reach 4.5 trillion doses by 2020, up 24% from 2015, emphasizing the opportunity in this market segment.
Industry consolidation continues to change the landscape of this sector. Mergers and acquisitions have seen double-digit growth in the past three years and remain a major component of strategic growth. Larger players are establishing strategic partnerships with smaller niche companies to increase the scope of product offerings and often to establish a foothold in offshore markets.
Source : China Plastic & Rubber Journal
