Biopharma Plastics Market

Market Definition

Biopharma plastics refer to specialized polymer materials used in the manufacturing, storage, and handling of biopharmaceutical products. The market covers various polymers, including polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene, along with other engineered plastics. 

These polymers are selected based on their chemical resistance, biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility, and mechanical properties. This report explores key drivers of market development, offering detailed regional analysis and a comprehensive overview of the competitive landscape shaping future opportunities.

Biopharma Plastics Market Overview

The global biopharma plastics market size was valued at USD 6.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 6.45 billion in 2025 to USD 10.53 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.23% during the forecast period. 

Market growth is driven by the expansion of biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity across major production hubs. A key trend influencing the market is the rising focus on compostable and bio-based plastics, as companies respond to sustainability requirements and regulatory expectations.

Major companies operating in the biopharma plastics industry are Bormioli Pharma S.p.A., CHIMEI, Saint-Gobain, BASF SE, Single Use Support GmbH, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Ensinger, LyondellBasell Industries, Tekni-Plex, Inc., INEOS Capital Limited, LG Chem, Dave Barry Plastics, Spectrum Plastics Group, SABIC, and Solvay.

Market expansion is propelled by the rising demand for ultra-low temperature plastic solutions used in cold chain and cryogenic applications. These plastics are essential for storing and transporting biologics that require temperatures as low as -80°C, while maintaining mechanical strength and chemical stability. In response, manufacturers are developing specialized grades to meet these requirements and ensure reliable performance across cold chain processes.

• In April 2025, DuPont launched its Liveo Pharma TPE Ultra-Low Temp Tubing, designed for biopharmaceutical processing applications requiring low-temperature performance. The tubing, made from sterilizable, weldable, and sealable thermoplastic elastomer tubing, can withstand temperatures as low as -86 °C.

Key Highlights:

1. The biopharma plastics market size was recorded at USD 6.02 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.23% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 34.09% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.05 billion.
4. The polyethylene segment garnered USD 1.46 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The bioreactor bags segment is expected to reach USD 2.64 billion by 2032.
6. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.22% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

Expansion of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Capacity

The progress of the market is propelled by the expansion of biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity across major regions. Increased investment in large-scale production facilities for biologics and vaccines is creating a strong demand for medical-grade plastics. 

These plastics are used in equipment housings, fluid handling systems, and cleanroom components. Governments and private manufacturers are building new facilities to meet rising therapeutic demand. This is boosting the consumption of high-performance polymers in biopharma operations.

• In January 2024, AbbVie announced a USD 223 million expansion of its biologics manufacturing facility in Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park. The investment will add 24,000 liters of drug-substance capacity and support both existing products and pipeline products in immunology and oncology.

Market Challenge

Regulatory Compliance Delays Impacting Biopharma Plastics Commercialization

A major challenge limitng the growth of the biopharma plastics market is the delay in regulatory approvals for new polymer grades intended for biopharmaceutical applications. Meeting region-specific requirements related to biocompatibility, and sterilization standards often extends time-to-market. 

These delays slow down the adoption of advanced materials and affect project timelines for equipment manufacturers and drug producers.

To address this challenge, companies are increasing investment in pre-validation studies and engaging early with regulatory agencies. They are also standardizing testing protocols and partnering with third-party labs to accelerate approvals and reduce compliance risks.

Market Trend

Rising Focus On Compostable and Bio-Based Plastics

The market is experiencing a notable shift toward compostable and bio-based materials. Manufacturers are investing in sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product performance. 

These materials are designed to comply with sterilization processes and regulatory standards required in biopharma applications. The shift is supported by both internal ESG goals and increasing external pressure from regulatory bodies and healthcare providers. 

This trend is prompting companies to introduce sustainable polymer grades for use in containers, filters, and fluid-contact components.

• In September 2024, CSIRO and Murdoch University launched the Bioplastics Innovation Hub through a USD 5.4 million collaboration aimed at developing fully compostable, bio-derived plastics. The initiative focuses on creating sustainable packaging materials that degrade in compost, soil, or water.

Biopharma Plastics Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Polymer	Polyethylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene, Others
By Application	Bioreactor Bags, Containers, Protective Wear, Syringes, Depth Filters, Disposable Medical Connectors, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Polymer (Polyethylene, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene, and Others): The polyethylene segment earned USD 1.46 billion in 2024, mainly due to its high compatibility with sterilization processes and widespread use in single-use bioprocessing systems.
• By Application (Bioreactor Bags, Containers, Protective Wear, Syringes, Depth Filters, Disposable Medical Connectors, and Others): The bioreactor bags segment held a share of 24.47% in 2024, fueled by increased demand for flexible, disposable solutions in upstream bio manufacturing.

Biopharma Plastics Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America biopharma plastics market share stood at 34.09% in 2024, valued at USD 2.05 billion. This dominance is bolstered by significant infrastructure investment in biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. 

The region has seen continuous expansion of GMP-compliant production units, cleanroom setups, and single-use system integration, which has created a strong demand for high-performance biopharma plastics across critical applications. This well-established infrastructure continues to support stable demand and sustained consumption of polymer-based bioprocessing components.

• In April 2025, Novartis announced a USD 23 billion investment, five-year investment to expand its U.S.-based manufacturing and R&D capabilities. The plan includes 10 facilities, 7 of which are new, aimed at supporting end-to-end production of key medicines within the U.S.

The Asia-Pacific biopharma plastics industry is poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.22% over the forecast period. This growth is propelled by the rising demand for affordable biologics across densely populated countries. This surge in healthcare demand is prompting manufacturers to scale up cost-efficient production using disposable plastic-based systems. 

The need to meet domestic healthcare goals at lower costs is accelerating the shift toward single-use technologies made from biopharma-grade polymers. With growing healthcare access and volume-driven production models, the region is emerging as a key region for biopharma plastics.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., biopharma plastics used in drug manufacturing and medical devices must comply with regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including 21 CFR Part 177 for indirect food additives and 21 CFR Part 820 for quality system regulations.
• In Europe, biopharma plastics must comply with the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2017/745), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 10993 for biocompatibility, and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations for chemical safety.
• In Japan, plastic components used in biopharmaceutical applications must adhere to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMD Act) and conform to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the biopharma plastics market are expanding production lines to meet the rising demand for specialized polymers used in single-use systems. They are launching application-specific grades with improved clarity, chemical resistance, and sterilization compatibility. 

Companies are entering technical collaborations with bioprocessing equipment manufacturers to support the integration of their materials into end-use systems. Supply chain improvements are being made to ensure consistent regional availability and regulatory compliance. 

Product development, strategic partnerships, and supply reliability remain key focus areas fostering competition in this market.

• In September 2024, ALPLAhana introduced its first mono-material down-lock dispenser pump made entirely of polypropylene with a plastic spring. The fully recyclable design reduces components, eliminates the need for metal, and supports post-consumer recycled content.

List of Key Companies in Biopharma Plastics Market:

• Bormioli Pharma S.p.A.
• CHIMEI
• Saint-Gobain
• BASF SE
• Single Use Support GmbH
• TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
• Ensinger
• LyondellBasell Industries
• Tekni-Plex, Inc.
• INEOS Capital Limited
• LG Chem
• Dave Barry Plastics
• Spectrum Plastics Group
• SABIC
• Solvay

Recent Developments (Partnerships/Product Launch)

• In October 2024, Bormioli Pharma, Selenis, and UPM Biochemicals partnered to develop the world’s first pharmaceutical bottles made from partially wood-based PET. The bottles utilize Selenis’ partial BioPET resins and incorporate UPM’s renewable BioMEG, promoting sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging.