HERNDON, Va. — PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has released a new infographic previewing its upcoming white paper, 2025 Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. The document outlines the operational, regulatory, and packaging hurdles facing pharmaceutical manufacturers as the industry continues to grow.
According to PMMI, the pharmaceutical industry has experienced mid-single-digit compound annual growth rates in recent years, with momentum expected to continue through 2030. However, this growth is accompanied by increasing complexity across manufacturing and packaging operations, requiring closer collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers.
The 2025 Pharma Packaging & Processing Key Trends & Insights infographic highlights the main manufacturing and packaging challenges, including keeping up with regulatory requirements, increasing automation and reducing manual tasks, space and footprint limitations, serialization and aggregation, supply chain management, and machine monitoring with remote capabilities.
“Breakthrough new drugs such as specialized oncology treatments, as well as new applications for existing drugs like GLP-1 prescriptions for weight management, are leading the charge on industry growth,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of market development at PMMI.
Sustainability remains a top priority, with 78 percent of manufacturers reporting they have already incorporated sustainability features into their packaging. The most common strategies include lightweighting to cut material usage, increasing recycled content, and exploring compostable or biodegradable materials. PMMI noted, however, that strict material and barrier requirements for pharmaceuticals often limit sustainable material choices, especially for products sensitive to temperature and humidity.
The infographic also highlights increased adoption of connected and interactive packaging technologies, including RFID tags, wireless sensors, and augmented reality features, as well as ongoing challenges related to reporting and documentation. Over 70 percent of respondents cited reporting requirements as a top concern, leading to investments in employee training, new equipment, and predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
OEMs are responding, according to PMMI’s research, by adding features like AI-supported processing, improved data collection, remote troubleshooting, and equipment upgrade functions. Suppliers that can incorporate automation, digitization, and remote support services will be best equipped to meet changing manufacturer needs.
PMMI also emphasized PACK EXPO East 2026, scheduled for Feb. 17–19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, as a major opportunity for pharmaceutical packaging and processing professionals to explore new technologies, attend educational sessions, and connect with suppliers focused on the pharma market.
The full 2025 Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing white paper is expected to be released in February 2026.
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