A report from the industry event’s organizers indicates American companies have an edge on drug delivery innovation but lag behind in operational sustainability.
Ahead of Pharmapack Europe (taking place in Paris October 13 and 14), organizers of the event have released their annual global drug delivery and packaging industry survey. According to findings, companies in the US are ahead in terms of drug delivery and device innovation, but firms in European countries lead the way in sustainability.
Innovation leaders
The survey gauges performance on the “Pharmapack Innovation Index”—scored 1 to 10, it is a market-perception measure of each country’s drug delivery and device innovation. In this report, findings show that globally the industry increased its outlook with a near 2% overall rise since 2020.
The US again tops the list, (this year rating 8.26), followed by Germany (7.69) and Japan (7.52). India was the biggest mover, with its 6.62 score constituting a gain of nearly 13% on its score from 2020; this follows a 25% gain in score from 2019 to 2020.
Andy Fry, founder of Team Consulting, offered some context to the rapid improvements seen in some countries.
“There has indeed been a lot of activity and interest from Indian and Chinese organizations focused on developing lookalike models of existing European or US devices, including DPIs and soft mist inhalers,” Fry noted. “Such developments could well morph into completely new devices.”
Sustainability shift
Among Pharmapack’s stated goals is assisting industry companies in becoming more sustainable, including in the use of materials and recycling practices. This year marks the debut of its Sustainability Index; also scored 1 to 10, it constitutes a measure of how far long each country is towards achieving optimal sustainability for devices and packaging.
Leaders on the Sustainability index include:
- Sweden: 6.87
- Switzerland: 6.78
- Germany: 6.74
- France: 6.09
- UK: 6.04
Other notable countries include the US at 5.78, China (4.22), and India (3.3).
Industry experts have cited one challenge has been an interest in increased sustainability, countered by rising use of connected devices (which often prioritize material use and patient adherence over “green” material. Still, most executives surveyed (65%) believe such the tug-of-war is temporary, eventually to be replaced by improved recycling availability as well as elevated product lifespan.
Return to in-person
Pharmapack Europe (to be held at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, on October 13 and 14) anticipates hosting up to 5,000 attendees and hosting 360 exhibitors. The event is running in a hybrid format, with content and networking available online from September 27 through October 22.
“We are incredibly eager to welcome back the pharma packaging, drug delivery, and devices community after a year in which pharma’s innovation has never been more prescient,” said Sherma Ellis-Daal, brand manager for Pharmapack Europe. “Yet, our research also shows the pandemic has accelerated a number of important existing trends in terms of connected devices, sustainable supply chains, and remote patient administration. What’s exciting is that that with Pharmapack returning, we can provide the vital connections the industry relies upon to drive forward innovations and supply chains in 2022 and beyond.”
One feature of the show floor is the 2021 Start-up Hub, which offers Pharmapack Europe attendees a place to learn about companies developing and expanding new technologies in packaging, labeling, drug delivery, device design, and engineering. Participating companies will present early-stage products and pitch them to a panel of experts.
To sign up to attend Pharmapack Europe, visit the registration page.
