The global pharmaceutical coating equipment market is experiencing strong growth, with a valuation of approximately $0.79 billion in 2021. Forecasts suggest that the market will reach around $1.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% during the period from 2021 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, increased adoption of orphan drugs, and higher investments in research and development (R&D). The demand for innovative drug development, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has further stimulated the market for pharmaceutical coating equipment.
The pharmaceutical coating process is crucial for enhancing the qualities of dosage forms, providing significant advantages over uncoated alternatives. Coating materials are applied to tablets, capsules, and lozenges, creating a thin, dry layer that improves the product's efficacy and stability. The equipment used in this process operates on straightforward principles, utilizing a combination of chemical application and hot air to facilitate solvent evaporation. As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness in defining coating success for solid dosage forms.
North America is currently the largest market for pharmaceutical coating equipment, capturing approximately 39.3% of the global market share and generating revenues of around $31.04 billion in 2021. The region's growth is driven by the continuous development of new pharmaceutical products, increased production of generic drugs and biosimilars, and the presence of major market players with substantial production capacities. On the other hand, Europe is expected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by a rising preference for effective drug formulations among healthcare professionals and the presence of large pharmaceutical companies with extensive manufacturing capabilities.
The pharmaceutical coating equipment market can be segmented based on coating types and equipment categories. In 2021, the film coating segment dominated the market, holding a significant share of 37.6% and generating sales of $0.29 billion. Film-coated tablets are in high demand due to their reduced processing time and thinner layers compared to other coating types. On the equipment side, the Standard Coating Pan segment accounted for the largest market share, with 34.3% and sales of $26.3 billion in 2021. This equipment is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for faster and more uniform application of coating solutions. Key players in the market include Ohara Technologies, ACG, Glatt GmbH, and Romaco Group, among others, who are actively engaged in strategic initiatives to strengthen their market positions and drive innovation.
While the pharmaceutical coating equipment market faces challenges such as transportation regulations and delays in clinical trials and plant operations, it has also benefited from the increased demand for therapeutic research related to COVID-19. The ongoing evolution of the pharmaceutical industry presents opportunities for manufacturers of coating equipment, as there is a growing need for advanced coating technologies to support R&D and the development of innovative drug formulations. Companies that can adapt to these changing dynamics and invest in cutting-edge solutions are likely to succeed in this expanding market.