Top Global Blister Packaging Machine Manufacturers and What Sets Them Apart Introduction

Blister packaging is a widely used solution in the pharmaceutical industry, offering efficient protection, tamper evidence, and improved patient compliance. Designed to securely hold tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms, blister packs serve both logistical and regulatory functions. With the global push for safety, sustainability, and smart packaging solutions, blister packaging has gained substantial traction. 

According to market research, the global blister packaging market is projected to reach USD 45.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2022. As of 2025, blister packaging represents approximately 35% of the total pharmaceutical packaging market, driven by demand for unit-dose formats, increasing global drug consumption, and regulatory requirements.

In this article, we explore the top global blister packaging machine manufacturers shaping the pharmaceutical landscape. These companies are redefining how medications are packaged, tracked, and delivered through advanced technologies such as robotics and integrated digital platforms.

1. Uhlmann Packaging Group – Germany

Market Share: Approximately 11% of the global market for pharmaceutical blister packaging machines

Founded in 1948, Uhlmann Packaging Group is a well-known name in the field of pharmaceutical packaging machinery. With its headquarters in Laupheim, Germany, Uhlmann is recognized for designing highly flexible and digitally advanced blister packaging lines that seamlessly fit into pharmaceutical production settings.

One of their most significant innovations is the BFS (Blister Fill Seal) line, which is specifically created for fast and precise blister packaging of solid dose pharmaceuticals. Uhlmann's cutting-edge automation and serialization solutions enable real-time tracking of products and ensure compliance with regulations worldwide. Their SmartControl operating system is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in packaging machinery.

Uhlmann has been honored with the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for its HMI that prioritizes user experience and has been recognized as one of the Top Innovators in Pharma Packaging by Pharma Manufacturing. The company's dedication to sustainability is demonstrated through its energy-efficient machinery and support for recyclable materials. Uhlmann continues to make significant investments in Industry 4.0 applications to promote future-ready packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.

2. Romaco Group – Germany

Market Share: Approximately 5.5% of the global pharmaceutical blister packaging machine market

Romaco, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a leading company worldwide in packaging and process technologies. They are known for their seven specialized brands, including Noack and Siebler, which have extensive knowledge and experience in blister packaging systems specifically designed for pharmaceutical solid-dose applications.

Romaco Noack’s Unity 600 blister line is one of the fastest in the market and integrates advanced robotics, precision dosing, and comprehensive data analytics into a single compact system. The company also emphasizes environmental responsibility, offering solutions with low energy consumption and waste reduction mechanisms.

Romaco received the German Packaging Award for sustainable machine design. Its international presence spans over 180 countries, with manufacturing and service hubs across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their blister packaging systems are known for high OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), making them a trusted name among global pharmaceutical giants.

3. IMA Group – Italy

Market Share: ~12.8% of the global blister packaging machinery sector

Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Bologna, Italy, IMA Group (Industria Macchine Automatiche) is a leader in automated packaging machinery. Their division dedicated to pharmaceutical packaging, IMA Safe, is known for its flexibility and advanced blister packaging lines.

Key Innovations

• C80-A81 Series: A blister machine combined with a cartoner designed for ultra-high output.
• C.O.M.E.T. Technology: Continuous Monitoring Equipment Technology that enables predictive maintenance and real-time data acquisition for improved production reliability.
• Eco-Design Focus: Development of energy-efficient systems and recyclable blister pack solutions.

Achievements and Global Reach

IMA has received multiple awards, including the WorldStar Packaging Award and Pharma Innovation of the Year. With production plants in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., IMA operates in more than 80 countries and offers tailored packaging systems for generics, OTCs, and specialty drugs.

4. ACG Worldwide – India

Market Share: Approximately 9.2% of the global blister packaging machine market

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, ACG Worldwide is the only supplier offering end-to-end pharma manufacturing solutions, including capsules, films & foils, engineering, and inspection systems. Its blister packaging arm is recognized for blending affordability with world-class engineering.

ACG’s B Max blister series stands out for its speed, compactness, and compliance with U.S. FDA and EU regulations. The machines are equipped with Track & Trace systems that ensure serialization and authentication, a must-have in the current regulatory climate. In 2023, ACG launched the Smart Connected Machines platform, enabling remote diagnostics and real-time performance monitoring.

Recognized with the India Pharma Innovation Award, ACG’s solutions cater to over 100 countries. The company’s commitment to innovation, particularly in sustainability and smart manufacturing, places it among the global frontrunners in pharma packaging.

5. Syntegon Technology – Germany

Market Share: Approximately 10.5% of the pharmaceutical blister packaging machine sector

Syntegon Technology, which became independent from Bosch Packaging in 2020, has quickly established itself as a major player in pharmaceutical packaging. Headquartered in Waiblingen, Germany, Syntegon focuses on advanced blister packaging solutions with a strong emphasis on automation, product tracking, and environmentally friendly practices.

Innovative Solutions

• One of their groundbreaking inventions is the TPR 500 tablet press, which seamlessly integrates with blister packaging lines, minimizing processing time and manual involvement.
• Their Versynta microBatch system is another innovative solution designed for small-scale, highly accurate pharmaceutical products.

Commitment to Sustainability

Syntegon is widely recognized for its Sustainable Blister Pack (SBP) initiative, which promotes the use of recyclable thermoformable films and aims to reduce plastic consumption. This initiative has received accolades such as the prestigious German Sustainability Award Design and has garnered significant attention for its eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Global Presence

With service centers located in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, Syntegon operates on a global scale to cater to its clients' needs.

6. Marchesini Group – Italy

Market Share: ~7.3% of the pharmaceutical blister packaging machinery market

Based in Pianoro, Italy, Marchesini Group is a leading manufacturer of packaging machinery for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Since its establishment in 1974, the company has consistently introduced modular and scalable blister packaging systems.

Marchesini’s MB Series features balcony-structured blister lines that enable maximum visibility, cleanliness, and ease of access during operations. These machines are designed with ready-to-integrate robotics for feeding and inspection, enhancing their appeal in high-speed production environments.

In 2022, Marchesini was recognized with the Best Packaging Innovation Award in Italy. Its Digital Hub initiative leverages AI and AR for smart maintenance and training, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. The company’s extensive network spans over 116 countries, offering localized support and customization.

7. CAM (Cavanna Macchine) – Italy

Market Share: Approximately 3.8% of the global blister packaging machine market

CAM, officially known as CAM Packaging, is based in Bologna, Italy, and has been a key player in pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging since the 1940s. With a specialization in secondary and primary packaging machinery, CAM’s blister lines are known for reliability and adaptability.

Their nMX series offers integration of blistering with cartoning and serialisation, targeting small to medium-scale manufacturers looking for flexible, modular systems. CAM is also applauded for its CNC-machined precision tooling that reduces setup times and enhances product integrity during high-volume runs.

While not as large as other players, CAM's strength lies in its tailor-made solutions and decades of engineering experience. It has received accolades for precision engineering and was awarded a European Innovation Grant for its energy-efficient design work.

8. SED Pharma – USA

Market Share: Approximately 2.9% of the pharmaceutical blister packaging machine segment

SED Pharma, located in Tampa, Florida, is a pharmaceutical packaging machinery company in the United States. They are known for creating innovative blister, strip, and thermoforming machines specifically designed for the American and Latin American markets.

SED’s SEDBLM Series is popular for its compact design, ease of use, and quick tool changeover, making it ideal for contract manufacturers and mid-sized pharma firms. These machines are particularly praised for their flexo-printing integration, which adds on-pack flexibility without requiring separate processes.

SED Pharma emphasizes GMP-compliant designs and offers end-to-end solutions, including deblistering, cartoning, and inspection systems. Their commitment to customer support and post-installation training sets them apart in a competitive U.S. market.

9. SaintyCo – China

Market Share: Approximately 4.4% of the pharmaceutical blister packaging machinery market

SaintyCo, headquartered in Zhejiang, China, has grown rapidly to become one of Asia’s most reliable pharmaceutical machinery suppliers. With a product portfolio that includes over 100 machines, SaintyCo focuses heavily on blister packaging systems for tablets and capsules.

Their flagship BFW Series blister machines support PVC, PVDC, and Alu-Alu materials and come with servo-driven systems for high-precision operation. The company also integrates HMI touchscreen controls and auto-rejection features to streamline workflows and ensure quality assurance.

Though relatively new in Western markets, SaintyCo is rapidly expanding into Europe and North America, providing CE and cGMP-compliant equipment. Its competitive pricing and commitment to customization make it a preferred partner for small-to-midsize pharma manufacturers.

10. PharmaWorks – USA

Market Share: ~2.5% of the pharmaceutical blister packaging machine segment

PharmaWorks, based in Odessa, Florida, is a part of ProMach Pharma Solutions. It specializes in custom blister packaging systems, particularly for clinical trials, R&D, and small-batch commercial manufacturing.

PharmaWorks is known for the TF1e and TF2 blister machines that provide compact, servo-driven solutions ideal for thermoforming and cold-forming blister packs. These systems are tailored for precision, and offer integration with vision inspection and serialization modules.

The company is also recognized for its pioneering efforts in tooling innovation, offering retrofits and rebuilds for legacy machines. With a strong foothold in North America, PharmaWorks serves many biotech and CDMO firms and has received accolades for its engineering excellence at various U.S. industry expos.

Conclusion

As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, the demand for reliable, compliant, and smart blister packaging solutions continues to grow. These ten companies represent the top blister packaging manufacturers globally, each bringing unique innovations to the table—be it AI integration, sustainable packaging, or modular system design.

Their combined market dominance, making up more than 70% of the global pharmaceutical blister packaging machine market, speaks volumes about their impact on the supply chain. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, patient-centric design requirements, and pressure to reduce environmental impact, these manufacturers are setting the gold standard in packaging excellence.

Looking ahead, the blister packaging industry in 2025 and beyond is expected to see trends like paper-based alternatives, smart sensors, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and digital twin simulations. These advancements will ensure not only compliance and traceability but also reduce costs and improve efficiency, securing the industry's role as a cornerstone of global healthcare delivery.

FAQs

1. What is blister packaging and how significant is it in the pharmaceutical industry?

Blister packaging is a widely used packaging method in the pharmaceutical industry, accounting for approximately 35% of the total pharmaceutical packaging market by 2025. It involves sealing products like tablets and capsules between a pre-formed plastic cavity and a backing material, ensuring product protection and tamper evidence.

2. Who are the top global manufacturers of blister packaging machines?

The top global blister packaging machine manufacturers include Uhlmann Packaging Group (Germany) with ~11% market share, Romaco Group (Germany) with ~5.5%, IMA Group (Italy) with ~12.8%, ACG Worldwide (India) with ~9.2%, Syntegon Technology (Germany) with ~10.5%, Marchesini Group (Italy) with ~7.3%, CAM Packaging (Italy) with ~3.8%, SED Pharma (USA) with ~2.9%, SaintyCo (China) with ~4.4%, and PharmaWorks (USA) with ~2.5%. Together, they represent over 70% of the global pharmaceutical blister packaging machine market.

3. What are some notable innovations and awards in the blister packaging machinery sector?

An Italian company won the Best Packaging Innovation Award for its Digital Hub initiative, which utilizes AI and Augmented Reality (AR) for smart maintenance and training, significantly improving operational efficiency. Other companies have received accolades such as the Red Dot Design Award, German Packaging Award, WorldStar Packaging Award, and India Pharma Innovation Award for their advanced blister packaging solutions.