Pharmaceutical packaging is entering a more connected and compliance-driven era, where digital functionality is becoming as critical as barrier protection. New industry data show manufacturers accelerating adoption of temperature monitoring, scannable codes, and RFID—while simultaneously balancing sustainability mandates and tighter regulatory oversight.
Currently, monitoring and scannable features dominate packaging features. According to PMMI’s Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing report, 69% of respondents already utilize temperature and humidity monitoring and 67% use QR codes or other scannable features.
Other technology features like RFID (33%) and wireless sensors (13%) are looming, but not yet mainstream.
“RFID technology is emerging as a major requirement,” an OEM VP of Product Development said. “Major store brands are requiring RFID tags be embedded in products, and pharma is adopting this for inventory management. We’ve been asked to work on embedding RFID tags in shrink sleeves. We've been testing with film manufacturers who embed tags in each label. We haven't sold equipment for this yet, but expect it to become huge soon.”
While monitoring tools such as temperature indicators and QR codes are now common in pharmaceutical packaging, the next wave of investment is shifting toward deeper connectivity. According to the report, 27% of CPGs plan to add RFID tags, 25% expect to incorporate wireless packaging sensors, and 23% are looking at augmented reality features.
The drivers are both regulatory and operational. Serialization mandates and anti-counterfeiting pressures are pushing manufacturers toward technologies that enable item-level traceability and authentication. Unlike traditional printed codes, RFID and near-field technologies can store more data and enable automated tracking throughout the supply chain. For manufacturers managing cold chain distribution or high-value injectables, that added visibility can help reduce disputes, verify the chain of custody, and support compliance documentation.
SOURCE: 2026 Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
For more insights from PMMI’s Business Intelligence team, find reports, including Trends and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Automation in Food and Beverage Equipment Sanitation, and Knowledge Transfer for Machine Operators: From Paper to Digital Intelligence at https://www.pmmi.org/business-intelligence.
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