In the ophthalmic sector, sustainability is now a strategic necessity. The widespread use of single-dose plastic containers for contact lenses, eye drops, artificial tears, and eye ointments ensures convenience and hygiene, but also generates a considerable environmental impact that can no longer be ignored.
Rethinking the concept of ophthalmic packaging is therefore essential to reconcile safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have but a topic at the top of every global agenda and a fundamental strategic criterion for every sector, especially the pharmaceutical industry. It is no coincidence, in fact, that sustainability in the pharmaceutical supply chain has been chosen as the main theme for the 2025 edition of CPHI.
A rapidly growing market, but still too “disposable”
The global market for ophthalmic drugs is now one of the most dynamic segments of the pharmaceutical industry: according to various industry analyses, it is expected to reach a value of approximately $38-40 billion in 2024, with an estimated average growth of 6-9% per year until 2034.
Within this scenario, the specific market for ophthalmic packaging is valued at between $7 and $12 billion in 2024, with projections exceeding $15 billion by 2034.
Many ophthalmic packaging solutions still consist of single-dose plastic formats, producing an impressive amount of waste every day. A typical cataract surgery involves the use of disposable eye drops, phaco tips, tubes, and other accessories, resulting in the production of large amounts of packaging and waste. This is due to the widespread “disposable mentality” present in many developed countries.
This system is designed to ensure product sterility, but it also involves constant consumption of single-use plastic and high waste production.
In addition, for many patients (especially the elderly or those with reduced manual dexterity), the use of single-dose bottles can be complex, with the risk of administering incorrect doses, wasting part of the contents, or even accidentally causing injury.
Rethinking ophthalmic packaging in a sustainable way
The real challenge for ophthalmic packaging is therefore to find a balance between hygiene, practicality, and sustainability.
In this context, the aluminum tube with ophthalmic nozzle emerges as an innovative solution, already widely validated in the pharmaceutical sector.
Compared to single-dose plastic, the tube offers numerous advantages:
- 100% recyclable and circular material: Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties.
- Protection: barrier against light and oxygen, preserving the stability and sterility of the contents even after opening.
- Controlled and precise dosing: the ophthalmic nozzle allows for targeted dispensing, avoiding waste and improving therapeutic compliance.
- Waste reduction: a single tube contains more product than several single-dose units, reducing plastic consumption and post-use waste.
- New recycled PET seal: the Perfektüp ophthalmic tube now has a guarantee seal made of PET, the most recyclable type of plastic, making it even more sustainable.
This is a more sustainable and user-friendly solution, perfectly in line with the new demands of a pharmaceutical market that is increasingly attentive to the principles of the circular economy and human-centered packaging design.
From innovation to practice: the Perfektüp soft-nozzle ophthalmic tube
Tubettificio Perfektüp was one of the first companies to offer a concrete solution to the issue of sustainability in ophthalmic packaging, developing the aluminum tube with a soft ophthalmic nozzle.
This solution, created to improve safety and comfort of application, received the prestigious 2015 “Packaging Oscar” award for Technological Innovation.
The innovative design of the nozzle, which is a user-friendly alternative to the traditional hard plastic nozzle, allows it to adapt to different formulations and types of patients, including pediatric patients or those with ocular hypersensitivity. It is also suitable for veterinary ophthalmic ointments, thanks to its safety and ease of use.
An ideal combination of ergonomics, precision, and sustainability, it has paved the way for a new approach to ophthalmic packaging.
Sustainability as a structural value in pharma supply chain
For Perfektüp, sustainability is not just a production choice, but a guiding principle for the entire company system. The choice of aluminum as the main material for pharmaceutical packaging is based on a circular economy approach, waste reduction, and environmental protection.
The company operates in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring that every stage of production, from aluminium extrusion to packaging, meets the highest pharmaceutical quality standards. For Tubettificio Perfektüp, sustainability is a structural value that is applied by the entire corporate group.
This commitment translates into safe, compliant, and sustainable packaging, developed in collaboration with leading players in the international pharmaceutical sector.
A greener future for ophthalmic products
The ophthalmic sector is currently at a crossroads: continue with traditional single-dose formats or embark on a transition towards more sustainable solutions.
The choice of aluminum ophthalmic tubes is a concrete response to the need to reduce single-use plastic, while improving the quality and safety of treatment for patients.
With over 80 years of experience in pharmaceutical packaging, Tubettificio Perfektüp confirms its commitment to responsible innovation: protecting the product, enhancing the user experience, and respecting the environment.
Let’s talk about it together in Frankfurt!
Only a few days left until the start of CphI 2025…
The trade fair is approaching…
Organize your meeting with the Perfektüp team in advance.
Where: Messe Frankfurt, Francoforte
Where: October 28 to 30, 2025
