The rapid rise of GLP-1 medications — such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — is starting to ripple beyond the healthcare sector, reshaping consumption patterns and, unexpectedly, the packaging industry. As these drugs alter how and what people eat, packaging manufacturers are beginning to prepare for long-term shifts in both food and pharmaceutical packaging demand.

GLP-1 agonists, originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, are now widely prescribed for weight management. These medications suppress appetite and reduce caloric intake, leading to notable changes in how consumers interact with food. This trend has raised questions in the packaging world: What happens when people buy less food? How will it affect portion sizes, product formats, and packaging volumes?

According to analysts from companies like Amcor and AptarGroup, the packaging industry must adapt to a scenario where long-term dietary behavior changes could reduce demand for large-format food packaging. More consumers may opt for smaller portions, high-protein snacks, or nutrient-dense meal replacements — all of which require different packaging strategies.

Michael Schmitt, EVP at Amcor, noted during a recent earnings call that the company is actively assessing the "future mix of packaging types" in response to the GLP-1 trend. “We’re looking at a more portion-controlled future, which may favor flexible and smaller packaging formats,” he said.

But food isn't the only sector affected. The growth in demand for GLP-1 drugs is also straining pharmaceutical packaging systems. Drug manufacturers are scaling up production of injectable pens and prefilled syringes, which require complex, high-precision primary packaging. This surge is expected to fuel demand for specialized plastic components, tamper-evident features, and cold-chain ready secondary packaging.

For packaging suppliers, this dual effect — declining demand in some food segments and rising pressure in pharma — is both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies that can pivot quickly and invest in R&D for specialized formats may gain a competitive edge.

Among the key implications for packaging players:

• Reduced demand for bulk or family-size food packaging
• Increase in single-serve and controlled-portion packs
• Growth in demand for medical-grade packaging for injectables
• Expansion of cold-chain logistics infrastructure

There’s also a sustainability dimension to consider. While smaller food packages may reduce food waste, they often lead to increased material usage. On the other hand, pharmaceutical packaging faces its own sustainability challenges, particularly when it comes to disposable injectors and cold-chain materials.

As GLP-1 medications continue to reshape both personal health and public consumption, packaging will need to evolve on two fronts: becoming leaner and smarter in food, while becoming more robust and compliant in pharma. The companies that anticipate this shift will be better positioned in a future where health, behavior, and packaging are more intertwined than ever.