Pharmaceutical Packaging

Pharmaceutical Packaging

Manufacturing professionals keep safety in mind when choosing the proper pharmaceutical packaging for their product.  The packaging needs to both protect the product, but also to protect the consumer from potential injury.  By selecting the packaging based on a safety standard, companies can easily meet legal requirements. Although typically pharmaceutical products that are sold in lid tray packages are most common, some pharmaceutical companies still may place their tablets and capsules into a flexible bag, utilizing one of our medical bag sealers.

Packaging to Protect the Product

The proper packaging needs to be selected based on the type of pharmaceuticals being manufactured.  Solid product packaging can range from bottles to blister packs.  These bottles are made of plastic and can come in various shapes, accommodating a wide range of pharmaceutical products.  Large quantities of products can be packaged in bottles, and then re-packaged by pharmacies into dosage size.

Blister packs are used for more crush-resistant products, such as tablets, capsules, and lozenges.  Blister packs are used when unit dosing is preferred.  The method of packaging insures the integrity of the product, including proper shelf-life.  Tampering is also less likely, as it is difficult to cover-up tampering evidence.  It is possible to create a calendar or compliance pack by printing the days of the week over each blister.

Moisture is also an issue when packaging solid pharmaceuticals.  Desiccants are used to absorb any excess moisture.  These solids that induce or sustain a state of dryness are usually packaged into small packets and placed into the container with the product.  Some packaging companies incorporate the desiccants into the lids to continuously and systematically remove moisture while preserving the integrity of the product.

Packaging to Protect the Consumer

There are many safety mechanisms for the consumer that can be incorporated into pharmaceutical packaging.  Childproof covers make it nearly impossible for young children to open the product.  They require a complex series of movements to unscrew the cap.  The negative to this safety device is that they are also difficult for people with arthritis to open them.

Tamper-evident closures are another safety mechanism that is applied by the manufacturer.  These closures are applied mechanically and have seals that are broken when the product is first opened.  This leaves an obvious visual indication that the package has been opened.

Pharmaceutical Packaging

The majority of pharmaceutical packaging occurs within the United States. Some of the developed Western European countries and Japan also account for a large percentage of packaging.  With the government increasing safety standards and packaging regulations, the demand for packaging is slated to grow over the next few years.  There are new innovations being developed for safer and more effective packaging methods for pharmaceuticals.  Many of the new drug therapies being introduced require specialized packaging techniques, such as pre-filled inhalers and syringes.  This area will see the most increase for demand.

Because of China's advancement in their manufacturing capabilities and the government's focus on improving the quality and reputation of their medicines, they are slated to see a great increase in the pharmaceutical packaging that they handle.  Many US companies now have the opportunity to outsource their packaging needs.  This raises great safety concerns.  When the packaging is taking place overseas, the US government will not have as much control over quality as they would if it was being done here.

Pharmaceutical Packaging