In the world of pharmaceutical packaging, different materials are used to protect and transport drug products. The most common materials used for drug packaging are metal and plastic. Although metals are inherently stable, they are not compatible with all liquids or solids. Metalized plastics are a common alternative. Aluminum and stainless steel are the most common types of metal used for pharmaceutical packaging. Other materials used in packaging include paper and cardstock, which are porous but can endure solvents. Paper and cardstock are generally used for secondary packaging or for information leaflets. Rubber, which is derived from natural and artificial sources, is another material used for pharmaceutical packaging. This material is often used for packaging closures, plungers, adhesives, and more.
Primary Packaging
Primary pharmaceutical packaging is a major part of the manufacturing process for many pharmaceutical products. This type of packaging involves enveloping a drug in a container that is inert. Glass, thermoformed plastic, stainless steel, and other materials are common examples of primary pharmaceutical packaging. Secondary pharmaceutical packaging involves using plastic, cardboard, or other materials, which do not directly contact the product
The pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period of 2021 to 2028, primarily due to the aging population and rising consumer awareness about health issues. Other factors contributing to the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging market include improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing accessibility to medicines. In addition, the Asia Pacific region is expected to continue to dominate the global pharmaceutical packaging market through the forecast period.
Primary pharmaceutical packaging is an important part of pharmaceutical manufacturing, as it is the first line of defense that protects the product during transport. It prevents contamination and keeps the contents fresh. It is also critical for patient safety. Pharmaceutical packaging often includes information for consumers, such as the correct dosage for pills. When used properly, primary packaging protects pharmaceutical products from a variety of external elements. For example, blister packs contain directions on how to take the pills.
The global pharmaceutical packaging market is highly competitive. Key players are investing in R&D to develop innovative solutions. To increase their market share, they are adopting new packaging technologies and strategies.
Prefillable Syringes
Prefilled syringes are one of the latest advancements in pharmaceutical packaging. They are fast and easy to use, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring accurate dose delivery. In addition, prefilled syringes are ideal for hospitals because they can be filled in a matter of seconds. They are also a good option for patients who have dexterity problems. These products are manufactured on high-speed, fully automated forming lines to meet stringent quality standards.
Pharmaceutical companies are keen to implement prefillable syringe systems because of their benefits. They help reduce the cost of drugs and help manufacturers to reduce the risk of drug waste. Prefillable syringes also reduce the risk of cross-contamination and sterility risks. In addition to these benefits, they also improve compliance and safety.
Prefillable syringes are designed to guarantee the safe delivery of a particulate-free solution. They can accommodate volumes from 0.25 mL to five mL, and are ideal for products administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. There are three main categories of prefilled syringes:
Prefilled syringes must also be sterile. They are sterilized using ethylene oxide, radiation, or moist heat. Depending on their product, they can be packaged with Tyvek (r) covers and reel bags. This packaging protects them while also enabling state-of-the-art aseptic processing.
Prefillable syringes are typically made from glass tubing. This type of plastic is highly break-resistant and can be autoclaved. It also provides high tolerance and adhesive-free needle mounting, making it ideal for pharma packaging.
Carton Boxes
Pharmaceutical packaging is an important part of drug safety, and the packaging used for pharmaceuticals must be safe and compatible with the contents. The materials used in pharmaceutical packaging must not react with the drugs, and all information on the packaging must be clear and easily readable. Carton boxes have many advantages and should not be discounted.
These boxes are made of high-quality offset-printed paperboard. They feature two opening flaps along the sides and a tab for re-closing. The boxes are delivered fully adhered and folded, so all that is needed to package the product is included. This helps ensure that the pharmaceutical product remains safe during shipping.
The FDA has specific requirements for pharmaceutical packaging. The packaging must be attractive and contain all the necessary information for the consumer to know what is inside. For example, the packaging must be item-level serialized. This allows the FDA to verify the authenticity of each product, anywhere in the supply chain. The individual packs of pharmaceuticals are also marked with a unique machine-readable identifier, such as a 1-D barcode, a 2-D barcode, or a QR code.
Pharmaceutical cartons are very useful for storing and shipping pharmaceutical products. They provide important information about the medicine, injection method, expiration date, and number of products stored in the container. The primary packing of a medicine also has a printed label that offers easy recognition of the components. These labels are also linked to the administration of the medication, ensuring that the patient is aware of the ingredients and dosages.
Besides being strong and flexible, these boxes also help to protect the contents. These containers are available in a variety of sizes and densities, and you can even develop custom boxes for your product.
Shipping Containers
There are many different types of shipping containers used in the pharmaceutical industry. Some are made to enhance compliance with drug safety and compliance with the Food and Drug Administration, while others are specifically designed to reduce waste and improve ease of use. Pharmaceutical shipping containers also play an important role in minimizing risk to the product. There are many factors that go into deciding which types are best for your needs.
Temperature regulation is a critical concern for pharmaceutical products during transportation. Flu vaccines, insulin, and other pharmaceutical products must be stored at a specific temperature. To maintain a consistent temperature during shipment, pharmaceutical companies should use thermal blankets on pallets. This will prevent moisture and sunlight from affecting the pharmaceuticals. Currently, seven out of ten leading pharmaceuticals require temperature-controlled transportation.
While most pharmaceutical shipping containers are made from plastic, there are several other options for shipping pharmaceutical products. For example, a shipping solution made from corrugated paper can also be used to control temperature. This allows the shipper to monitor the temperature of a pharmaceutical product throughout the shipping process. These units are equipped with sensors, which can detect minor variations in temperature. Additionally, they can detect light, which can cause contamination in pharmaceuticals.
The pharmaceutical distribution market is largely driven by strict regulations, research, and development programs. Development of new drugs and vaccines can increase the demand for temperature-controlled shipping containers. As a result, the market for temperature-controlled shipping containers is expected to grow at a significant rate over the next few years.
Injection Trays
DW Reusables and its Injection Moulding division were approached by a pharmaceutical company seeking an ergonomic, fully functional injection tray. The tray needed to meet strict tolerances for product consistency and be compatible with highly advanced robot systems. In addition, it needed to be ergonomically designed for pick and fill processes. With these criteria in mind, the Plastics' Injection Moulded Products team developed a custom ergonomic tray.
Many new pharmaceutical products and biotechnology-derived drugs require injectable packaging. This trend has led to several advances in packaging and delivery systems. Large molecule biopharmaceuticals require highly specialized packaging. While elastomer and glass closure systems are often adequate for this type of packaging, these materials may not provide the barrier properties necessary for effective protection against moisture. To address this issue, component manufacturers have come up with a wide range of new materials and technologies. Biotechnology-derived drug therapies are often unstable in liquid form and are introduced in dry powder dosage forms. For this reason, special stoppers are necessary for lyophilized drugs.
While most pharmaceuticals are taken orally, there are also numerous other methods of administration. Until recently, these were primarily in the form of tablets and capsules. These were then packaged in blister packs or plastic bottles. Now, there are even more information and methods of taking drugs, including intravenous and parenteral methods.
One of the most common types of pharmaceutical packaging is the ampoule pack. These are a modern way to deliver parenteral drugs and are used by increasing numbers of medical professionals. They are convenient and offer a number of benefits, including ease of use and safety. They also reduce drug overfill. Their use is expected to increase by 10% annually.