A number of factors are involved in the design of pharmaceutical packaging. These include the primary function of the package, the secondary function of the package, and the sustainability of the package. In addition, the environmental factors related to pharmaceutical packaging are equally important.
Primary
Pharmaceutical packaging is designed to protect the chemical composition, stability and safety of the product. It also provides important information on the drug product and instructions on how to use it. In addition, the package contains a product label. Pharmaceutical packaging is usually carried out under sterile conditions. The industry is highly regulated. This has prompted drug developers to look for leaner manufacturing solutions.
There are a variety of materials used for pharmaceutical packaging. These include thermoformed plastics, glass containers, stainless steel and foil-lid plastic blister packs. They are designed to meet modern consumer preferences and demands.
Primary packaging is the first level of protection. This is done by using the appropriate materials. For example, plastic tubes with integrated desiccant are an ideal primary packaging for tablets. However, moisture penetrating the packaging may cause the loss of color and effectiveness.
Secondary packaging is the next layer of protection. It is designed to protect the primary packaging from outside intervention. Typical uses for secondary packaging include bulk handling, display and brand awareness.
Secondary
Secondary pharmaceutical packaging is the extra layer of protection that keeps a pharmaceutical safe and sound. This is done by using a variety of techniques. These include anti-counterfeiting, quality assurance, and ensuring that the medications are safe for the user.
There are a number of benefits to using secondary packaging, including displaying branding, providing patient instructions, and providing additional space for regulatory information. The most common use of secondary packaging is as a point of purchase display.
Choosing the right type of packaging is crucial. Pharmaceuticals are very sensitive to the elements of the outside world, including light, air, and temperature. By choosing a strong and durable material, you can minimize the chances of degradation.
Using a folding carton is a good way to ensure the safety of your medication. Folding cartons are more durable than standard cardboard and have a smaller footprint. They also offer a better printing surface. Other options include blister packs and foldable pouches. These items can reduce trips to the pharmacy and save money by reducing waste.
Tertiary
Tertiary pharmaceutical packaging is a type of packaging designed to protect products. It is used in the manufacturing process and transportation of medicines. In some cases, it is also used to hold bulk products. However, consumers usually do not see tertiary packaging.
Tertiary pharmaceutical packaging acts as a barrier against outside intervention. It can be made of cardboard or plastic boxes. This packaging is often incorporated with foil to ensure that products are protected from external conditions.
The industry of tertiary pharmaceutical packaging is undergoing significant growth and expansion. Manufacturers of this type of packaging are adopting innovative and disruptive packaging solutions. These companies are investing heavily in R&D activities. As a result, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2021 to 2030.
The main reason why pharmaceutical packaging is important is to prevent microbial contamination and moisture from getting inside the drug. For this reason, the sector is highly regulated. Also, it is mandatory to maintain product uniformity.
Sustainability
In order to make pharmaceutical online printing services more sustainable, the industry has to consider environmental and social aspects. It should aim to meet present needs while maintaining the long-term well-being of all living species. However, it is important to note that sustainability is not an easy task.
To identify the most sustainable processes, life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied. This method includes all the activities of the packaging process, from extraction to final product distribution. The results indicate that reusable, light secondary packaging is more sustainable than plastic or aluminum blister packaging. However, the research shows that manufacturing SMEs are less likely to adopt these measures. They tend to be primarily motivated by legal obligations, energy efficiency and transparent operations.
However, these companies are not entirely responsible for the waste they generate. Pharmaceutical by-products created during the manufacturing process represent a significant environmental burden. Some large manufacturers are also considering re-using their waste. Several pharmaceutical manufacturers have joined the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. This initiative is an industry working group dedicated to promoting sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry.