Packaging for the pharmaceutical sector

Despite the health emergency situation, pharmaceutical packaging is a well-established sector worth close to $128 billion. In addition, pharmaceutical packaging companies have pledged their commitment to support upcoming vaccination campaigns and ensure the necessary supplies.

Many resources are being invested in the sector and research is pushing for a better quality of materials for primary and secondary packaging and to optimize communication about how medicines are taken.

The primary packaging, in plastic or in glass bottles, has the task of protecting the product avoiding negative interactions between container and drug, but also make it easy to use.

Secondary packaging, in most cases in paper or cardboard, has the task of protecting the drug from shocks and thermal shocks and communicating clearly and directly the therapeutic function. In addition, in a context such as that of the pharmacy, where many patients have allergies or other diseases, must be hygienic and inert, preventing bacterial proliferation.

The future trend for pharmaceutical packaging seems to go towards the use of smart packaging able to interact with smartphones, computers that we are all equipped with today. The opportunities offered by this type of packaging are many: they can detect incorrect storage of the drug, or indicate its expiry, but even more useful to assist patients and health professionals in the correct adherence to the therapeutic plan.

The packaging also assumes an educational function because it needs proper conservation and in this perspective, a thermosensitive ink will be used to indicate the dosage.

In case of a high temperature, the ink disappears above the required limit and returns to its natural color when the appropriate temperature is restored.

https://www.comieco.org/packaging-farmaceutico-quale-futuro-per-carta-e-cartone/