When it comes to medicines and medical supplies, the packaging that is responsible for safeguarding and delivering the supplies is just as crucial as the manufacture of the product itself.

In fact, according to market data, more than half of all pharmaceutical product recalls are the result of packaging or labeling problems on the product package.

The expense of recalling pharmaceutical items or allowing them to reach consumers without adequate safety safeguards extends above and beyond the cost of the product and shipping itself, and it may have a negative effect on both consumer confidence and their overall well-being.

This may be incredibly expensive, and it has the potential to be lethal. Because of this, pharmaceutical businesses must exercise extreme caution in order to ensure that a safe and effective packaging solution is in place at all times.

In this article, we will discuss a couple of practices to improve medical packaging and why it is important to keep medical packaging high-quality.

The Importance of Medical Packaging

Protection and Safety

Ensuring good quality medical packaging is important as it protects the product against physical and environmental damage. It is also important to protect the products from tampering, as well as to ensure correct labeling and instructions.

According to studies, medical packaging must meet the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11607. This standard establishes guidelines for the design and testing of medical product packaging.

In order to ensure that a product is safe and effective, it is important to follow these guidelines during the design process.

Product Identification

Another important aspect of medical packaging is product identification. This includes ensuring that the product can be easily identified and that all necessary information is included on the packaging.

This information should include the name of the product, as well as a list of ingredients and contact information for the manufacturer. It is also important to ensure that all warnings and instructions are included in the packaging.

Environmental Concerns

Medical packaging also has an impact on the environment. It is important to choose packaging materials that are durable and recyclable.

It is also important to consider the effect that medical packaging will have on the environment when it is disposed of. For example, some medical packaging is made with PVC, which can release harmful chemicals into the environment when it is disposed of.

In order to reduce the environmental impact of medical packaging, it is important to choose materials that are environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Correct Labeling

It is crucial that medical packaging has accurate labeling, especially when it comes to products that are meant for human consumption. Incorrectly labeled products can have serious consequences, including death.

In order to ensure that products are correctly labeled, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the FDA. These guidelines include requirements for product labeling, as well as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

By following these guidelines, pharmaceutical businesses can ensure that their products are packaged in a way that is safe and effective, while also being mindful of the environment.

Common Medical Packaging Options

There are various medical packaging options depending on your business needs.  Some of the most common medical packaging options include:

Thermoform

There are several useful goods that may be made using thermoforming plastic molding technology. Thin plastic sheets are heated throughout this manufacturing process in order to make them more malleable and simple to handle.

It’s possible to construct an object over after the sheet has reached a malleable temperature. After it has been allowed to cool to its final form, the completed product is trimmed in order to improve its usage.

Thermoforming is used in countless applications, but it’s also a process that may be used to package medical products.

Blister Packs

A blister pack is a term for several types of pre-formed plastic packaging used for small consumer goods, foods, and pharmaceuticals. The primary component of a blister pack is a cavity or pocket made from thermoformed plastic.

This cavity holds the product on one side and is usually sealed on the other side with a paperboard or aluminum foil backing.

Blister packs are used to package a wide variety of products, but they are especially well-suited for packaging small consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.

Pouches

A pouch is a type of flexible packaging that is used to store and distribute a variety of products. 

Pouches are popular for packaging a wide variety of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. 

They are also a common choice for packaging liquids and gels. Pouches can also pack vitamins such as Vitally which are beneficial for every human to take especially in times of health crisis.

Die Cut Lids

A die-cut lid is a type of packaging that is used to seal and protect a variety of products. This type of packaging is made from a thin sheet of plastic that is die-cut to create a lid-like container.

Die-cut lids are popular for packaging a wide variety of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. They are also a common choice for packaging liquids and gels.

Laminations

Laminations are one of the famous types of packaging. It is a great way to add value and new features, extending the life of your product. Laminations are used to protect products from getting damaged, look old and keep them clean.

Medical Thermoforming Films

Forming Films are used in medical packaging to keep products clean and free from contaminants. 

This type of film is made from a thin sheet of plastic that is heat-sealed to create a pouch-like container. They are commonly used on medical products such as gauze pads, syringes, and more.

Packaging your medical products in an environmentally friendly way is important for the safety of your customers and the planet.

By choosing materials that are recyclable and using accurate labeling, you can ensure that your products are packaged in a way that is safe and responsible.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Pharmaceutical Packaging

Compatibility

Both the method of administration of the therapeutic product, as well as the type of the dosage form (e.g., solid, semi-solid, or liquid-based), create questions about the compatibility and safety of packaging materials. as a manufacturer, you need to ensure that you are choosing the right packaging for your product.

Otherwise,  it could result in serious adverse effects, including death.

Cost

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing pharmaceutical packaging is the cost.

You need to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money without compromising on quality or safety.

Sustainability

With an increasing focus on environmental responsibility, it’s important to consider the sustainability of your packaging options.

By choosing materials that can be recycled or that use minimal resources, you can ensure that your products are packaged in a way that is safe for the planet.

Labeling

Accurate and legible labeling is essential for pharmaceutical products. You need to make sure that all of the information on the label is clear and easy to read.

In addition, you need to make sure that the label is applied in a way that will not damage the product.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of a pharmaceutical product is the length of time that the product can be safely stored before it expires.

You need to make sure that you are choosing the right packaging material so that your product will be safe to use for the entire shelf life.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right pharmaceutical packaging for your product. By taking the time to consider all of the options, you can ensure that you are making the best decision for your product.

Conclusion

Medical packaging is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry. It is crucial to choose packaging materials that are safe and effective, while also being mindful of the environment.

By following the guidelines set forth by the FDA, businesses can ensure that their products are packaged in a  way that meets all of the necessary regulations.

If you need help with choosing the right packaging company, Spack Machine provides pharmaceutical and medical packaging that suits your needs!