The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest industries and major contributor to the national GDP, and is also more emission-intensive than the automotive industry according to some studies.
Challenges of the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market.
The pharmaceutical packaging market must address many considerations that are not applicable to other packaging markets. Packaging processes typically include priorities such as aesthetic appeal and user experience, although the pharmaceutical market packaging market must consider additional factors such as safety, protection, compliance, and usability. Sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging has been a lesser priority, although with continually increased attention on greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint companies and industries are leaving on the planet, the priority of sustainable packaging is increasing.
Safe packaging for pharmaceuticals includes child-resistant packaging and solutions that can prevent potentially harmful or toxic access from anyone other than the patient. It is also critical that pharmaceutical packaging protects products against external factors such as heat, humidity, oxygen, UV exposure, temperature, or other contaminants to preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers use a variety of materials to produce packaging solutions for the administration of safe doses, product protection, and patient safety.
While the pharmaceutical packaging industry is blamed for large global greenhouse gas emissions, some of the major pharmaceutical companies are focusing on packaging that protects the patient and the planet.
Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging
Companies that are rethinking their packaging design need to go back to the drawing board and consider sustainability as one of the initial primary goals. Sustainability is not something that can be incorporated into existing packaging designs as an afterthought; it must be included during the planning phase. Companies that are proactive in their packaging designs are industry leaders in creating effective solutions with waste disposal and recycling initiatives.
There are more choices available today for sustainable packaging materials to produce safe, protective, and user-friendly pharmaceutical packaging. Blister packs are a popular packaging solution for many pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Some other materials increasing in usage to improve sustainable packaging options include:
- Recyclable materials – the use of materials that can repeatedly move through the recycling stream promote a circular economy and reduce carbon footprints. Recyclable polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are popular materials for recyclable packaging choices.
- Biodegradable materials – substrates that can be naturally broken down by microorganisms and assimilated back into the environment without leaving stressful, residual materials in landfills improve sustainable packaging efforts.
- Monomaterial design – the use of one sustainable material that is fully recyclable reduces overall energy consumption.
Consumers and patients are becoming increasingly sensitive to the impact that companies make on the planet. Many pharmaceutical companies are realizing that they can balance product and consumer safety with sustainable packaging practices. Speaking with an experienced contract packaging company can help pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers realize the many options available to increase sustainable packaging practices.
Flexible and Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing packaging solutions to a wide range of industries for more than 80 years. We offer in-depth experience with a variety of packaging materials and utilize automated equipment combined with a skilled staff to provide high-quality packaging services. We offer versatile auto bagging services with more than a dozen different types of auto bagging equipment and over 50 auto bagging machines overall. PPS provides a wide range of bagging services for products such as single-ingredient powders, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.
PPS is a flexible packaging provider with vast experience in a wide range of flexible and sustainable packaging materials. We utilize automated equipment such as heat sealers, heat tunnels, auto labeling equipment, auto bag filling, shrink sleeve and vertical band sealers, and hot stamp imprinting to meet a variety of packaging specifications.
Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading contract packaging company offering a variety of flexible, sustainable packaging solutions. We follow strict quality policies as an ISO9001:2015 contract packager with automated equipment and a state-of-the-art, modern facility. Contact us to learn how to improve your pharmaceutical packaging process with sustainable, flexible packaging from an experienced contract packaging company.