4 best practices to improve your pharmaceutical and medical packaging

In fact, market research shows that more than 50% of pharmaceutical product recalls are related to packaging or labelling errors.

Whenever pharmaceutical products are recalled or reach customers without sufficient safety measures, the cost goes beyond the product and shipment itself and can impact consumer confidence as well as their wellbeing. This can be extremely costly, and potentially fatal. That’s why it’s vital for pharmaceutical companies to take extra care by ensuring a safe and effective packaging solution is in place.

1. Improve packaging efficiency through automated machinery

With the sensitive nature of pharmaceutical products, it’s likely you’ll have limited patent protection times and expiration dates to be concerned with. Because of this, delays can cost your business significantly. To avoid drugs and other pharmaceuticals surpassing these dates, it can be tempting to skip processes and pack as quickly as humanly possible. However, this can result in human errors and there are quicker, more effective solutions to prevent this.

Instead of speeding through areas that require careful attention, it’s best to take advantage of automated packaging machinery. This can help reduce the risk of human error while speeding up and improving the consistency of your packaging process.

Automated taping machines, pallet wrap machines and void fill machines are all great ways to speed up your entire packaging process. Not only that, but they help put less strain on your employees.

For more information on automated packaging machinery, we wrote a blog explaining how to be more efficient with your packaging. We’ve even explored 5 reasons to invest in an automated taping machine.

At Swiftpak, we supply and help implement the most optimal packaging machinery for your business. So, if you’re looking to speak to an expert about introducing packaging machinery process, contact us at Swiftpak today, we’d be more than happy to help. 

2. Optimise the safety of your pharmaceutical packaging

The pharmaceutical industry is at constant threat of products being altered, diluted, or replaced with counterfeits. In order to avoid and deter these situations for happening, tamper-evident solutions can be implemented in various ways. This can be achieved with the introduction of tamper-evident tapes, or bespoke cartons.

A successful tamper-evident taping solution that’s currently being used amongst the pharmaceutical industry is Reinforced Self Adhesive Paper Machine Tape. It offers a clean, eco-friendly, and temper-evident solution that’s compatible with all taping machines.

Tamper-evident solutions are extremely effective when it comes to protecting both the consumer and product. Not by any means does it bring illegal activity to a complete stop, but it certainly plays a huge part in deterring it. With the physical evidence these solutions bring to the pharmaceutical industry, they’re well worth the investment.

3. Concentrate on compliance with pharmaceutical regulations

Due to the importance of the pharmaceutical industry, staying up-to-date with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations is a must. Because these regulations can be complex, it’s vital you collaborate with a supplier that has the knowledge needed to help your business meet regulatory compliance goals.

4. Protective packaging is key

Where pharmaceutical and medical products are typically stored in small and fragile glass containers (vials), protective packaging products are often needed to ensure they don’t break during transport. In order to cater for particular shape, size, and volume requirements, bespoke solutions should be designed for maximum protection and efficiency with material usage.

Pharmaceutical packaging solutions from the experts

With over 40 years of experience in the packaging, we understand the importance of protection, security, and regulations in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. At Swiftpak, we provide high-quality pharmaceutical packaging solutions to help your business succeed. Speak to one of our experts today and we’ll let you know how we can help.