Packaging Advice

3 innovative packaging solutions for last mile pharmaceutical delivery

5 mins

Amongst the pharmaceutical industry, the phrase ‘last mile delivery’ is often a hot topic for discussion. It involves the final phase of delivering medications from distribution centres to end consumers – and it comes with various challenges.

From ensuring temperature-sensitive drugs maintain their effectiveness to safeguarding against mishandling, the journey a pharmaceutical product takes in its last mile is fraught with potential issues. To address these, innovative packaging solutions are crucial.

Here are three solutions redefining last mile pharmaceutical delivery, ensuring medications reach patients safely and effectively.

1. Temperature indicator labels

For pharmaceutical products that need to remain within a specific temperature range, temperature indicators are vital. They monitor product temperatures from the moment they leave the supplier, through to the distribution centre, and onwards.

How temperature indicators work

Temperature indicators are small, often discreet devices that can be attached to both the internal and external areas of packaging. They continuously monitor the temperature and can alert handlers if temperatures fall outside of the acceptable range. This immediate visual feedback is critical for taking corrective actions to protect the safety of end consumers.

Recommended temperature indicators

  • WarmMark - This single-use temperature recorder for shipping turns red when it reaches the temperature threshold of your choice. Then, unlike other temperature indicator stickers, WarmMark starts a countdown. With its three individual indicator dots changing colour for brief, moderate, and prolonged exposure.
  • FreezeSafe - Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial in preserving the integrity of the cold chain for pharmaceuticals. The FreezeSafe indicator is a reliable tool that accurately detects if a product has been exposed to temperatures that are too low. With its user-friendly design, FreezeSafe changes colour from clear to magenta when the temperature drops below the set threshold. This simple visual cue provides recipients with an immediate indication if the product has experienced potentially damaging cold conditions.

2. Tilt indicator labels

Certain medical machinery as well as medications must stay upright during transport to avoid leaks, damage, or compromised effectiveness. Tilt indicators are simple yet effective tools that encourage proper handling during delivery.

How tilt indicators work

Tilt indicators are placed on the outside of a package and designed to activate if tilted beyond a set angle, typically 80 degrees or more. They then change colour or provide another visual signal that is immediately noticeable, as well as irreversible, indicating that the package has not been handled correctly.

Recommended tilt indicators

  • TiltWatch XTR - A simple yet highly effective device that provides a visual indication when a shipment has been tilted beyond a certain angle. TiltWatch XTR functions as a passive, single-use indicator that is applied to the exterior of a package. Once activated, it visually records any tilting beyond 80 degrees, making it immediately apparent to handlers and recipients whether mishandling has occurred.
  • TiltWatch Plus - For even more detailed monitoring of package orientation, the TiltWatch Plus offers an advanced solution. This indicator provides not only a clear indication when a package has been tilted past a critical angle but also whether there has been tilt to the left or right, the degree of the tilt, or if complete overturn has occurred. This multi-directional indicator helps in identifying and addressing specific mishandling issues, ensuring that products are delivered in their intended condition.

3. Smart packaging solutions

Smart packaging solutions are revolutionising the way pharmaceutical products are tracked and traced during their journey from the manufacturer to the end consumer. These technologies provide real-time data and enhance the traceability of pharmaceutical shipments, ensuring security and compliance throughout the delivery process.

How smart packaging works

Smart packaging incorporates digital technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and QR (Quick Response) codes into the packaging. These technologies enable the collection and transmission of data regarding the product's condition, location, and handling history. This data can be accessed via smartphones, specialised readers, or cloud-based platforms, offering real-time visibility and detailed insights into the product's journey.

Examples of smart packaging

  • RFID Tags - RFID tags are small devices that use radio waves to transmit data about the product they are attached to. These tags can be embedded into the packaging or affixed as labels. They are highly effective in providing continuous monitoring and real-time updates on the product's status and location. RFID tags are ideal for high-value or sensitive pharmaceutical products where precise tracking is essential.
  • QR Codes - QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information about the product. These codes can be easily scanned using smartphones or barcode readers to access data such as product details, tracking information, and handling instructions. QR codes are an accessible and cost-effective solution for enhancing product traceability and consumer engagement.

Last mile pharmaceutical packaging solutions from Swiftpak

At Swiftpak, our temperature and tilt indicators are designed to meet the diverse needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. From cold chain through to frozen products, as well as delicate machinery, we can help ensure the integrity of your shipment.

For more information on our temperature and tilt indicator range, contact Swiftpak today – we’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.