Pharmaceutical packaging materials: 4 essential criteria for an optimal solution

But with a wide range of packaging products and materials available on the market, selecting an optimal solution for your product can be confusing - especially for pharmaceutical products that require certain levels of protection and need to adhere to several regulations.

Due to their sensitive nature, life-saving capabilities, and high-target status for crime, pharmaceuticals need  the utmost care when it comes to deliveries.

So, with that said, here are 4 essential packaging criteria for your pharmaceutical products.

1. Durable and high quality

During its time in both storage and transit, the packaging that protects your pharmaceutical product will be exposed to a variety of conditions. There’s the potential for dampness, cold temperatures, heavy handling, and so much more.

As its primary purpose, your pharmaceutical packaging is there to protect the contents from these conditions. It should withstand the elements (to a certain degree) and be durable enough to offer the protection that’s needed for a sensitive and valuable pharmaceutical.

If your packaging material is short-lived and fails at the first hurdle, there’s a lot to think about. Not only will you have unhappy customers and returns costs to deal with, but the possibility of a drug losing its effectiveness can pose a threat to consumers.

2. Tamper evident and secure

Another essential benchmark for pharmaceutical packaging is choosing a secure solution. As such a lucrative industry, pharmaceuticals are often targeted and fall huge victims to counterfeit.

Not only does this cause huge financial troubles, but again, poses a threat to consumers. With low quality, or even dangerous products circulating the market, tamper evident packaging can make a huge difference.

There are several ways to go about achieving a temper evident packaging solution. From physical protection that shows visual evidence of unauthorised access, through to technology-based implementations such as QR codes.

A recent blog of ours explains the various techniques used to prevent counterfeits with examples. If you want to learn more about tamper evident packaging, here’s how to protect your packaging from counterfeit.

3. Compliant with regulations

Whilst protection and security are of huge importance, one of the largest criteria for pharmaceutical packaging comes with meeting MHRA standards.

The MHRA approve all packaging and labelling information for medicines sold in the UK, and provide guidance on the information that must be provided. Pharmaceuticals can be high-risk products, with varying consequences if regulations aren’t met.

To avoid any trouble, you’ll want to make sure your pharmaceutical packaging solution complies with regulations. If you’re unsure on the regulations that apply to you, working alongside a packaging expert will give you peace of mind.

At Swiftpak, we understand the sensitive nature of pharmaceuticals and that you operate in a tightly regulated environment. We combine exceptional protection and security with packaging that meets pharmaceutical standards so that you can deliver on time, every time.

For more information on the rules and regulations of pharmaceutical packaging, or if you’d like to discuss how we can help, get in touch with our friendly team today.

4. Environmentally friendly

Sustainability is a topic we’ve explored many times before – and with good reason.

When looking to get the most from your pharmaceutical packaging solution, its recyclability, reusability, and overall eco-friendliness should be examined.

But why do we consider this essential, you ask? First of all, the recent introduction of plastic packaging tax means that business exporting or using plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content will be subject to a £200 per tonne penalty. If you want a cost-effective solution, sustainable materials are probably your best bet.

But that’s not all. The second reason we consider environmentally friendly packaging for pharmaceuticals essential is due to the growth in consumer awareness and demand.

Reports show that 81% of people prefer to buy from sustainable sellers. Meaning just by incorporating a sustainable packaging solution, you’re putting your business at an advantage over competition.

Pharmaceutical packaging solutions from Swiftpak

At Swiftpak, we specialise in supplying the pharmaceutical market with industry-leading packaging solutions. Using over 45 years’ experience, we have the knowledge needed to recommend the very best solution for your product and business. If you’re in need of compliant, secure, and optimal pharmaceutical packaging, then get in touch with our expert team today and find out how we can take your packaging to the next level.