What Is Pharmaceutical Packaging? Everything You Need to Know

Pharmaceutical packaging plays a critical role in the health and safety of the public, ensuring the protection, delivery, and information of medical products. As the pharmaceutical industry grows more complex, so too does the packaging that supports it. But what is pharmaceutical packaging, and why is it so essential?
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, discussing what serialisation and secondary packaging packaging are in pharmaceuticals, as well as packaging types, functions, and regulatory importance. Read on to find out more.

What Is Pharmaceutical Packaging?

Pharmaceutical packaging refers to the process and materials used to enclose and protect medicinal products during storage, handling, transport, and use. It is more than just a physical container—it serves to safeguard the product’s efficacy, maintain hygiene, and offer critical information for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

Packaging in the pharmaceutical sector can be categorised into three main types:

  1. Primary Packaging: This is the first layer of protection and comes into direct contact with the drug or medical device. It includes items like blister packs, glass bottle packaging, syringes, or glass vials. Primary packaging is crucial because it ensures the product remains uncontaminated and maintains its quality throughout its shelf life.
  2. Secondary Packaging: Secondary packaging provides an additional layer of protection. It groups multiple primary packages, making them easier to store, transport, and display. We’ll explore this type more later in the article, but think of it as the box containing several blister packs or bottles.
  3. Tertiary Packaging: This type is used for bulk handling and transport. It includes larger boxes or pallets, ensuring that products can be shipped safely without damage.

Each of these types of packaging plays a vital role in the life cycle of a pharmaceutical product, ensuring it reaches the end user safely, securely, and in optimal condition.

The Functions of Pharmaceutical Packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging is not merely about enclosing products—it serves a range of functions vital to the health and safety of patients and medical professionals. These functions include:

  • Protection: Packaging safeguards the pharmaceutical product from external factors like moisture, light, heat, and contamination, all of which can compromise the drug’s effectiveness.
  • Containment: Packaging provides a sterile, secure environment that prevents tampering and spillage, which is crucial for ensuring safety from the manufacturing line to the end user.
  • Information: Packaging also serves as an important vehicle for communication. Labels and instructions are essential for ensuring proper use, dosage, and storage of medicines. In the UK, stringent labelling regulations ensure that important information, such as batch numbers, expiry dates, and active ingredients, is displayed.
  • Security: Counterfeiting is a growing concern in the pharmaceutical industry, and packaging plays an important role in ensuring product authenticity. Tamper-evident features and unique identification codes can deter unauthorised access and falsification of drugs.
  • Compliance: Packaging must meet the regulatory standards set by authorities like the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy.

What Is Secondary Packaging in Pharmaceuticals?

Secondary packaging refers to the packaging that groups multiple primary packages, making it easier to handle, transport, and store. While primary packaging is concerned with maintaining the product’s integrity and protection, secondary packaging focuses on logistical convenience.

For instance, a blister pack containing individual doses of a tablet is an example of primary packaging. Several blister packs may be placed into tablet cartons, which then become the secondary packaging. Not only does this make it easier to distribute and organise products, but it also allows for the inclusion of essential informational leaflets and labels.

Secondary packaging also plays a critical role in branding and product presentation. In a retail or clinical setting, it’s often the first thing that a healthcare provider or consumer sees, making it an essential touchpoint for clear communication of product details.

What Is Serialisation in Pharmaceutical Packaging?

Serialisation in pharmaceutical packaging is the process of assigning a unique identification code (often in the form of a barcode or QR code) to each individual product, right down to the smallest saleable unit. This code can be tracked throughout the supply chain, from production to the pharmacy shelf.

Serialisation became mandatory in the EU in 2019 under the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) to help combat counterfeit drugs, which pose a serious threat to public health. In the UK, following Brexit, similar measures remain in place to maintain high standards of pharmaceutical safety.

The serialisation process enhances transparency and allows for precise tracking of each product, ensuring that only legitimate, safe medications reach consumers. This is particularly important in detecting potential recalls or quality issues, where a quick response is essential.

The Importance of Sustainable Packaging?

In today’s world, sustainability is an increasing concern in all industries, and pharmaceuticals are no exception. Packaging manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies alike are turning to eco-friendly materials and innovative designs to reduce waste and improve recyclability.

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging not only helps reduce the environmental impact of the industry, but it also meets the growing demand from consumers and regulators for greener solutions. This shift is helping pharmaceutical companies demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility, while simultaneously reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Pharmaceutical Packaging at Origin

If you’re searching for a reliable solution for your pharmaceutical packaging needs, Origin offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the industry’s rigorous standards. With a diverse range of pharmaceutical packaging that meets stringent industry standards, provides reliable protection from impact and UV, and stylishly showcases your product, Origin is the prime destination for your packaging needs.

If you’d like to speak to us about our pharmaceutical packaging options or work with us directly to create a custom packaging solution for your specific needs, contact us today and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Don't miss a thing from Origin.

Fill in your details below to be added to our mailing list.

×