Glass jars are a popular choice for storing pharmaceutical products as they are sustainable to produce and widely recyclable, non-porous and completely impermeable.
This means the jars are always well protected from oxygen, moisture, and anything else in the surrounding atmosphere – so there’s no risk of products becoming contaminated.
Here, Origin dives into the qualities that make glass jars an effective choice when it comes to packaging a range of pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.
Glass jars in pharma
Choice of materials is critical in the pharmaceutical industry, due to the strict regulatory and compliance demands on products and, of course, patient safety dictating product design.
Glass jars prove a compliant yet appealing solution for delivering a range of pharma and cosmetic products including creams, ointments, powders and tablets.
Not only does glass prove a chemical-resistant and leak-proof material for the safe and compliant delivery of medicines but a glass finish also provides a luxury finish for products on store shelves. They are also versatile and come in various shapes and sizes to deliver a range of products…
Types of pharmaceutical glass jars
There are a range of glass jars commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, each with unique shapes and designs to suit their contents and functions.
Some of the common types of glass jars used in pharma include:
- Balm jars
- Ointment jars
- Powder jars
The benefits of glass jars for pharmaceutical use
Glass jars prove a popular choice in pharma, meeting strict industry demands without compromising on style or aesthetic appeal. Here, we break down the key qualities driving demand for glass jars in pharma:
Environmentally friendly
Glass jars are an environmentally friendly choice when it comes to pharmaceutical packaging. Not only can glass jars be sterilised for reuse but glass is also widely recycled to avoid waste.
Compliant
Many glass jars comply with the strict regulations placed on pharmaceutical packaging – for example, Drug Master Files of the US Food and Drug Administration regulations, the British Standard BS1679 required for containers for pharmaceutical dispensing and the US and EU light transmission requirements.
Leak-proof
Unlike some alternative pharmaceutical packaging materials – such as some types of plastic – glass is completely leak-proof. This provides peace of mind that potentially harmful substances won’t permeate the packaging and keeps products safe from contamination.
Temperature- and chemical-resistant
Glass jars can not only withstand high temperatures but are also non-reactive to chemicals. This makes them the perfect choice for use with a range of medicines and pharmaceutical products – maintaining structural integrity regardless of contents and delivering medicines exactly as intended.
Plus, as the jars can withstand high temperatures, it means they can be easily
sterilised – a critical quality in pharma, killing harmful germs and bacteria.
Coloured glass
Glass jars are often available in a range of colours – including clear, amber, green and blue – each with a unique appeal. Amber glass is designed to protect products from harmful UV light, while blue and green glass provides eye-catching aesthetic appeal and clear glass allows consumers to see the product through the packaging on store shelves.
Origin glass jars
As a glass jar manufacturer, Origin provides a wide range of products for a variety of applications. And with over 55 years’ experience, Origin provides peace of mind that products meet compliance regulations and deliver medicines to patients safely.
View our range of specialist glass jars or contact our team to find out how we can partner with you to develop bespoke glass jars for your pharmaceutical products.
