Smart packaging opens up a world of possibilities in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, Origin explores the use of smart packaging in pharma, how it can be advantageous, some popular examples and any drawbacks there might be.
Smart packaging in the pharmaceutical industry
Smart packaging is a specific type of product with technology embedded to help it do more than just contain its products.
There are two main types of smart packaging used in the pharmaceutical industry:
- Active packaging: this type of smart packaging actively improves the functionality of the product to improve safety and adherence and either prevent or support access to products.
- Intelligent packaging: this type of smart packaging gathers information about the product and relays it to the patient to improve adherence and safety.
Pharma packaging products may combine both of these features to deliver a product that keeps products protected against tampering or deterioration from laboratory to patient – and ensures the safe consumption of medicines.
Key smart packaging innovations
Here, we take a look at some of the key technologies transforming smart packaging in the pharma industry and beyond:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – sensors that provide a radio frequency that can be wirelessly tracked. Commonly used in shipping to provide a way of identifying where items are to limit lost or undelivered packages.
- QR codes – scannable codes for use with smartphones, taking patients to specific digital content, for example, instructional videos for medication.
- Near-Field Communication (NFC) – the technology used in contactless payments. It can be built into packaging for use with smartphones to provide content to the recipient.
- Microchips/Sensors – used to record data. For example, when pills are removed from the packaging, a built-in sensor records this data and uploads it to a cloud source. From here, physicians can see when and how often tablets were taken, providing benefits such as reducing overdoses.
Examples of smart packaging in pharma
Smart technology and packaging design are transforming how medicines are delivered – adding enhanced safety features and making it easier for patients to adhere to guidance.
Below are some examples of pharma packaging trends using smart breakthroughs:
- Smart child-resistant packaging – improving the functionality of pharma packaging to prevent accidental ingestion of medicines by children. For example, smart blister packaging is designed to provide tamper evidence and requires an extra layer of protection to be navigated beyond the capabilities of children.
- Wearable tech – providing two-way communication between patients and healthcare providers – with health data tracked and healthcare staff able to send alerts about abnormalities or medication reminders.
- Tamper-evident heat and inks – packaging technologies that use temperature or ink indicators when a package has been opened or tampered with to prevent patients from accessing potentially harmful products.
- Scannable content – using QR codes or NFC to provide accessible digital content for patients on how to use products safely.
The benefits of smart packaging in pharma
Smart packaging offers functions that were previously not available. In the pharma industry, this can present many possible benefits:
- Improving adherence – Medication adherence presents challenges as many patients don’t follow instructions correctly or take medication as prescribed. Smart packaging with microchips track when a pill is taken, allowing doctors to see what patients are doing and advise them on how to take medicines correctly. QR codes or NFC technology also provide content to patients on how to take their medication.
- Tracking benefits – Naturally, smart technology makes it easier to track packages from A to B. This can prevent a loss of stock and ensures medication doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This can also help with serialisation, tracking specific serial numbers through the whole supply chain.
- Enhancing the patient experience – Smart packaging provides patients with an overall better experience. They get more out of their products when they can see live instructional videos or keep track of their orders. Some smart packaging utilises apps to help patients monitor their habits and ensure they don’t forget to take their medication at the right time.
Limitations of smart packaging
There are a couple of slight drawbacks to smart packaging. The main one is data theft. When you start implementing digital technologies and storing data, you run the risk of hackers finding a way to steal everything. Naturally, when we’re dealing with pharmaceuticals, this is with very sensitive data.
The other main issue is technological malfunction. Technology has a tendency to malfunction, so can you really trust smart packaging to work well all the time? What if something goes wrong and a whole batch of products is now shipped in packaging with technical defects that can’t be fixed remotely?
However, despite these concerns, smart packaging is the future. It offers greater functionality than any other type of packaging and as various technologies continue to develop, we will see industry leaders navigating these issues to deliver consistently effective and safe products for patients.
Smart packaging from Origin
Origin is an industry leader in smart pharmaceutical packaging development. Our smart packaging offerings include smart printing with perennial encryption technology – providing one of the most advanced anti-counterfeiting solutions in the world, giving pharma organisations complete peace of mind.
For more information on how we can support your smart packaging efforts, chat with our helpful team today.
