The pharma packaging industry is continually evolving to deliver efficiency and safety and protect products from lab to patient.
In particular, the impact of advanced technologies is changing the way drug packaging is manufactured to offer benefits such as greater adherence, accurate dosage and temper evidence.
With plenty of exciting innovations in the pipeline – as well as new challenges to overcome – Origin looks at the state of the pharma packaging industry in 2023.
The increasing importance of packaging function
Typically, packaging is used to store, transport and dispense medication. However, standard drug packaging may need to be modified in order to meet changing demands.
In 2023, with the industry still recovering from the aftermath of the pandemic and Brexit implications, delays are still causing challenges for big pharma. As a result, packaging may need to be altered to increase the shelf-life of some medications. Similarly, drugs will be stored for longer, so packaging will need to be able to protect and preserve medications effectively.
Of course, not all transportation requires drugs to be shipped in customer-ready packaging, though. When medication is transported through the supply chain, primary packaging, drums, lined boxes and bulk containers may be used to transport batches of medication.
However, before the product actually reaches the patient, it must be packaged ready for use. As well as enclosing the relevant information with the medication, the packaging itself plays an integral role in patient compliance and accurate dosage.
For example, in 2023, the use of smart pharma packaging is transforming how patients engage with products – with the use of interactive content through QR codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) and more. Patients are now able to scan packaging using a smartphone to access safety information, adherence guidance and more.
A focus on form
In 2023, we expect to see the pharma industry continue to emphasise packaging form – with the right products and features chosen specifically for each project.
For example, blister packs, syringes and bottles and caps are among the most popular forms of pharmaceutical packaging due to their ability to encourage adherence and patient safety in the way they store and dispense unique products.
In Europe and the UK, blister packs are the most common form of packaging for solid medications, while for liquid medication, glass and plastic bottles are most commonly used. This is due to their enhanced durability and barrier properties.
Beyond the choice of materials and designs, there is also an added emphasis on product colour and how this can impact the safe storage and delivery of medicines. For example, varying hues – such as amber – are being used in plastic and glass bottles to prevent ultraviolet light from affecting or degrading the medication. This increases the lifespan of products, as well as boosting patient safety and product consistency.
In some instances, drugs need to be shipped in temperature or climate-controlled environments. For manufacturers, the variations in delivery can pose a problem. When drugs are shipped directly to an end-user, for example, they may be delivered via standard services which cannot be temperature controlled.
However, adopting innovative packaging, such as insulated envelopes or gel packs, companies can minimise supply costs and rely on standard shipping techniques, as opposed to more costly specialist services.
Fighting back against counterfeiting
Due to the ever-increasing danger of counterfeit drugs, it’s essential pharmaceutical packaging provides another layer of reassurance and security to end-users.
Whilst custom seals and holograms are routinely used to prove authenticity, packaging counterfeiters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to replicate them.
However, the introduction of digital watermarks and digital mass serialisation could play a significant role in stopping counterfeit drugs from reaching the market.
Serialisation codes can be checked against manufacturer databases to verify their authenticity, while users will be able to scan packaging for a digital watermark using devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Prescription labels
Prescription labels vary depending on the end user. Generally, medication will require two different labels – one for the healthcare practitioner prescribing or dispensing the medication and one for the patient.
Crucial to patient safety and adherence, these prescription labels are essential and must accompany the majority of medicines. Whilst this information has always been delivered in hardcopy format, the emerging market for digital scanning technology is ensuring patients can access this information online, from any location.
For example, the use of QR codes and NFC technology embedded in pharma packaging means this crucial adherence information is reusable and accessible at any time via a smartphone.
Packaging production
There are multiple challenges facing packaging production in 2023. Firstly, there are strict regulations around the safe and hygienic development of medicines.
The production of pharma packaging must be carried out in sterile environments to meet strict industry regulations. And regular quality control protocols must also be enforced to ensure that packaging meets the relevant requirements and will protect medications from degradation.
Plus, big pharma must also tackle the growing calls for sustainable packaging production. With an emphasis on increasing environmentally-friendly production methods, many manufacturers are focusing on finding alternatives to non-reusable plastics.
The ability to recycle and reuse polyethene terephthalate (PET) is dramatically affecting packaging production. Providing the benefits associated with plastic packaging, with minimal plastic waste entering the environment, PET is expected to become increasingly important in the packaging industry.
Child-resistant packaging
Child-resistance has long been an intrinsic part of pharma packaging solutions.
However, recently, concerns have been raised about the effect child-resistant packaging could have on patient adherence. Often, elderly people or patients with disabilities have difficulty opening medications which are delivered in child-resistant packaging. This can prevent patients from accessing the medication they need and clearly contributes to adherence issues.
In 2023, we expect to see the industry continue to innovate packaging design to balance the requirements of child safety with the need for adult patients to easily access medicines.
For example, smart packaging can be used to limit access to drugs by alerting the patient each time the packaging is opened or requiring a code to be input before the packaging will open. In addition, a fingerprint or facial recognition scan must be conducted to facilitate access to medicines.
Meeting industry demands with Origin
Origin is an industry leader in the development of safe and compliant pharmaceutical packaging. All our products meet the latest industry regulations and requirements while tapping into technological innovations to constantly improve form and function for patients.
To find out more about how Origin works with you to overcome the latest industry challenges and develop bespoke pharma packaging solutions, chat with our helpful team today.
