Packaging plays an important role in enclosing and protecting products for storage, distribution, sale and use – especially important in the pharmaceutical packaging space, which demands presentation, protection, convenience, compliance, integrity, and stability.
Rigid packaging is an option that provides many benefits and uses in the pharmaceutical world. A range of rigid blow-moulded bottles and jars, for example, ensure the safe delivery and handling of pharmaceuticals every time.
Here, Origin explores the qualities that make effective, secure and compliant rigid pharma packaging.
What is rigid packaging?
Rigid packaging refers to any packaging that does not bend or lose its shape or structure. Common examples of rigid packaging include cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, tin cans and glass bottles and containers.
The alternative to rigid packaging is flexible packaging – any product that can be manipulated or moulded without breaking. This includes materials such as plastic films, paper and cloth, that can be squeezed and folded while maintaining their structural integrity.
Rigid packaging in pharma
Rigid packaging is created through a process called Compression Blow Forming (CBF) – a combination of compression moulding and blow-moulding. There are numerous benefits to using this method and its products in the pharmaceutical industry.
Firstly, it is sustainable – with the lowest power consumption in the industry, a lower scrap rate during production, and less material wastage during colour change. Many associate plastic with being unsustainable, but rigid packaging is becoming more economically viable every day.
The bottle quality is also superior, as variability is reduced and tolerances and statistical capability are improved. The repetitive manufacturing process delivers superior consistency, and there are no welding lines, and zero resin scrap is produced during production. Sustainability is ensured with a lower melt temperature.
Many types of rigid packaging also offer superior performance against stress cracking & improved product appearance. They are high quality, and only tough polymers are used to carry out the job of creating the packaging. This means that there is almost no chance the packaging’s contents will become lost or damaged.
What makes the best rigid packaging?
Below are the key qualities of rigid packaging that make it a go-to solution for creating secure and compliant pharmaceutical products:
Protection
One of the biggest benefits of using rigid packaging is the protection it offers. Rigid packaging ensures products are delivered exactly as intended – being resistant to the elements and keeping outside debris and germs away from the product.
These containers are extremely durable and will protect whatever is inside, whatever the circumstances.
A variety of substrates to choose from
No matter your packaging needs, there’s a substrate to suit them. Rigid packaging can be made from durable and lightweight PET plastics to heavy-duty HDPE. More options include:
- Polycarbonate (PC) – a heat-resistant thermoplastic that is popular for its protective, impact-resistant qualities
- Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) – a heat- and chemical-resistant thermoplastic commonly used in 3D printing due to the low heat-forming temperatures required to mould products.
- Polypropylene (PP) – a waterproof and chemical-resistant thermoplastic that has a relatively slippery surface and maintains its integrity among different sterilisation methods.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – a lightweight and flexible plastic that offers relative squeezability compared with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – without compromising on integrity.
Volumes range from 30ml to 50l. If you’re unsure of the material that you require, Origin can help you determine the material you need, that suits your budget. The choice of packaging material will depend on the following:
- The degree of protection required
- Compatibility with the dosage form
- Customer convenience, such as size and weight of dosage form
- Filling method
- Sterilization method to be employed
- Cost
A variety of shapes
Rigid thermoformed plastic can be moulded into a number of unique shapes thanks to custom thermoforming moulds.
Rigid plastic can even be formed into more uncommon shapes. However, using rigid packaging for pharma means rigid bottle and jar shapes. These shapes are easily achieved with any substrate.
Increased recycling capabilities
Rigid plastic and other rigid packaging options are being accepted far more often for recycling purposes. This is far better for the environment as much less waste is created.
Regulatory documentation
Extensive regulatory documentation assures products meet your demanding biotechnology requirements and reduces the time and cost to implement them in your process.
Appropriate product quality for your application
The Thermo Scientific Nalgene multi-tiered storage portfolio enables you to choose the appropriate product quality for your application. Low particulates: USP <788> compliance reduces the chance of contamination – decreasing the potential loss of high-value contents.
Improved packaging
Triple-layer packaging facilitates ease of entry into clean room environments. The packaging is sterile and ready-to-use, so the contents are kept safe at all times.
Save on resources
Using rigid packaging saves resources by reducing the need for validation, washing, packaging, and sterilization. It is easy to use and can be put to use immediately – with no need to sterilize or take any extra steps to make the packaging suitable.
Rigid packaging from Origin
Rigid packaging gets your products safely and securely to consumers. Its versatility and ever-advancing recycling possibilities make it a budget-friendly, economically sound choice, too.
For help choosing the appropriate rigid packaging product for your pharmaceutical products, chat with our expert team today. Top of Form
