Pharmaceutical printing packaging is a very important part of the pharmaceutical industry. Not only do it provide safety and security to products, but it also has the added benefits of being environmentally friendly.
Flexographic Printing
In the pharmaceutical industry, flexographic printing is used to create packaging materials for medications. The process offers an easy method to create FDA compliant labels for pharmaceutical packaging. Various types of substrates and materials can be printed with flexography.
Flexography is a fast, reliable and cost-effective printing process for high-volume label production. It is also an ideal method for decorating labels. Unlike offset printing, which is limited to flat surfaces, flexography can be used on a wide variety of substrates.
The print quality of flexography is determined by the type of plate used. Flexible photopolymer plates are typically used in the modern flexography process. They are either solid sheets or viscous liquids that are activated by a UV light.
A typical flexographic press contains four types of rollers. These include a fountain roller, a cylinder, an anilox roll and a pan. Each of these rollers has a different role in the printing process. For the most part, flexography is an effective way to create pharmaceutical packaging. However, it is not always the most effective choice.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is becoming an important part of pharmaceutical packaging. It can help address the challenges faced by the industry, from counterfeiting and supply chain visibility to returns management. Digital printing also can produce unique identifiers that can help with serialization efforts. In addition, digital printing can add overt security features to protect the brand.
Pharmaceutical packaging can use a wide range of materials, including stiff paper, polyethylene fiber, and foil. The use of digital printing can decrease costs while improving efficiency. Digital printing for pharmaceutical packaging also can accommodate a wider variety of embellishments. For instance, a hologram can be added to help with product tracking and counterfeit prevention. Other options include digital embellishments such as raised finishes and spot coating.
Another advantage of digital printing is a reduced need for inventory. Since digital printing is based on the same technology used in office printers, it can be used for short-run jobs. This helps reduce the need for large inventories, as well as throughput time and inventory management.
Long-Term Care Facilities
Pharmacy packaging for long-term care facilities must adhere to regulations and meet unique needs. Medication is a large component of treatment for long-term care patients. The pharmaceutical industry rewards pharmacists who work closely with nursing homes and other long-term care providers.
Several types of pharmaceutical printing packaging are used by pharmacies. These include strip packaging, blister packs, and card-type packaging. All are designed to improve the accuracy of medication administration while minimizing waste.
Strip packaging is a good solution for single dose regimens. It sorts medications by dosage and date. This process minimizes confusion and makes it easier to administer medications to residents. Blister packs are also known as bubble packs. They contain a barcode for Med-Pass scanning, prescription instructions, and resident information. Multi dose packaging is another option for medication storage and delivery. Preliminary results show that multi dose packages reduce errors and improve adherence.
Some LTC pharmacies deliver medications in a 30-day supply in card-type or blister packs. This is ideal for smaller facilities that may not have the space for a full-scale in-house pharmacy. However, this solution is more expensive than traditional medication carts.
Challenges Faced By Pharmaceutical Printing Companies
Pharmaceutical printing companies face many challenges. These include specialized printers, safety and quality requirements, and environmental concerns. The use of non-pharmaceutical grade materials can result in toxic side effects. In addition, ingredients used must be legible.
New technologies such as 3D printing can help pharmaceutical companies overcome these issues. They are more reliable, provide accurate drug loading, and offer more flexibility. With these benefits, pharmaceutical formulations become more complex and precision-based. This will improve patient compliance and ensure the efficacy of compound medicines.
Pharma packaging requires special treatments, such as barrier lamination and pretreatment. Its appearance is different from food packaging, and it may require rearranging printing equipment. Depending on the type of packaging, it can also include individual barcodes, radio frequency detection devices, sealing tapes, or holograms.
Packaging service providers can help pharmaceutical teams address the challenges of pharma printing. Companies that manage print services have the resources to find the right equipment and automate production workflows. Their strategic-thinking approach can even help automate record-keeping, which can reduce costs and increase productivity.
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