Pharma and medical device packaging

Five things to consider when choosing paperboard

To give you some inspiration for pharmaceutical and medical device packaging, here are five things to keep in mind when choosing the right paperboard:

1. How it looks

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices are often sold over the counter or online. This means that the packaging must be attractive and appealing, and stand out from competitive brands.

A hygienic and attractive appearance is achieved through its shape and surface graphics. For pharmaceutical packaging and medical packaging, the paperboard's whiteness, smoothness and surface finish are critical. A good contrast between the surface of the paperboard and the print is required to achieve a good graphical presentation, with sharp half-tone illustrations and clear text for product information. The graphical presentation calls for fresh fibres. So does the hygienic appeal, which is enhanced by a white or cream reverse side. Together with selected coating ingredients, the use of fresh fibres ensures good light stability and prevents fading.

The paperboard must also be able to handle techniques such as embossing, foiling, debossing, and folding.

2. What it should do

A strong paperboard is required to keep pharmaceutical cartons secure from physical hazards in distribution, storage and handling. The integrity of the product can be ensured by incorporating a tamper-evident feature in the package design. The protection characteristics must last as long as they are needed. Often, the cartons are in use until the contents are all used or consumed. In such circumstances, it is opened and closed many times. This requires the closures to withstand handling without failing in function or appearance. Preservation of aroma and flavour may also be necessary. Additionally, the whiteness must remain over time.

Select the appropriate size and shape of packaging to accommodate your product effectively. 

3. How it's manufactured

Important protective characteristics of paperboard for pharma packaging and medical device packaging are folding endurance and compression strength. Good creasing and glueing properties ensure a strong carton. A smooth surface provides for ease of handling. It also provides for good rub and abrasion resistance, thereby preserving the graphical presentation. Product safety, where the product is packed in contact with, or in close proximity to, the paperboard, is achieved through the use of fresh fibres and validated by meeting internationally accepted safety standards, e.g. BGVV approval and good manufacturing practice standards like ISO 9000 and RAL-pharm.

The cartons are usually rectangular in cross-section, with tuck-in-flap closures. The base may be crash-locked in style to give adequate strength. Exclusive products are often hand-packed, whereas high-volume products are packed through mechanically assisted operations, sometimes at high speed. The cartons are usually provided with the side seam glued for erection, filling and closing. The packaging machines require low creasing resistance and low carton opening force.

4. How sustainable is it

Sustainable packaging for medicine and medical devices is becoming increasingly important. Consumers want to know that the packaging is recyclable and eco-friendly. Regulatory changes are also creating new demands.

To meet these demands, many pharma companies are setting ambitious targets. They want the raw material to come from sustainably managed forests, and that the energy used during manufacturing is renewable. And that the pharma or medical device carton can be recycled or composted. Choosing the right paperboard and working with a suitable design material can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

5. How it fits into your strategic supply chain

Deciding on the paperboard to use for your medtech or pharma packaging also means ensuring it will work within your overall supply chain. That covers every step, from manufacturing and transportation to warehousing and points of sale.

Today, premium brands invest considerable effort in building data and analytics capabilities, ensuring they have the right resources and program management in place to have a comprehensive supply chain, both at regional and global levels. That way, they can ensure that paperboard for medical device packaging is readily available where it is needed.