Cost effective packaging innovations !

Adoption of innovative technologies in pharmaceutical packaging is on the rise as compared to few years back with pharmaceutical industry honchos introducing innovative, cost-effective packaging solutions to cater to the needs of patients.

Companies such as Takeda Pharmaceuticals India, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, West Pharmaceuticals India, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Mankind Pharmaceuticals, Signode India have come  up with innovative packaging solutions addressing the needs of consumers in a cost effective manner. The innovative packaging solutions were discussed by packaging heads from the companies at CPhI’s 7th Annual Innopack Pharma Confex held in Mumbai last week.

Said Barun Dey, director packaging development, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, “We have introduced packaging innovation considering patients’ needs. To make it easy for consumers in rural settings to repurchase Met Small 500 mg tablet, used to control high blood glucose levels, we have printed brand name of product name on top of the pack in such a way that it remains visible on the pack till last tablet is taken. A significant population residing in rural India hardly remember name of the product. In absence of prescription, they find it difficult to repurchase the medicine once it gets consumed. Consumers often have difficulty in cleaning measuring cups because of its rounded corner shapes. Uncleaned cups cannot be used again because of contamination. We have redesigned the cups making it easier for people to clean with fingers.”

Echoing Dey’s view, Anahita Karande, head- packaging development and Procurement, Alembic Pharmaceuticals said “Innovation arises from the need of market. We have given colour band to measuring cup so that liquid in the cup can be seen red, yellow colours which incite child to take the liquid immediately. The colour band also makes sure that marks such as 2.5 ml, 3 ml are visible in the cup to help patients comply with treatment regimen.”

Innovation in pharma packaging is happening quiet late as compared to consumer industry. Innovation in pharma packaging makes product stands out in genericized market and helps generic companies make big brand. The idea of packaging innovation drives from patient centricity which helps industry wipe away negative image it has today. Innovative packaging helps ensuring drug stability in the wake of temperature fluctuations. It helps meet stakeholders’ expectations.

Reference: Pharmabiz