Packaging is defined as the collection of different components which surround the pharmaceutical product from the time of production until its use.
Importance of packaging:
It is important to produce a pharmaceutical product with high quality standards and even it is more important to protect that product form the degradation, external contamination and other physical/chemical damages. For that choice of choosing packaging materials is challenging task for all food and drug industries.
- Protect against all adverse external influences that can alter the properties of the product.
- Protect against biological contamination.
- Protect against physical damage.
- Carry the correct information and identification of the product.
- Tamper evident / Child resistance/ Anti-counterfeiting.
Functions of packaging Material:
- Product should not leak, nor allow diffusion and permeation.
- Strong enough to hold the contents during handling.
- Protect from Light, moisture, oxygen and biological contaminations.
- Protect from Mechanical damage and Counterfeiting.
- Preserve the physical properties of all dosage forms and protect them against damage or breakage.
- Preserve the characteristics properties of the Product to comply specifications.
- Protect the product against undesirable or adulterating chemical, biological or physical entities.
Packaging Material & Types:
The main purpose is to protect from the Environment or Physical Damages.
Primary Packaging Material:
The Material that first envelops the product and holds it or the Package which is in direct contact with the content.
Example: PVC/ PVDC, Blister foil, Closures, HDPE bottles, Tubes for Ointments Etc.
Secondary Packaging Material:
The Material used primarily to give additional physical protection to the outside of a proximity package and aiding to customer convenience and Information.
Example: Cartons, Inserts, Labels etc.
Tertiary Packaging Material:
The Material used for Transportation which also aids in handling and prevent damages to the product.
Example: Shippers, HDPE drums, wooden pallets etc.