5 practical pharmaceutical packaging solutions

Meeting the specific packaging needs of the healthcare market requires paying attention to key issues, such as validation; dosing and dispensing control; and clean, accurate and flexible production.

Here are five new products that attendees to the upcoming co-located Pack Expo Las Vegas and Pharma Expo shows (Sept. 28-30; Las Vegas) can see up close and personal.

Pharmaceutical monoblock

The Synchro 24 monoblock packaging line for solid-dose pharmaceuticals offers high speed and high accuracy. Running at rates up to 150 packages per minute, the system ensures precision dose counting through the company’s “Twin Flap” technology. This reduces the dwell time of bottles under the counting/filling funnels by speeding up the 12 counting unit channels (each channel has two counters). Additionally, a synchro-dynamic conveyor enables smooth continuous-motion feeding. No additional or special vibrating plates are needed to feed and distribute the product. Complete system includes container unscrambler/coder, air cleaner/dust extractor, filler, cotton inserter and capper.

Marchesini Group USA, Pack Expo Las Vegas/Pharma Expo Booth N-635

Next:  Cushioned folding carton

Cushioned folding carton

The new Safepack folding carton provides shock and vibration protection to containers of sterile or liquid products. The result, according to the supplier, is dramatically reduced breakage of glass or other containers. How? Through the carton’s double-walled construction and auto-actuating cushioning flaps on the top and bottom. These features also provide higher crush resistance than typical folding cartons.

Rondo-Pak, Pack Expo Las Vegas / Pharma Expo Booth N-705

Next: Easy-open portion packaging

Easy-open portion packaging

Developed by Australian-based Snapsil Corp., the Snapsil semi-rigid container features a patented audible “snap-opening” function that allows consumers to open the package with one hand. Snapsil has developed a range of creative dispensing designs, enabling simple and controlled product release for a variety of unit-dose and single-serve consumer products. Snapsil Easy-Open Portion Pack’s North America unveiling is managed by T.H.E.M.-Multivac; T.H.E.M. supports the Snapsil partnership with product evaluation, testing and contract packaging services. The first Snapsil production lines will be commercially operational later this year at T.H.E.M.’s FDA-registered contract packaging and development facility in Marlton, NJ.

T.H.E.M. of New Jersey, Pack Expo Las Vegas Booth S-7472

Next: Four-side seal sachet system

Four-side seal sachet system

The Flexibag Si-500 sachet machine has flexibility in its DNA: It produces various sachet sizes and shapes (including attractive contoured end seals and consumer convenient easy-open tear slits), as well as handles a range of products (such as liquids, pastes, powders, tablets and granular items). The stainless steel system runs at up to 1,400 packs per minute, depending on sachet size and film configuration, which could be a single- or two-roll format (with front/back registration). Allen-Bradley PLC, drives and touchscreens are standard, as is integrated date coding. Clean-in-place (CIP) capability is an option.

Hassia-Redatron USA, Pack Expo Las Vegas Booth C-2625

Next: Medical heat sealer

Medical heat sealer

With a PLC touchscreen, the redesigned Medical SuperSealer MBS allows users to validate operations and monitor variables at all times to fulfill stringent requirements by the Food and Drug Administration. A record of all pouches being sealed is stored on a hard-drive memory, as well as can be transmitted via an Ethernet connection. Other features enable the system to also meet GS1 and UDI standards. Additionally, the system has a motorized pedestal for easy integration into packaging lines. Sensors can detect broken bands and wrinkles.

OK International, Pack Expo Las Vegas Booth C-2636