Pharmaceutical industry phases in greener practices

To the Michigan State alums in attendance at HealthPack 2010 in San Antonio, the phrase “go green” aimed to cheer on...

March 09, 2010 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Sustainability/environmental

“Green” syringe will cut medical waste, reduce costs

Fast Company article features product design firm, Cambridge Consultants, and their unveiling of a new eco-friendly syringe, the Syreen....

March 08, 2010 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, Sustainability/environmental

Pharmaceutical industry continues to weather the global economic storm

Shifting strategies in the pharmaceutical sector influence employment, with mixed job results indicating that the economy remains uncertain....

March 08, 2010 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Thermal shipper protects H1N1 vaccines for Chicago

To prepare for a possible H1N1 pandemic, the Chicago Dept. of Public Health employed 100 insulated shippers to maintain refrigerated vials...

March 05, 2010 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Packaging, medical devices critical to emergency room procedures

HealthPack 2010 conference sessions report that packages, devices must work in life or death situations. Meanwhile, ER nurses evaluate medical...

March 03, 2010 | Filed in: Medical devices

HealthPack 2010 focuses on medical device trends

Global standards, operating room nurses survey/focus group, and package design innovations highlight this year’s event in San Antonio....

March 03, 2010 | Filed in: February 2010, Medical devices

Wound care receives ‘cutting-edge’ packaging

Hydrocolloid dressings, biosynthetic dressings, and growth fibers exemplify the exceedingly complex materials used for wound care materials....

March 01, 2010 | Filed in: Labels, Medical devices, Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers

Sustainable packaging as competitive differentiator

Opportunities are ‘golden’ for companies to gain a competitive edge through sustainable packaging, but defining such packaging and identifying its role...

February 26, 2010 | Filed in: Sustainability/environmental

Applaud efforts for innovative packaging that benefits patients

To increase patient compliance, there’s a pill vial cap with a timer, a pill bottle that flashes orange and plays a...

February 25, 2010 | Filed in: Medical devices, Patient Compliance, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Rigid containers/bottles

Injectable system delivers for Watson Pharmaceuticals

Reconstitution device simplifies drug delivery for physicians, while reducing pain for patients with advanced prostate cancer....

February 24, 2010 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, February 2010, Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Eli Lilly’s insulin kit delivers innovation, information

Available in Italy and Spain, the rigid plastic pack provides convenience for diabetics taking insulin for the first time....

February 23, 2010 | Filed in: February 2010, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design

Pharmaceutical packaging growth forecast in emerging economies

Low wages, a skilled workforce, and improving technologies make India and China appealing destinations for pharmaceutical packaging operations....

February 22, 2010 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics

FDA warning reminds us of labeling’s impact

Seemingly basic details, such as a product’s name, or the amount of drug in a tablet, can pose potential patient safety...

February 19, 2010 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal, Labels

Thought leaders deliver packaging insights

At a first-of-its-kind Pack Expo Thought Leaders Dinner, supplier panelists discuss economic factors, food safety, sustainability, and private-label growth....

February 17, 2010 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal, Packaging Line Efficiency, Sustainability/environmental

Pfizer’s European study reveals disturbing counterfeit news

BusinessWeek.com reports that illegal medicine sales in Europe top $14 billion annually, with one in five Europeans saying they’ve purchased prescription...

February 17, 2010 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Biologics add complexity to cold chain distribution

‘Meticulous packaging’ needed for expensive, temperature-sensitive biologics during distribution....

February 16, 2010 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Simplicity shines in packaging survey and package design

In an era of job insecurity, more work and less pay, a survey says pharmaceutical workers are turning to what’s important....

February 15, 2010 | Filed in: Misc. Archive, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design

FDA’s rising criticism: A response option

With an expanded staff and power, FDA 483 letters are expected to rise. Here’s one option on how to avoid and...

February 11, 2010 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal

Medical device packaging updates focus on standards

Economic factors, testing for ‘real-world’ distribution, and evolving standards dominate the discussion at the Medical Packaging Update conference, held Feb. 8...

February 09, 2010 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Medical devices

Pharmaceutical package design: A 'sea of sameness'?

As more pharmaceutical products switch from prescription-only to over-the-counter, there’s a greater need for packaging to add shelf appeal and communicate...

February 08, 2010 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design

International Red Cross: Healthcare packaging’s most grueling battlefield?

The International Red Cross (IRC) got its start treating soldiers on the battlefield, but now devotes most of its time to...

February 04, 2010 | Filed in: Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers

Pediatric packaging design seeks medication compliance for kids

Children can and should be included as a partner in their healthcare, says Jean-Marc Aiache, emeritus professor, Faculty of Pharmacy, Clermont-Ferrand,...

February 03, 2010 | Filed in: Patient Compliance, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Pharmapack announces 2010 award winners

Healthcare Packaging Publisher Jim Chrzan reports live from Paris, France, where the Pharmapack Awards 2010 were presented today for innovations in...

February 02, 2010 | Filed in: February 2010, Medical devices, Patient Compliance, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Today at Pharmapack 2010 in Paris: Sustainable design

Disposable drug delivery devices are sure to grow in popularity, but their impact on the environment is not positive....

February 01, 2010 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design, Sustainability/environmental

Inspection, checkweighing equipment support CPC’s quality efforts

Contract Pharmacal Corporation (CPC) develops, Manufacturers, and packages over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements for prominent brand owners such as Bayer and...

February 01, 2010 | Filed in: Checkweighing/metal detection, Contract packaging, February 2010, Inspection, verification and vision systems, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals

Wanted: Innovative packaging for biotechnology products

Citing Research and Markets’ report, “The Future of the Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry—Emerging Economies Poised to Capitalize on Increasing Demand,” Pharmacychoice.com reports...

January 29, 2010 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, FDA, regulatory and legal, Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Packaging events deliver economic promise for 2010

“We need to do something to get this economy back on track,” said an unidentified female consumer when asked on a...

January 27, 2010 | Filed in: Misc. Archive

FDA flexes its muscle

Several months ago, Packaging World/Healthcare Packaging legal columnist Eric Greenberg pointed out that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration would increase...

January 25, 2010 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal

Protein shakes launch in aluminum bottles

ABB (American Body Building) has introduced Pure Pro® 50 ready-to-drink shakes in recloseable, lightweight, 16-oz Alumi-Tek aluminum bottles from Ball Corporation....

January 22, 2010 | Filed in: February 2010, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals

Packaging contributes to Haitian relief efforts

A January 19 report on McClatchy, “U.S. military contemplates end of rescue phase in Haiti” notes the U.S. military “has delivered...

January 21, 2010 | Filed in: Medical devices, Misc. Archive

Just a spoonful of medicine? Not so fast…

During the recent holiday season our teenage daughter Cassie was diagnosed with strep throat....

January 19, 2010 | Filed in: Patient Compliance

Blister machine expands capacity for Contract Pharmaceutical Packaging

By installing a new high-speed blister-packaging machine, Compass Pharma Services, LLC expanded its blister-packaging capacity for contract pharmaceutical packaging and contract...

January 18, 2010 | Filed in: February 2010, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals

Device innovations in the fast lane

Medical devices, combination products, move the future closer to the present....

January 14, 2010 | Filed in: Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Healthy developments stirring in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing

Cel-Sci, Genzyme, and Pfizer announce contract manufacturing, outsourcing plans for drug and biopharmaceutical products....

January 13, 2010 | Filed in: Contract packaging, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

EPS containers deliver for sanofi pasteur’s vaccine shipments

Environmental advantages persuade sanofi pasteur to select expanded polystyrene containers to ship its vaccines; healthcare provider customers also benefit....

January 12, 2010 | Filed in: Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers, Sustainability/environmental

Gerresheimer sets up new production facility for insulin pen systems in Brazil

• Expansion of cooperation with diabetes leader Novo Nordisk • Important step in the worldwide development of medical plastic systems...

January 11, 2010 | Filed in: Press Releases

Rising cold chain demands, biologics, and combination products

Sensitive biologic drugs must be kept within recommended temperature ranges....

January 05, 2010 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Tylenol recall points to pallets

Trace amounts of a chemical that treats wooden pallets used to transport and store the drug’s packaging shoulders the blame, according...

January 04, 2010 | Filed in: Misc. Archive, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Sneaking a peak into futuristic device developments

If you think 2010 sounds futuristic, wait until you hear about these medical device developments....

December 31, 2009 | Filed in: Medical devices, Patient Compliance

Personalized medicine market projected to grow 11% annually

The market for personalized medicine in the United States is already $232 billion, and it is projected to grow 11% percent...

December 30, 2009 | Filed in: Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Can OTC pharmaceutical package design influence the influencers?

Physicians, DVRs, the Internet, and friends gain as “influencers’” of consumer OTC drug purchases. Will packaging help marketers appeal to these...

December 29, 2009 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design

Pharmaceutical makers shine in sustainability survey

Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi-Aventis earn A+ ranking in 'Sustainability Reporting of the World's Largest Pharmaceutical Companies' survey....

December 22, 2009 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Sustainability/environmental

Nanotechnology in packaging presents rewards and risks

Nanotechnology is not without risks, but it packs potential for packaging applications and medical breakthroughs....

December 21, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, Medical devices

Counterfeit products gateway to real thing?

A new study suggests counterfeit products can create brand loyalty. Don’t you believe it!...

December 17, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication

Challenges in developing packaging talent

A recent survey shows that North American paper and packaging sector executives are concerned about a potential talent crisis....

December 15, 2009 | Filed in: Misc. Archive, Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers

DNA vaccine market set to soar

The global market for DNA vaccines is expected to increase from $193.2 million this year to more than $2.7 billion in...

December 11, 2009 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, February 2010, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Credit card-sized pack wins pharmaceutical award

A wallet pack for Switzerland dental product company FKG Dentaire earns recognition....

December 10, 2009 | Filed in: Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Private brands—a new balance of power?

Retailers' brands are creating distinctive identities via design. But at least one expert says the job isn't finished, thereby providing opportunities...

December 08, 2009 | Filed in: Structural and graphics package design

Labeling revisions take aim against medication errors

The U.S. Pharmacopeia proposes revisions to ferrules and cap overseal labeling....

December 07, 2009 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal, Labeling

Hormel Health Labs launches high-protein beverage in hot-fill bottle

Hormel Health Labs launches high-protein beverage in innovative hot-fill bottle....

December 02, 2009 | Filed in: Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, Rigid containers/bottles

Patent expirations, generics, and packaging

Depending on your perspective, expiring patents on branded drugs could cause anguish or offer opportunity....

December 01, 2009 | Filed in: Packaging Line Efficiency, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Promoting international standards in Europe

Benefitting global industries, not the interest of individual countries, is part of the focus of ASTM’s event in Praque, Czech Republic....

November 30, 2009 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Medical devices

FDA addresses online drug claim offenders in what could be a glimpse into the future of enforcement actions

FDA addresses online drug claim offenders in what could be a glimpse into the future of enforcement actions....

November 24, 2009 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal, Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Special Report: Japan Pack 2009

A total of 299 companies from 18 countries exhibited at The Japan International Packaging Machinery Show, Japan Pack 2009, held in...

November 20, 2009 | Filed in: Bags/Pouches, Controls and automation, Flexible films, lidding and foils, Robotics, Sustainability/environmental

ISPE's meeting projects optimism

Chuck Reed, chairman of ISPE's Packaging Community of Practice, discusses healthcare packaging issues and trends in this question-and-answer interview....

November 19, 2009 | Filed in: December 2009, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

PLMA Show, like the private label market, is booming

First time observations from show floor—packaging still has a long way to go....

November 17, 2009 | Filed in: Labels

Firm forecasts global pharmaceutical growth markets

Generic drugs, advanced drug-delivery systems, and pain-management pharmaceutical products are projected to grow during the next four to five years....

November 13, 2009 | Filed in: December 2009, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

New healthcare business head offers a global packaging perspective

Marc Haemel, newly appointed head of the Rexam Healthcare business, discusses key worldwide issues in this question-and-answer interview with Healthcare Packaging....

November 12, 2009 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Structural and graphics package design

Micro-Tag technology alliance announced for solid oral-dose pharmaceuticals

ARmark Authentication Technologies, LLC, and Colorcon, Inc. announced an alliance in the development and introduction of ®mark® On-Dose ID™, an authentication...

November 10, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Custom integration serves pharmaceutical packaging lines

In this article, Healthcare Packaging (HCP) talks with Jeff Graham (JG), president of Allied Automation, about integration and automation issues in...

November 05, 2009 | Filed in: Controls and automation, Conveying/material handling, Inspection, verification and vision systems, Packaging Line Efficiency, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Paper-based packaging industry launches sustainability campaign

Pharmaceutical and medical device packaging fit into “The Responsible Package” educational effort to tout benefits of paper, paperboard, and corrugated....

November 04, 2009 | Filed in: December 2009, Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers, Sustainability/environmental

Encouraging job outlook in healthcare packaging

Experienced packaging design engineers will be in demand, says search firm executive....

November 02, 2009 | Filed in: Medical devices, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Sucrets cartons challenge kids to contemplate global warming

New Sucrets ICE product is co-branded with Ice Age animated film characters for cause campaign directed at kid-inspired solutions to global...

October 29, 2009 | Filed in: Sustainability/environmental

Continued growth seen in custom die-cut insert cards

Medical device manufacturers are turning to custom cards to address innovative eco-initiatives, including package downsizing, ink-less labeling, and aerodynamic product protection....

October 29, 2009 | Filed in: Blisters, clamshells, Trays, Medical devices

Insulated systems protect pharmaceutical shipments

Delivering high-value, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals quickly around the globe through widely varying climates, while maximizing aircraft space, presents demanding challenges....

October 28, 2009 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Sustainability/environmental

Ready to click the OTC growth switch?

Rx-to-OTC switches tied to economics....

October 28, 2009 | Filed in: Patient Compliance, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

The clinical supply chain: Strategies for scheduled drugs

Packaging is a key link within the complex clinical trial scheduled drug supply chain....

October 26, 2009 | Filed in: October 2009

Pira forecasts global healthcare packaging growth

Aging populations, drug advances, and growing health awareness are driving global markets for prescription-only and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, vitamins, minerals, and medical...

October 22, 2009 | Filed in: Medical devices, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Tamper evident materials

Greener Package database now open for packaging supplier data entry

A wide-ranging database that focuses on sustainable packaging is now open for packaging suppliers to submit data on their products....

October 22, 2009 | Filed in: Sustainability/environmental

GNC’s Nutra Manufacturing arm employs graders on packaging line

To consistently maintain quality standards while increasing throughput and easing operations, Nutra Manufacturing recently replaced three of its diverging roller size...

October 21, 2009 | Filed in: December 2009, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, Packaging Line Efficiency

Robotics, smart conveying streamline ARUP’s specimen handling

Automation improves medical specimen handling at the University of Utah’s national reference lab, ARUP Laboratories, which is capable of storing 2.3...

October 20, 2009 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, Clinical Trials, Distribution, package testing, cold chain, October 2009, Packaging Line Efficiency, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Robotics

Contract packager’s blister machine delivers flexibility

New blister-packaging machine helps Contract Packaging Resources meet the demands of its pharmaceutical customers, reduce labor costs, and improve efficiency....

October 19, 2009 | Filed in: Blisters, clamshells, Trays, Coding, marking, printing, Contract packaging, Flexible films, lidding and foils, October 2009, Thermoforming and blister manufacturing

Pseudo-empirical modeling can speed pharmaceuticals to market

Simulating drug-packaging conditions can save up to six months in development time....

October 15, 2009 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Structural and graphics package design

GSK takes a shine to filmless, ‘green’ holography

A new holographic converting process combined with metallic ink results in recyclable cartons for Aquafresh that dazzle on shelf....

October 13, 2009 | Filed in: Structural and graphics package design, Sustainability/environmental

When packaging and labeling help fight drug counterfeits

In the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ongoing battle against counterfeit drug products, the latest FDA guidance is aimed directly at...

October 10, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, December 2009, FDA, regulatory and legal, Labels

Calculations through operations customer support program

Adrian Possumato, global director, Healthcare Packaging with Multisorb Technologies, discusses the company’s customer support program....

October 08, 2009 | Filed in: Desiccants/sorbents

Serialization for pharmaceutical and medical device—a global strategy

Joe Ringwood, COO of Systech, told a Pack Expo audience yesterday that a serialization strategy must protect data integrity and security,...

October 07, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication

PMMI makes changes to 2010 Pack Expo show

A shortened schedule and new partners will keep Pack Expo International strong in changing market....

October 07, 2009 | Filed in: Misc. Archive

100% PCR content hits the mainstream

Conference session explores the growing use of recycled content polyester in a range of consumer applications....

October 06, 2009 | Filed in: Sustainability/environmental

Vitamin/supplement line switches to glass bottles

To revitalize the packaging for its line vitamins and supplements sold only through healthcare professionals, PhysioLogics® chose O.BERK Co....

October 02, 2009 | Filed in: Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, Rigid containers/bottles

Healthcare packs earn initial Greener Package awards

A temperature-controlled shipper and a sustainable drug oval bottle/child-resistant closure (shown here) earn top honors for their environmental attributes in the...

October 01, 2009 | Filed in: Closures, Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Rigid containers/bottles

Global influenza market to be worth $6.3 billion in 2014

This year, the global market for products used in the fight against influenza will be worth an estimated $5.5 billion, according...

September 29, 2009 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Six steps to developing packaging for medical devices

The first step in designing and developing a package system for a medical device is obtaining all of the design inputs....

September 24, 2009 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, FDA, regulatory and legal, October 2009, Structural and graphics package design

Military cold chain combats global fronts

When the H1N1 “swine flu” vaccines become available in the next few weeks, quantities will be limited....

September 22, 2009 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, Distribution, package testing, cold chain, October 2009

Pharmintech 2010 to showcase international packaging technologies

Processing and packaging technology for the pharmaceutical, personal care, nutraceutical, and related industries will be on display at Pharmintech 2010, May...

September 21, 2009 | Filed in: Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Abbott implements more than 40 sustainable packaging initiatives

Abbott continues to make progress toward meeting its goal of a 5% reduction in the amount of packaging used in its...

September 17, 2009 | Filed in: Rigid containers/bottles, Structural and graphics package design, Sustainability/environmental

Pre-testing for delamination in pharmaceutical vials

Packaging is a critical step in bringing a product to market. However, it’s often the last, and potential packing problems can...

September 14, 2009 | Filed in: Ampules, vials, syringes and tubes, December 2009, Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Track, trace, and authentication system extends to consumers

Complete Inspection Systems, Inc., has partnered with Digimarc Corp. to create an advanced track, trace, and anti-counterfeiting system....

September 11, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, Paperboard cartons, cases, shippers, Structural and graphics package design

Innovative material handling for healthcare product distribution

Before potentially life-saving medical products and components make it into the hands of the medical staff or to the patient, they...

September 08, 2009 | Filed in: Conveying/material handling, Distribution, package testing, cold chain

Countering counterfeits on the front line

In this question-and-answer article, Lawrence Friedman, partner with the law firm of Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, offers insights and three key...

September 03, 2009 | Filed in: Anti-counterfeiting, track-and-trace, authentication, August 2009, Distribution, package testing, cold chain

Will FDA changes influence healthcare packaging?

Dr. Michael Drues offers a perspective on the state of the FDA, the 510(k), and labeling issues....

August 31, 2009 | Filed in: FDA, regulatory and legal, Medical devices, October 2009

New case coders speed changeovers at Nutrilite

Vitamin and dietary supplement maker Nutrilite purchases six case coders that reduce downtime and save $14,000 per year on maintenance costs....

August 28, 2009 | Filed in: Coding, marking, printing, December 2009, Nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, Packaging Line Efficiency

Shipping temperature-sensitive goods with phase-change materials: A primer

Imagine preparing a shipment of your company’s latest clinical trial. It’s traveling from your headquarters in Boston to a research facility...

August 25, 2009 | Filed in: Distribution, package testing, cold chain, Sustainability/environmental

Greener Package unveils industry-first ‘anti-greenwash’ guidelines

Picking up where the Federal Trade Commission left off in its attempt to devise parameters for sustainability claims, Greener Package has...

August 20, 2009 | Filed in: Sustainability/environmental

Three robots provide a shot in the arm for Novartis

Robotics help Novartis achieve better pallet management, control of materials, reduce the risk of cross contamination, and reduce heavy manual activities....

August 19, 2009 | Filed in: Multipacking/bundling, Packaging Line Efficiency, Pharmaceuticals and biologics, Robotics

Pharmaceutical industry confronts data, change, culture

The pharmaceutical culture faces growing pains of gaining maturity. For example, one company representative remarks, “We’re awash in data, but have...

August 14, 2009 | Filed in: Controls and automation, FDA, regulatory and legal, Packaging Line Efficiency, Pharmaceuticals and biologics

Key Baby introduces BPA-free infant care line

Infant care product manufacturer Key Baby, LLC introduced its Weil Baby line of baby bottles, sippy cups, nipples, pacifiers, and accessories...

August 12, 2009 | Filed in: October 2009, Rigid containers/bottles, Structural and graphics package design