Pharmaceutical Packaging: Blisters, Bottles, Sachets & More
A strategic guide to selecting pharmaceutical packaging formats, moisture/oxygen barrier protection, stability considerations, and regulatory labeling requirements.
Pharmaceutical packaging does much more than make a product look professional. The packaging system protects the product, supports stability, provides identification information, and helps maintain product quality throughout storage and distribution. The appropriate packaging format depends on the dosage form, formulation, stability requirements, market regulations, and supply-chain conditions.
Blister Packaging
Blister packs are widely used for tablets and capsules. A typical blister system contains individual cavities that hold each dose.
Advantages include unit-dose protection, convenient handling, product visibility, controlled dosing, and compact packaging.
Barrier properties should be considered when products are sensitive to moisture, oxygen, or light.
Alu-Alu Packaging
Aluminium-aluminium packaging provides a high-barrier packaging configuration.
It is especially considered for products requiring enhanced protection from environmental factors such as moisture, oxygen, and light.
The actual packaging selection should be based on stability data and product requirements.
Aluminium Strips
Strip packaging uses layers of aluminium or other suitable materials to enclose individual doses.
It is useful for tablets and capsules where unit-dose protection and compact packaging are desired.
HDPE Bottles
HDPE bottles are commonly used for tablets, capsules, powders, and certain liquid products.
Bottle packaging can accommodate different fill quantities and closure systems. Additional components such as desiccants may be used where appropriate.
Glass Bottles
Glass containers may be selected for specific pharmaceutical formulations where their material properties are suitable.
Considerations include chemical compatibility, light protection, product stability, container closure system, and handling requirements.
Sachets
Sachets are commonly used for powders and certain single-dose products.
They offer portable packaging, unit-dose presentation, flexible pack sizes, and convenient distribution. For moisture-sensitive products, appropriate barrier materials are particularly important.
Cartons & Secondary Packaging
Secondary cartons provide physical protection and provide space for product information, directions, regulatory information, batch details, expiry information, and branding. Carton requirements vary by market.
Packaging Selection Factors
When selecting pharmaceutical packaging, consider product compatibility, stability, target market requirements, distribution transit conditions, and patient convenience.
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