Pharmaceutical packaging plays a fundamental role in the protection, preservation and distribution of drugs and medical devices. An adequate packaging system ensures that the product reaches the final consumer in optimal conditions, protecting it from contamination, humidity, light and improper handling.
Importance of packaging in the pharmaceutical industry
Packaging in the pharmaceutical industry serves critical functions that go beyond simple product containment. Some of its main functions include:
- Protection against external factors. It prevents microbiological contamination, oxidation and degradation due to humidity or exposure to light.
- Security and traceability. Guarantees product authenticity through serialization systems, barcodes and RFID labels.
- Facilitation of transport and storage. It optimizes distribution through compact and resistant designs.
FFS packaging technology: Form-Fill-Seal
Given the high level of demand in the pharmaceutical sector, different types of packaging have been developed to meet the specific needs of each product. Among them, Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) packaging systems have gained great prominence thanks to their capacity for automation, production efficiency and reduction of human errors.
The Form-Fill-Seal packaging system allows packaging to be produced on a single production line. The machines can work with various types of flexible materials, such as plastics, aluminum, biodegradable films or mono-materials… There are two main variants of this technology, depending on the direction in which the packaging process is carried out
- HFFS (Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal). Ideal for solid or semi-solid products, medical devices and multipacks. The film advances horizontally while the containers are being formed, filled and sealed.
- VFFS (Vertical Form-Fill-Seal). Designed primarily for liquids, powders and granulates. In this case the film advances vertically, allowing the product to flow by gravity before sealing.
Types of pharmaceutical packaging
Within FFS packaging systems, the most commonly used types of pharmaceutical packaging are:
Stickpacks
Stickpacks are elongated, narrow containers used mainly for powdered or liquid single-dose products, such as powdered drug sachets, oral serums and food supplements. They are an efficient option for accurate dosing and easy transport.
Sachets
Sachets are flexible packages that can contain liquid, granular or powdered formulations. They are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for powdered analgesics, topical gels and supplements. Their manufacture in VFFS systems allows the production of large volumes with high quality control.
Pouches
Pouches are flexible containers with greater storage capacity than sachets or stickpacks. They are ideal for presentations of pharmaceutical products in liquid format, such as gels, disinfectant solutions or multi-dose sachets.
Flowpacks
The flowpack is a flexible package sealed at the ends and at the back, which is produced using HFFS technology. It is used in solid pharmaceutical products, medical devices and also as secondary packaging to group single doses in a multipack format.
Flowpack in the pharmaceutical industry
Flowpack packaging has proven to be a highly efficient solution for various pharmaceutical products, thanks to its ability to adapt to different formats and levels of protection. Its main applications include:
- Solid product packaging: compresses and protects products such as blister packs, strip tablets and sterile gauze.
- Single dose multipacks: allows grouping sachets or stickpacks into multi-unit packs, facilitating logistics and treatment administration.
- Medical device protection: packages syringes, applicators and diagnostic tests in controlled atmospheres.
The main advantages of the flowpack packaging system for the pharmaceutical industry are as follows:
- Airtightness and protection: thanks to its high quality sealing, the flowpack provides an effective barrier against moisture, light and contamination, ensuring the stability of the drug throughout its shelf life.
- Efficiency and automation: flowpack packaging machines enable high production speeds, optimizing packaging processes and reducing operating costs. Pharmaceutical production lines require efficiency and precision, and the flowpack allows minimizing errors and increasing productivity without compromising safety.
- Versatility in formats and materials: this type of packaging is ideal for different presentations of pharmaceutical products. Its adaptability allows the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, in line with industry sustainability trends.
- Optimization of storage and transport: the compact design of the flowpack allows maximizing space in warehouses and transport. By reducing the size and weight of the package, logistics costs are minimized and efficiency in the distribution of pharmaceutical products is improved globally.
- Compliance with regulations and certifications: the pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated, and packaging must meet strict quality standards.
Pharmaceutical packaging systems must combine safety, efficiency and adaptability to international regulations. Within FFS technologies, the flowpack is positioned as a versatile and reliable solution, especially for primary and secondary packaging in the pharmaceutical sector. Investing in flowpack machines allows optimizing packaging processes, improving product protection and reducing operating costs, thus ensuring an efficient solution for manufacturers and distributors.
