This first part of the pharmaceutical packaging describes the definition & the types of the packaging materials in detail.

1. Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials
Part One
Jony Mallik
Industrial Pharmacist
jonymallik@ymail.com
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2. Pharmaceutical Packaging is the science of enclosing and art of protection of the
drug content by using suitable and correct package to ensure the safer delivery of
the product throughout its journey from manufacturing to the end use.
Pharmaceutical packaging can be defined as the economical means of providing
presentation, protection, identification, information, convenience, regulatory
compliance, integrity and stability of the product.
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3. Product Identification:- Packaging greatly helps in identification of products.
Product Protection:- Packaging protects the contents of a product from spoilage, breakage,
leakage, etc.
Facilitating the use of product:- Packaging should be convenience to open, handle and use
for the consumers.
Product Presentation & Promotion:- Packaging is also used for promotional and attracting
the attention of the people while purchasing.
Product Stability: Packaging is the vital tool to provide physical mode of stability to the
respective contents specially when the product is in journey.
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4. Barrier protection: A barrier from oxygen, water vapor, dust, etc., is often required.
Permeation is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain desiccants or
oxygen absorbency to help extend shelf life. Keeping the contents clean, fresh,
sterile and safe for the intended shelf life is a primary function.
Security: Packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of
shipment. Packages can be made with improved tamper resistance to deter
tampering and also can have tamper-evident features to help indicate tampering.
Packages can be engineered to help reduce the risks of package pilferage.
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5. Product Identification:- Packaging greatly helps in identification of products.
Product Protection:- Packaging protects the contents of a product from spoilage, breakage, leakage,
etc.
Facilitating the use of product:- Packaging should be convenience to open, handle and use for the
consumers.
Product Presentation & Promotion:- Packaging is also used for promotional and attracting the
attention of the people while purchasing.
Product Stability: Packaging is the vital tool to provide physical mode of stability to the respective
contents specially when the product is in journey.
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7. Primary
packaging
Secondary
packaging
Tertiary
packaging
E.g.
Ampoule, Vial, Plastic Containers,
Lidding foils, Multilayer films,
Collapsible tubes etc
E.g.
cartons
Prescribe dispensing
box
Corrugated boxes
Paper drums
Shipping containers
Injection trays
E.g.
Intermediate
bulk
Container,
Shipper cartons
etc.
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8. Primary packaging is the material that first envelops the product and holds it. This
usually is the smallest unit of distribution or use and is the package which is in
direct contact with the contents.
Examples: Ampoules, Vials ,Containers, Dosing dropper, Primary Closures (plastic,
metal, rubber), Syringe, Strip package, Blister packaging.
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10. Secondary packaging is outside the primary packaging –perhaps used
to group primary packages together and act as a support for both
primary package and content.
Example: Paper and boards, Inner Cartons, Box, Leaflet or Inserts,
Labels etc.
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12. Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling , warehouse storage and
transport shipping. The most common form is a palletized unit load
that packs tightly into containers.
Example: Shipper Carton, Paper-board made box, Fiber Drum etc.
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14. CHARACTERISTICS of packaging material:
The material selected must have the following characteristics:
 Must meet tamper-resistance requirements
 Must be FDA approved
 Must be non-toxic
 Must not impart odor/taste to the product
 Must not reactive with the product
 They must protect the preparation from environmental conditions
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