Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Innovations and Trends

The amount of packaging in the industry's overall CO2 emissions is negligible. The pharmaceutical business is dedicated to sustainability and seeking general answers that promote a circular economy. Suppliers are entrusted with developing ecologically friendly packaging to achieve this.

Due to rising environmental concerns and awareness. Customers are now choosing biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable eco-friendly packaging. Thus, it is anticipated to fuel the market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Pharmaceutical Packaging Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

The following trends influence design and engineering options, and leading eco-friendly blister packaging options like the Am Sky Blister System represent the recyclable destiny of pharmaceutical packaging.

Recycled Materials: Materials that have been recycled before can go through recycling streams again and again rather than being disposed of as waste, lowering carbon footprints and encouraging a circular economy. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recyclable plastics, are common options for packaging.

Medication adherence and usability: The best results for patients are obtained when drugs are taken as prescribed and on time. Packaging ideas that encourage appropriate dosing and usage are essential because many of these medications are self-administered. Similarly, the packaging must be created in a way that makes the medication accessible to elderly populations while simultaneously offering child-resistant safeguards.

Am Sky Blister System: Amcor has developed a revolutionary thermoform plastic blister packaging technology called Am Sky TM that is recyclable HDPE-based and first-of-its-kind. It offers pharmaceutical and consumer health industries a sustainable package with a low carbon footprint that is:

• The packaging carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 70% compared to PVC/Alu solutions when 100% recycling is taken into consideration at the end of the product's life.
• Based on High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), it is recyclable in rigid HDPE recycling streams and does not contain vinyl or aluminum.
• Compatible with current packaging technology
• Conformity with the EU Plan for Plastics in a Circular Economy
• Critical Guidance Recognition was used by the Association of Plastics Recyclers to identify this material as recyclable in the film made of polyethylene stream.

Tamper-evidence: End consumers value packaging that offers a piece of mind, whether it comes from conventional or environmentally friendly solutions because their safety and health depend on it. Packaging methods are becoming increasingly tamper-evident due to design developments. Blister packaging has tamper evidence largely integrated into the design Because pharmaceuticals often need to be forcefully pushed out of the box, breaking through the package lidding.

Biodegradable substrates: It enable microorganisms to naturally break down organic matter and incorporate it back into the ecosystem without endangering it or leaving behind leftovers that would otherwise rot in landfills and release hazardous carbon dioxide.

Mono-material constructions: It make use of a single eco-friendly material for the entirety of the packaging, making it completely recyclable and consuming less energy during production.

Bioderived polymers: it is made from renewable agricultural sources rather than synthetic materials made from burning fossil fuels.