Innovation in Pharmaceutical Packaging

Editorial Note:

DEAR PHARMA PALS: Is packaging industry as innovative and inventive as the pharma and biotech sector? Do we have packaging standards for all our pharma products? Are our standards different for exports and domestic market? The 6th Annual InnoPack Pharma Confex deliberated on these issues, while focussing on innovations in pharmaceutical packaging to enhance sustainability, and simplify usage for patients through adopting latest technologies.

The pharmaceutical market is constantly advancing and pharmaceuticals need reliable and speedy packaging solutions that deliver a combination of quality, tamper evidence, patient comfort and protection. The two day Confex discussed the ever-evolving challenges and solutions in pharmaceutical packaging like recent developments and innovations, future of 3D printing, advancements in prefilled syringes, track and trace, serialization, packaging design and artwork.

The Chief Guest at the event, Ms. Rita Teaotia, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, stressed the need for packaging industry to be as innovative and inventive as the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. While she appreciated the fact that we modify and adapt to the packaging requirements of the global market, the real issue is what do we do for our very large domestic market? “Do we keep the same standards here as well? What do we do for our own consumers, who deserve to have products of highest quality?” Ms. Teaotia asked.

Yes, the Indian Institute of Packaging is taking action for the development of packaging standards. “We are working on that and a proposal will be submitted to the Commerce Ministry soon, and the work will be done in association with the Pharmexcil,” informs Dr. N C Saha, Director and Principal Executive Officer of the apex body.

Also read in this issue an exclusive on the fourth edition of PharmaLytica, the show which gave comprehensive insight into the latest analytical, laboratory, machinery and packaging trends in the pharmaceutical industry. Held in the happening city of Hyderabad, PharmaLytica 2017 added greater value to the ecosystem of the pharma hub of India.