Consumable products such as food supplements, health supplements, medicated products, vitamins and herbage products, drugs and pharmaceuticals need extra caution in packaging. In contrast to these food products, these products must retain their efficacy and purity throughout their shelf life in order to be effective. And it is here that flexible packaging solutions come into the picture.
This form of packaging is any package or container made from material that can be shaped easily or induced to change the form of the packaging material to suit the product. Some of the common forms where it could be used include pouches, bags, wraps, rollstock and so on, which may be made from plastic or have paper, foil as well as film substrate. When used for health products, flexible packaging offers numerous advantages that ensure product integrity from production to consumption:When used for health products, flexible packaging offers numerous advantages that ensure product integrity from production to consumption:
Protection from Environmental Factors
Medications and health supplements include active chemical substances that may be negatively affected by chemical reactions such as oxidation by oxygen, exposure to light, moisture, etc. Flexible pouches and bags foster the development of a secure envelope to safeguard sensitive ingredients from external harsh substances. Flexible structures for more advanced satellite systems are further equipped with UV barriers and moisture control layers. Such preservation of potency permits the products to remain potent right from the time they are produced to the time they are consumed.
The following sub-topics under this category examine the aspects that may make the product easy or challenging to use for the consumer:
This is because bags and pouches are flexible and easily portable in a way that these on-the-go consumers can take them along with them when they are in transit. Additional and convenient aspects include zippers, spouts, tear notches, and stand up pouches for easy access, dispensing, storage, or multiple uses. It is easy for consumers to handle single servings or the whole package of the product without much struggle. According to a survey conducted by the Flexible Packaging Association, 85% of the consumer respondents chose flexible packaging because it is convenient for transportation, storage, and using the product.
Tamper Evidence
It must be emphasized that when people decide to take a product internally, they have to be sure it is innocent and completely healthy. Some of these packages include a peel-off foil seal which can be interpreted by the consumer as meaning that the package has been tampered with, or has a tear-away closure which enables the consumer to determine whether the packaged product has been opened before. This do give a assurance that the contents are good, clean and safe to use. This makes it easier to notice any seals that may have been broken in the process as they are easily seen. Appending serialized barcodes and labels also enhances traceability in the supply chain as well as lifecycle tracking.
Dosing Accuracy
Unlike tubs or rigid containers that are bulky and have thick walls, flexible pouches can be nearly emptied to evacuate the product from them. This way, consumers can use all the content while a small amount of the product remain on the internal surfaces. This enhances dosing precision and consumer utility – aspects that are crucial particularly for costly nutraceuticals, supplements and drugs to be administered.
Sustainability Benefits
In terms of production, distribution, and use, flexible structures are generally observed to require less material, energy, or fuel. This feature also removes transportation emissions and effects downstream after use due to its lightweight building. Flexible packaging is also more and more created sustainably with an eye on recycling using monomaterial concepts. Promising innovations for the next generations are the compostable and biodegradable pouches which has sustainability as their goal. And some flexible packaging also has structural layers that consist of as much as 30% recycled materials.
Patient-Centric and Over the Counter Drug Designs
As for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, flexible packaging can be created for patient-oriented utilization. Examples are dose-dispensing blister packs, anal liquid pouches, single pill pouches, and other patronized designs such as pre-scored blisters, compact blisters, and hinged lids. Child resistant zipper pouches also feature in preventing cases of wrong consumption through accidentally putting the product in the mouth. Cosmetic products, which are easily accessible without prescription, find the stand-up pouch convenient in terms of visibility on the shelves.
In summary, flexible packaging offers the correct drug delivery system for purity, potency, protection, sustainability, shelf life, and ease of accessibility in products meant for health and wellness. From factories to households, flexibles provide durability and ease of use by means of additional chemical barriers and patient friendly dispensing features. The type of flexible packaging that comes with advanced technology is preferred brands since they offer safe products to the consumers. In a new environment where the emphasis will be placed on primary living health, protective flexible packaging will remain effective in achieving high results.
