Packaging and labels: design, safety and eco-design

Opakowania i etykiety farmaceutyczne oraz kosmetyczne | PCI Days

In the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and dietary supplement industries, packaging is an integral part of the product. It not only determines the durability and safety of its contents but is also a key factor in market success. Modern implementations require manufacturers to maintain a precise balance between stringent legal requirements (such as serialization and the PPWR directive), the highest aesthetics in the premium segment, and optimization for automated packaging lines.

Individual Packaging: Barrier Properties and Material Technology

Choosing the right material must take into account the physicochemical stability of the formulation and logistical constraints. Solutions presented in this area include:

  • Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Glass: The use of Type I, II, and III glass, which ensures complete chemical inertness. The premium segment is dominated by lacquered or body-tinted bottles, which combine a prestigious appearance with UV protection.
  • Plastics and Advanced Barrier Properties: The use of HDPE, PET, and innovative laminates and blister foils (PVC/PVDC, Alu/Alu). These must guarantee impermeability to oxygen and moisture, which is critical for the stability of drugs and supplements.
  • Airless Systems and Dispensing Pumps: Solutions that eliminate product contact with air and microorganisms. These are standard in natural and professional cosmetics, allowing for the reduction of preservatives in formulations.

 

 

Design and Refining in the Cosmetics Industry

For cosmetics brands, decoration technology is a key tool in building their image. Textures and precision of workmanship determine product shelf positioning:

  • Advanced decoration techniques: Hot stamping, cold stamping, and spot UV varnishing, which give packaging a luxurious feel.
  • Sensory packaging: The use of soft-touch varnishes and embossing, which engage the consumer’s sense of touch.
  • 360° printing: Shrink-sleeve labels, allowing for the full utilization of packaging surfaces with complex geometries.

Labeling and Marking: Compliance and Serialization

The label is the most important legal data carrier and must remain legible throughout the product’s lifespan:

  • Multilayer labels (Peel-off): Essential for small packages, they allow for the inclusion of the full INCI composition, dosing instructions, and warnings in multiple languages.
  • Tamper-evident security: First-opening control systems (seals, warranty labels), a requirement in pharmaceuticals and a standard in supplements.
  • Serialization and Track & Trace: Integration of labelers with 2D code printing systems (DataMatrix) and vision systems, ensuring full packaging traceability throughout the supply chain.
Eco Solution Technical Characteristics Advantage
PCR materials Raw materials from post-consumer recycling while maintaining microbiological purity standards. Reducing the use of virgin plastics.
Monomaterials Designing packaging from one type of material. Significantly simplifying recycling processes.
Refill Systems Inserting replaceable cartridges (refillable). Drastic reduction of the product’s carbon footprint.
Lightweighting Optimization and reduction of raw material mass without loss of barrier properties. Less resource consumption and lower environmental fees.

Machineability and Production Efficiency (OEE)

From the production plant’s perspective, packaging must be optimized for process efficiency. Geometry that prevents blockage on conveyors is crucial, as is thread repeatability, critical for automatic closing and maintaining tightness. Shelf-Ready Packaging (SRP) is a complementary approach, facilitating transport and display in retail chains.

PCI Days is a platform connecting suppliers of innovative materials with decision-makers responsible for production and marketing. Here, manufacturers can consult on projects in terms of Regulation 1223/2009 (cosmetics) and pharmacopoeial requirements.

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Who is it for:

  • Producers and distributors of raw materials and components
  • Producers and distributors of machinery and equipment
  • Representatives of the packaging industry
  • Suppliers of laboratory equipment and technologies
  • Suppliers of logistics solutions
  • Suppliers of IT and technological solutions supporting production
  • Contract manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dietary supplements, as well as private label service providers
  • Suppliers of services supporting the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and dietary supplement industries
  • Representatives of institutions, associations, universities and industry organizations
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Who is it for:

  • Manufacturers of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (CEOs, production directors, specialists from the following departments: research and development, quality and safety, maintenance, investments, purchasing, laboratories, production, packaging and marketing, technologists, process engineers)
  • Regulatory and certification experts
  • Contract manufacturers and private label producers
  • Managers responsible for the development of private label brands in pharmacies, drugstores, gyms and hotel chains, as well as all professionals interested in developing a private label brand
  • Representatives of institutions and universities