1-800-728-2999

Medical Packaging Trends

With the increase in regulatory requirements on sterile products, the quality of the packaging is an integral part of the product. How will medical technology companies respond to these completely new demands? 

In the past, while packaging was necessary, it was often considered an afterthought. This mindset is now significantly changing. The EU’s Notified Bodies have recognized that a larger focus should be placed on packaging during the annual audits. 

 This change has clear implications for the entire medical technology industry! The storage conditions of sterile products, as well as pre-stored packaging materials have recently become the focus of inspections. Packaging materials have historically been identified as the weakest part. Hospitals/end users demand a longer sterility of products. 

During Covid, the number of products running out of shelf-life was staggering. This increased demand for sterile products is causing drastic supply shortages and price increases. More companies are recognizing that the greatest potential savings depends on selecting the correct sterile packaging. 

VC999, has identified the following trends:

Trend #1

Reducing the percentage of Tyvek® materials

Reason

Supply situation, prices, problems during transportation validation.

Trend #2

Reducing the percentage of hard blister packs

Reason

Supply situation, Tyvek® lid, high tooling costs, inflexibility in product changes, waste, PETG abrasion on product, contactless removal hardly possible.

Trend #3

Significant increase in PA/PE packaging (vacuum packaging)

Reason

Shorter delivery times, No monopoly during material production, much cheaper than other types of packaging, there many packaging solutions available with PAPE (possibly with protective caps), transport validation by vacuum unproblematic, conversion of many products from EO to Gamma sterilization realized.

VC999 not only offers our MDR compliant machines, but we also offer pre-validated pouches with a 10-year shelf life (depending on the product). This packaging process can be used for all materials, however about 95% of our customers decide to use PAPE.

For More information visit: https://www.vc999medical.com

Call Us at 1-800-728-2999