Pharmaceutical companies look into packaging optimization

Europe’s carton board market for pharmaceuticals packaging continues to grow steadily and pharmaceutical companies are increasingly interested in optimizing packaging. Stora Enso is the leading supplier in the segment, mainly with its Tambrite and Performa brands.

“Pharmaceuticals packaging is one of Stora Enso’s focal areas since the world’s demographic development promotes the creation of new pharmaceuticals and health care products. We believe that the pharmaceutical companies will increasingly pay attention to packaging, optimizing its quality and cost-efficiency, and also new service tools will be required,” says Wilfried Schmahl, Segment Development Manager at Stora Enso. “The silver generation is growing and will spend money on health. Our offering is well suited to meet the specific demands of the industry and people. We are looking into safety coding systems and convenience aspects for the elderly, for example.”

Savings through lower weight

Lightweighting is one trend also in pharmaceuticals packaging. Stora Enso has taken significant steps forward in this field together with the leading pharmaceuticals packaging manufacturers and machinery suppliers. An increasing number of packaging experts now understand that the basis weight is not decisive if key technical properties such as thickness and bending stiffness are correct. In the past, 250 gsm GC 2 board used to be the standard material, but now you can choose Stora Enso’s Tambrite 230 gsm or 215 gsm board with the same performance.

Tambrite is ideal for prescription medicines due to its technical properties and high performance in laser coding, inkjet coding and braille embossing. For over-the-counter products Stora Enso recommends Performa Bright. In the category of generic pharmaceuticals, Tamfold offers further savings.