Packaging material is an important part of a pharmaceutical product. The choice of pharmaceutical packaging material is a critical part of a product development due to its relation with product stability.
Commonly used pharmaceutical packaging materials include glass bottle, plastic bottle, aluminum foil etc. and each packaging type is made by a matching packaging machine.
Here, we try to mention the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used pharmaceutical packaging materials -
Glass Bottle
Advantages:
- Great protection power
- They are available in both amber and transparent form
- Easy to labelled
- Variety of sizes and shapes are available
- Different types of glasses are also available
- High resistance to leeching
Disadvantages:
- Fragile
- Bulky
- Sometimes release alkali in aqueous preparation
Plastic Bottle/Container
Advantages:
- Easy to carry, flexible
- Less bulky
- Extremely resistant to breakage
- Variety of sizes and shapes
- Cost effective
Disadvantages:
- Less resistance to leeching compare to glass bottle
- Low heat resistant
- Chance to interact between the product and the container
HDPE Bottle
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent water vapour barrier
- Comparatively low cost
- Durable and lightweight
Disadvantages:
- High Thermal Expansion
- Highly Flammable
- Sensitive to Stress Cracking
Rubber Stopper
Advantages:
- Tightly packs the container
- Air and fluid proof
- Variety of size and shape
- Easy to maintain and durable
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Chance to interact with chemicals and petroleum derivatives
Aluminum foil
Advantages:
- Light, air and moisture resistant
- Stable at high and low temperature
- Non-toxic & odorless
Disadvantages
- Easily dented and scratched
- Comparatively expensive
PVC Foil
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
- Light weight
- Ease of thermoforming
- Air proof
Disadvantages:
- Poor heat stabile
- Poor barrier against moisture ingress
PVDC Foil
Advantages:
- Very good heat sealing capacity
- Higher moisture barrier
- Higher oxygen barrier
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compare to PVC foil
