Alcoa Flexible Packaging Helps Novartis Introduce Unique Physicians' Sample Packaging
The physicians' sample packaging system will be recognized with an AmeriStar Package Award in the Drug/Pharmaceutical category on November 9 in Chicago during PACK EXPO International sponsored by the Institute of Packaging Professions. The AmeriStar Package Awards honor the best packages of the year, based on criteria including innovation, economics, protection, performance, marketing and environmental impact.
The Novartis' design utilizes a 45cc Kerr bottle/closure system, covered by Alcoa's reversible printed shrink sleeve that provides superior tamper-evidence, product identification integrity and superior brand/product recognition. The Starlix is gravure printed 3 line colors backed up with a specially designed system of white ink for maximum opacity. This white ink covers a pressure sensitive label that is applied to the bottle before the shrink label, to insure product identity if the shrink label is ever fully removed. The fact that most of the label remains on the bottle allows physicians to better differentiate between Novartis' products and between various strengths within particular product lines, as these variations are color-coded distinctly on the label.
The per unit cost of the labels was decreased by 85% from the previous $10.00 approximate per unit cost. The material savings adds up to be approximately $2.5 million, which justified Novartis' upgrading to high-speed equipment. Storage of the container is much more efficient, since there is no excess packaging. It simplifies both the sales professionals and the doctor's time in sample storage. Novartis Starlix shrink sleeves are manufactured at Alcoa's Downingtown Printing Plant in Downingtown, Pennsylvania using 50 micron PVC film. Novartis' Starlix samples are available globally for sampling.
Source: Alcoa Flexible Packaging