Pharmaceutical Packaging Innovation Advances Quality, Speed & Efficiency

Latest technologies and educational opportunities showcased at Pharma EXPO

As pharmaceutical manufacturers aim to combat counterfeiters and speed time to market, new package printing technologies are making it easier for them to overcome these hurdles without sacrificing the bottom line. Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International (Nov. 2–5, 2014; McCormick Place, Chicago) will serve as a resource for the latest in innovations in marking, coding and package printing. The show, a joint venture of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), will help pharmaceutical manufacturers discover the solutions they need to significantly raise printing speeds, increase efficiency, decrease downtime and reduce operating costs.

On the show floor, exhibitors will display several next-generation systems to meet changing production demands and advance anti-counterfeiting measures. These include ink-less UV marking systems that allow manufacturers to print on larger surfaces, with the added benefit of eliminating thermal denaturation on tablets and cleaning processes.

Also at Pharma EXPO, attendees will discover laser marking systems that allow pharmaceutical manufacturers to produce high quality marks on moderate- to high-speed production lines. Such technologies have virtually no font, code or graphic restrictions and are ideal for marking complex codes — offering complete marking flexibility and delivering many spot size variations to cater to a broad range of marking effects.

With changing regulations and the prevalence of short batch label runs creating challenges for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, chemical and industrial sectors, Pharma EXPO will feature new labeling solutions that grant manufacturers the flexibility to scale up to production demands. Designed to deliver greater efficiency, productivity and cost savings for a higher volume of industrial and manufacturing applications, these technologies can dramatically elevate printing speed — enabling efficient and reliable production of high mix label requirements and variable printing demands.

“Pharmaceutical manufacturers are subject to some of the most rigorous standards for package printing and labeling,” says Jim Pittas, vice president, Trade Shows, PMMI. “Maintaining high print integrity, including the necessary counterfeit prevention and security features, while accommodating the industry trend for short batch label runs, all while keeping up with today’s ever-changing regulations — means brand owners must keep informed in order to succeed.”

In addition to the wide range of solutions on display, Pharma EXPO's Innovation Stage, located in the West Building, near the entrance to Pharma EXPO, will offer a series of 30-minute educational presentations on breakthrough technologies. The talks, taking place right on the show floor, will include topics such as package design, packaging plant failures and resolutions, authentication technology, quality management systems and many others.

To register for Pharma EXPO, visit pharmaexpo.com. A discounted registration fee of $30 applies through Oct. 3 and increases to $60 thereafter.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is a trade association representing over 650 packaging and processing supply chain companies that provide a full range of packaging and processing machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through programs and events such as The PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, packexpo.com, PMT Magazine, PACK EXPO Show Daily, networking events and educational programs.

About ISPE
ISPE, the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, is the world’s largest not-for-profit association serving its Members through leading scientific, technical and regulatory advancement throughout the pharmaceutical lifecycle. The 20,000 Members of ISPE are building solutions in the development and manufacture of safe and effective pharmaceutical and biologic medicines and medical delivery devices in more than 90 countries around the world. Founded in 1980, ISPE has its worldwide headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA. For more information, visit www.ISPE.org.