Paper-Based Packaging and a Sustainable Future
Could paper-based secondary packaging help companies be more sustainable?
| 2 min read | Interview
Paper pouches have been used as secondary packaging for food products for generations. When the materials scientists at Faller Packaging asked if they are suitable for pharmaceuticals or medical products, a team of experts put them through some intensive testing to find out. Now that paper pouches are making their way into the pharmaceutical industry as the next generation of secondary packaging, Marketing Manager Sarina Diebold shares the development process, the benefits of paper pouch packaging solutions, and the next steps as the products prepare to hit the market.
What are the advantages of paper pouches over conventional options such as folding cartons?
Paper pouches are a great choice because they’re so lightweight. They cut down on storage, transport, and waste volumes – saving the user up to 90 percent on carbon dioxide emissions depending on the product, choice, and design of the paper pouch. The pouch is flexible to use thanks to the wide range of papers available, with and without coating.
We also tested durability during transport. If the pouches are packed in an outer carton properly, they are just as good as folding cartons at keeping temperature fluctuations, moisture absorption, and transport safety in check. The pouches are sealable and manufactured to show if they have been opened or tampered with. This renders the use of tamper-evident labels, for example, unnecessary.
How did the idea of using paper pouches as secondary packaging for medicines come about?
My colleague, Nikolaus Reichenbach, thought of the idea while shopping in the supermarket. He went straight to his team to get their thoughts, and his proposal was passed on to our product innovation team for their input. The team first looked at how paper pouches could be used as secondary packaging for products in the life science markets – even for pharmaceuticals. The aim was to gain a thorough understanding of the dynamics and challenges involved, so we spoke to materials experts and machinery manufacturers to find the right paper for prototyping. The goal was to create machine-packed paper pouch prototypes that are as durable, functional, and efficient as the industry standards for conventional secondary packaging.
Have you achieved your goal?
Yes, we can say that we have succeeded! The results of the independent life cycle assessments, as well as collaboration with material and production experts, showed that it was definitely possible to reduce the carbon footprint without compromising on packaging performance. These results are a step forward in the development of sustainable, functional, and sealable paper packaging for medicines and other healthcare products.
How do you propose to convince an exacting pharmaceutical industry of the qualities of paper-based packaging options?
We'd be happy to run more tests in pilot projects, and we're currently involved in discussions with pharmaceutical manufacturers and other interested parties who want to use secondary packaging. Their feedback plays a key role in optimizing the paper pouch for the market. Pilot projects also allow us to confirm the feasibility of the packaging process and distribution. If we succeed, we hope to see the first medicines in paper pouches on the market in the foreseeable future. We want to ensure, through direct dialogue, that the new packaging solutions satisfy requirements and offer genuine added value. We'd be very glad for potential customers to reach out to find out more and share their opinions. We're here to show companies that change can help reach sustainability goals.
