• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Label Insights: Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

    Die Technology

    Ink Innovation

    E-Commerce Labels

    Contingency Planning
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    TLMI reveals Eugene Singer Award winners at Virtual Spring Summit

    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP

    ACTEGA helps converter reach sustainability goals

    Bobst enhances design of Mouvent LB701-UV digital label press

    FINAT to hold online networking, educational forum
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Enprom helps converter respond to flexible packaging needs

    anytron assists medical device company with labeling

    Deep dive into the packaging supply chain

    Fortis Solutions Group acquires Total Label USA

    Schreiner MediPharm develops NFC-Label for Ypsomed’s UnoPen injector
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    TLMI delivers optimism about future of label industry

    Five product label design trends for 2021

    TLMI reveals Eugene Singer Award winners at Virtual Spring Summit

    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP

    Epson SurePress reaches milestone
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP

    ACTEGA helps converter reach sustainability goals

    Bobst enhances design of Mouvent LB701-UV digital label press

    Epson SurePress reaches milestone

    Mark Andy organizes international webinar for students
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Bobst enhances design of Mouvent LB701-UV digital label press

    Epson SurePress reaches milestone

    Maxcess updates user interface for Fife guiding Sensor

    Mark Andy organizes international webinar for students

    Mark Andy launches monochrome digital print bar
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP

    ACTEGA helps converter reach sustainability goals

    Dantex debuts new capabilities with white ink opacity

    VideoBite: Sun Chemical drives label and packaging innovation

    Siegwerk partners with Kotkamills
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    UPM Raflatac

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG)

    Corotec Corporation

    QC Electronics, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    These specialty labels provide key information and adhere to the latest government regulations.

    Related CONTENT
    • Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small RAIN RFID inlays
    • Avery Dennison promotes sustainable initiatives
    • Gallus hosts successful virtual event
    • Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team
    • Environmental scorecard
    Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor04.08.16

    UPM Raflatac’s renewed pharmaceutical product portfolio includes labels for small diameter containers, including vials and test tubes.
    Pharmaceutical labels differ from their counterparts in most other markets. Unlike those in wine and spirits or health and beauty, the label is usually not designed to pop off the shelf with snazzy graphics or intricate embellishments. To the contrary, they must convey critical information to pharmacists, patients and health care providers.

    Information normally included on a pharmaceutical label can include usage instructions, dosages, potential side effects and manufacturing dates. These labels can be found on pharmaceutical packaging, vials and test tubes, blood bags, cold and cryogenic storage, and sterilization products. These applications often have migration and temperature requirements too.

    Pharmaceuticals often feature extended content labels, which will not find their way onto the newest craft beer. An extended content label (ECL) is a multilayer design that includes a bevy of information that will not fit on traditional packaging. Government regulations and requirements, along with multiple languages, will make their way into these booklets that function as part of the label.

    “With many products and regions requiring multiple languages, the challenge for engineering is in developing label structures that can fit all of the information in readable text,” says Trevor Richardson, market development manager, Americas, at UPM Raflatac. “UPM Raflatac has a global team of compliance managers that stay current with legislation that impacts labeling materials and components. This is built into product design as a key factor when new product development is underway and is reviewed from an impact standpoint on existing products, as well.”

    Luminer Converting Group, a printer with manufacturing facilities in Lakewood, NJ, USA, and Red Lion, PA, specializes in ECL labels. “Our largest growth segment is multi-ply labels for pharmaceutical use, and that’s because of content,” explains Tom Spina, president at Luminer Converting Group. “You need to put more information on a small space, and there are also quality requirements like orderability. You must be able to order it, you must be cGMP compliant and ISO-certified. In some cases, you have to be FDA registered, so the infrastructure around the quality department and around the facilities is critical.”

    ECL labels provide certain challenges that are foreign to other markets. These labels are more complicated than single-ply labels on press. According to Spina, capital equipment is a necessity. Inspection is also more difficult because most cameras are designed to examine the top of the label. “The operator skillset is also different because you’re not just a press operator, you’re into folding, gluing, onserting, and inline web laminations,” he explains. “You’re dealing with a broader array of operator skillsets.”


    UPM Raflatac’s pharmaceutical products are designed to withstand harsh atmospheres that include low temperatures and cryogenics.
    As in other industries, customers are seeking quicker turnaround times at lower prices.

    Pharmaceutical labels typically make use of pressure sensitive films, with the trend going to thinner and lighter. Thinner substrates also enable suppliers to more effectively create ECL labels. Printers can then increase the number of labels per roll at dispensing and improve tight mandrel wrap requirements on narrow containers such as pre-filled syringes and vials.

    According to Richardson, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals often feature pressure sensitive papers with low basis weight, like Pharmagloss and Raflasilk. These materials provide excellent printability, gloss and mandrel wrap. 

    Avery Dennison offers a specialty portfolio of pressure sensitive label products dedicated to pharmaceutical applications. The Customer-Ready Pharmaceutical portfolio provides brand owners with high-quality, compliant paper and film constructions ranging from simple to complex needs. In addition to various facestocks, Avery Dennison provides a list of recommended adhesives and liners. The solutions are tailored to a multitude of applications such as blood and IV bags, cryogenics and syringe labeling.

    The portfolio enables Avery Dennison to meet the growing need for quicker lead times and shorter time to market. It also provides brand owners with an added layer of security by reducing their risk of contamination and recalls.

    “Traditionally, it’s been a lot of paper labeling, and we offer a lot of different paper facestocks, one being a cast gloss,” says Alison Schuitema, product and business development manager, pharmaceuticals, at Avery Dennison. “We also have a semi gloss and a lightweight pharma litho, which would be a paper solution for a tight mandrel situation, where it maybe needs to wrap around a small diameter vial or bottle. Over the past couple years, we’ve started to see some of the labeling shift toward film.”

    Avery Dennison sees white and clear films being used. White is often utilized to replace paper applications, especially in a sterilization process. Films often offer better durability and hold up better in an atmosphere like an autoclave. Clear films will be utilized with products like syringes and vials, where someone wants to see how much liquid is left.

    Richardson emphasizes that the technology has significantly improved, even though the market features materials that were initially designed 10 to 15 years ago. “Film, paper and adhesive products have evolved significantly since then,” he says. With major improvements in efficiency, performance and cost, it’s a challenge for the industry to define ‘what are the actual performance requirements in a given application?’ versus remaining locked in on legacy specifications. Once the variables are defined, it is quite easy to implement an evaluation and validation protocol.”

    Given the evolving technology, there are several trends in the pharmaceutical labeling market. UPM Raflatac has noticed growth areas, such as increased biological and cold chain storage (cryogenics), and increased usage of pre-filled syringes and vials as a method of treatment (for diabetes health management, vaccines). The company also continues to see requests for global product solutions with regional service to printers.

    The regulations are a changin’
    In the pharmaceutical market, the rules and regulations are anything but static. As government mandates change, suppliers and converters must adapt.


    Avery Dennison’s paper and film facestocks are intended for a variety of simple and complex applications.
    “It’s a very lengthy process in the pharmaceutical world to qualify and validate any change to the label that some might think is a small part of the package system,” explains Schuitema. “It is a lot of work that goes into ensuring that the change is going to be approved in your package system.”

    Avery Dennison’s pharmaceutical portfolio meets a host of different regulations. “We put a lot of work into making sure the labels are compliant with the different directives and regulations that are a part of the pharmaceutical industry,” says Schuitema. “Our labels have been tested to standards, including ISO 10993, which is biocompatibility. They’ve also gone through testing for FDA 175.105 for indirect food contact, and they are of course compliant with CONEG, RoHS, and some of the other pretty standard regulations for pharmaceutical labels.”

    Avery Dennison tests its labels for migration, where adhesive could migrate through a package and come into contact with a drug product. Therefore, the adhesives have proven to be safe with the various substrates the company uses for pharmaceutical labeling applications. The company gives customers an added resource, as well. Avery Dennison Advantage is a global technical and customer service platform that can assist with compliance testing.

    As part of its pharmaceutical portfolio, Avery Dennison gives customers change protection that ranges anywhere from 3-12 months. “We give advanced notification of any component change to one of our raw materials or process change that might affect the function of the product itself,” says Schuitema. “We will notify up to a year in advance and give up to a year of safety stock to facilitate any requalification or revalidation that has to be done at the end user level.”

    According to Spina, changing regulations require additional text in a confined space. “Regulation change often means the need for more information in less space,” he says. “That allows us to use our products, and we’re integrated to do that. We make labels from a single page to 54 pages. We run the full gamut.”

    Schuitema says that the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)and Unique Device Identification will be two new pieces of legislature coming into effect within the next two to five years. DSCSA is designed to protect against tampering and provide track-and-trace features through the supply chain. Unique Device Identification will initially impact medical devices, but Schuitema believes it will eventually impact pharmaceutical and drug packaging.

    “The biggest challenge is keeping up with the regulations and industry trends, and trying to stay in front of them,” adds Schuitema.

    A secure future
    Security continues to become a bigger concern throughout all levels of the supply chain. The developments in smart technology have opened up a new realm of possibilities for this market. In its most basic form, tamper evident labels can help users identify if a product has been opened prior to patient use. The possibilities, however, extend to medication management and doctor alerts.

    “We also see many companies embracing authentication and tamper evidence in track-and-trace or serialization projects or to prevent grey market diversion,” explains Richardson. “There is a wide array of products that can be supplied to fit these needs. It is really key to look at the value-add that can be done on-press, as well as the functionality of the base label materials. These points drive the solution that is actually needed and can be used to measure a return on investment for implementing authentication features.”


    Avery Dennison’s pharmaceuticals portfolio adheres to all of the latest government regulations and handles a wide range of customer needs.
    Avery Dennison’s DirectLink technology creates many of the same possibilities. DirectLink allows users to generate digital content by tapping an NFC-enabled device to packaging containing the requisite antenna. This technology allows brands to directly connect with customers, providing information like surveys, coupons, reviews, tutorials and user manuals.

    “DirectLink is something that we’ve seen success with in the food and beverage space with consumer interaction,” says Schuitema. “I could see how that would make its way into pharmaceuticals, as well. It can add some depth to a patient information card or an instruction manual for a medical device. Pharma is very slow moving, in general, but I think in a few years we’ll start to see more smart technology pop up within the pharmaceutical space.”

    According to Bill Cummings, vice president of marketing and communication, Thinfilm, the possibilities extend far beyond tamper evidence. In a partnership with Ypsomed, an NFC tag used with an auto-injector can provide a patient with adherence history, injection reminders, usage guidelines, refill instructions and authentication. With the information available in custom apps via smartphones, a doctor can monitor his or her patients and whether or not they are adhering to daily self-medication requirements. These auto injections could be used with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

    “Most likely it’s going to be a scenario where a doctor, at any point, can go in and take a look at this particular patient’s injection history to see that they are adhering to the regimen or complying to the treatment schedule that’s been prescribed,” says Cummings. “There are some other scenarios where, if a patient is not sticking to that schedule, doctors could be sent alerts that this patient has not taken their injection the last two scheduled times, for example. It would give the doctors intelligence of information that they may be able to reach out to the patient directly and follow up.”
    Related Searches
    • smart
    • bags
    • nfc
    • technology
    Suggested For You
    Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small  RAIN RFID inlays Avery Dennison Smartrac introduces ultra-small RAIN RFID inlays
    Avery Dennison promotes sustainable initiatives Avery Dennison promotes sustainable initiatives
    Gallus hosts successful virtual event Gallus hosts successful virtual event
    Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team Arjobex America welcomes Maggie Naberezny to sales team
    Environmental scorecard Environmental scorecard
    Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays Avery Dennison Smartrac launches new Circus Pro inlays
    VideoBite: Avery Dennison discusses acpo acquisition VideoBite: Avery Dennison discusses acpo acquisition
    Avery Dennison optimizes adhesives for pharmaceutical labeling Avery Dennison optimizes adhesives for pharmaceutical labeling
    Avery Dennison expands automotive portfolio Avery Dennison expands automotive portfolio
    Avery Dennison announces acquisition Avery Dennison announces acquisition
    Examining the world of thermal printing Examining the world of thermal printing
    Online shopping necessitates RFID technology Online shopping necessitates RFID technology
    Avery Dennison, Tapwow unveil new smart labeling technology Avery Dennison, Tapwow unveil new smart labeling technology
    Industry mourns loss of Ann Hirst-Smith Industry mourns loss of Ann Hirst-Smith
    Paper Substrates Paper Substrates

    Related Features

    • Narrow Web Profile:  Executive Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Executive Label

      Rich and Peggy Preiser have built a booming business through hard work and dedicated customer service.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.13.21

    • Narrow Web Profile:  Whitlam Group

      Narrow Web Profile: Whitlam Group

      The Michigan label converter sports a rich automotive history and a bright future in a wide range of markets.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.04.21

    • Narrow Web Profile:  OMNI Systems

      Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems

      The award-winning label manufacturer has used hard work and strategic planning to drive exponential growth.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 01.28.21


    • Plate Mounting

      Plate Mounting

      Proper plate technology is required to ensure the best results on-press.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Low Migration Inks

      Low Migration Inks

      These ink systems protect the consumer by minimizing the risk of contamination.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Inspection Equipment

      Inspection Equipment

      Quality-assurance technologies can pay big dividends for label printers.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20


    • Narrow Web Profile:  Great Lakes Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Great Lakes Label

      Big gambles have led to big success for this Michigan-based label converter.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Flexo Presses | Flexography
      Flexo Press Economics

      Flexo Press Economics

      With flexography playing such a dominant role in the North American label market, choosing the right press can literally make or break a business.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • Tabletop Digital Printers

      Tabletop Digital Printers

      These affordable units can print labels for a variety of end uses.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20


    • Security Labels

      Security Labels

      Labels and packaging can help protect consumer goods in the high-stakes game of counterfeiting.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing

      Narrow Web Profile: DWS Printing

      After more than 150 years, the New York converter has remained successful by staying on the forefront of new technologies.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      Static is a problem all converters can relate to, but there are a range of factors that can influence the challenge.
      Matt Fyffe 01.31.20


    • Sustainable Substrates

      Sustainable Substrates

      Suppliers are developing new products to positively impact the environment.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20

    • Beer Labels

      Beer Labels

      Bold designs and digital printing have this market segment buzzing.
      Steve Katz, Editor 01.31.20

    • Narrow Web Profile:  Rose City Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Rose City Label

      The family-owned label manufacturer continues to evolve with digital printing and sustainable practices.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20


    Trending
    • Mark Andy Launches Monochrome Digital Print Bar
    • Maxcess Updates User Interface For Fife Guiding Sensor
    • Epson SurePress Reaches Milestone
    • Mactac Acquires Duramark Products, Formerly Ritrama USA
    • Dantex Debuts New Capabilities With White Ink Opacity
    Breaking News
    • TLMI reveals Eugene Singer Award winners at Virtual Spring Summit
    • Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP
    • ACTEGA helps converter reach sustainability goals
    • Bobst enhances design of Mouvent LB701-UV digital label press
    • FINAT to hold online networking, educational forum
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2021

    • Label Insights: Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    • Die Technology
    • Ink Innovation
    • E-Commerce Labels
    • Contingency Planning
    • Narrow Web Profile: Executive Label
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    AstaReal Astaxanthin Ingredient Receives U.S. Patent Approval
    Study on Kemin’s DailyZz Botanical Blend Uncovers Sleep Quality, Next-Day Performance Benefits
    FDA’s Dr. Cara Welch Opening Speaker at the 9th AHPA Botanical Congress
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Jebsen & Jessen, Innospec Sign Distribution Agreement
    IGL Coatings Announces Partnership in Finland
    Axalta Schedules 1Q 2021 Earnings Conference Call
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Iterative Scopes Announces IBD-Focused Scientific Advisory Board
    Vicarious Surgical, D8 Holdings Corp. Combine Operations in $1.1 Billion Deal
    FDA Grants De Novo Clearance to Medtronic’s GI Genius Model
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Bristol Myers Squibb Expands at Cambridge Crossing
    Amgen Completes Five Prime Acquisition
    Sartorius Expands in the UK
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Former L’Oréal Exec Joins Glossier
    Lancôme Reveals New Global Sustainability Program
    First-Ever Skincare Line Focuses on Iron To Prevent Aging
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Fragrance Creators Association Celebrates P&G Executive
    What You're Reading on Happi.com
    Former L’Oréal Exec Joins Glossier
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Acrylic Resins Market Worth $21.9 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    TLMI reveals Eugene Singer Award winners at Virtual Spring Summit
    Monadnock Paper Mills joins SGP
    ACTEGA helps converter reach sustainability goals
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Albaad to Add Natural-Based Line in Israel
    First Quality to Discontinue Tampon Operations
    Jessup Installs New Era Coating and Laminating Line
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    BioMagnetic Sciences Names President and CEO
    Mainstay Medical Launches ReActiv8 in Australia
    Biogennix Rolls Out Agilon Strip Bone Graft
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Virtual ASMC 2021 Spotlights Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence
    LG Display Cuts Down CO2-eq Emissions by 3 Million Tons in 2020
    European Commission's Innovation Radar Acknowledges 3 ARMOR Innovations

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login