Our single-use disposable packaging world is about to change. And this time the change is being fueled by consumer demand.

There are a wide range of solutions that can be used to increase the shelf life of capsules, tablets, pills and other pharma products. Among these are PVC, PCTFE, PVDC and thermoform blisters for less sensitive products or Alu-Alu cold form blisters for APIs that are more sensitive.

There are many variables with the potential to cause unplanned downtime, lost production or damaged product. We've identified four areas that, properly addressed, can keep your packaging line operating at capacity and maximize the return on your machinery investment.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and the co-located Healthcare Packaging EXPO, presented by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, takes place Sept 23-25. The event will cover 900,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, with 2,000 exhibitors and 30,000 attendees from nearly every market.

The Corrugated Packaging Alliance recently released a new life cycle assessment of packaging for eight common produce commodities, which shows neither corrugated containers nor reusable plastic containers have an advantage in all environmental impact categories.

While the growth in online purchasing drives changes from product design, to package changes, picking, fulfilling and shipping, product protection stands alone as the main issue, according to the E-Commerce: Think Inside the Box report by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

While many brands are striving to create lighter, more environmentally friendly and innovative packaging solutions, there are still too many products on the market today that are heavily over-packaged or over-engineered. 

At this point in 2019 it is impossible not to give some well-deserved attention to the departure of Dr. Scott Gottlieb from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Anyone associated with pharmaceuticals or packaging was surprised at the announcement.

Building on its theme covering the evolution of pouches, the 2019 Global Pouch Forum features presentations focused on innovation, sustainability and developing markets.