Practical Packaging Solutions is one-stop supplier of cold chain product and pharmaceutical packaging systems. With decades of experience, our team provides equipment integration, training, installation, and support. We are also ISO 9001-certified and work closely with several leading brands in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical device, and other industries.
Pharma Packaging Challenges and Solutions
Pharmaceutical products have several specific requirements for maintaining safety, product quality and efficacy, and compliance. Practical Packaging provides a range of packaging products and materials designed for industry compliance, temperature control, marking, and automated production.
- Labeling and compliance. FDA, GMP, and ISO labeling require that barcodes, expiration dates, and lot numbers are clearly marked for full traceability.
- Temperature control. Frozen pharma products must maintain frozen profiles or 2 to 8 ºC temperature ranges continually. Phase Change Materials (PCMs), gel packs, validated insulated containers, and Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs), and temperature-tracking data logging devices meet these needs and document temperatures over time.
- Throughput and bottlenecks. Manual carton forming and sealing bog down packaging lines. Robots, conveyors, case erectors and sealing machines facilitate throughput and boost productivity.
Our Solutions
At Practical Packaging we provide the supplies and equipment to streamline packaging, improve efficiency, and maintain product quality for sensitive pharmaceutical applications.
Printing and Marking Systems
Our versatile printing and marking systems adapt to changing label needs including high-contrast and multilingual text and images. Print quality meets FDA and ISO standards for permanence and legibility.
- High-speed equipment: High-volume label printing (i.e., hundreds of packs per minute). Markem-Imaje coding machines and SmartDate fiber lasers ensure legibility at 100 ppm.
- FDA-compliant inks and printers: Meets FDA/EMA guidelines for labeling rules, patient safety requirements, and barcode standards.
- Print/mark coding: GS1 barcodes, human-readable lot/batch information, and 2D codes support vials, cartons, and labels. Equipment prints on flexible film, paperboard, plastics, vials, or foil.
- Laser coders: The SmartLase® fiber laser can print 1D/2D codes on metal and plastics.
- Thermal transfer ribbons: For smear-resistant, sharp prints.
Cold Chain Packaging Solutions
A variety of packing containers, supplies, and tracking tools ensure cold products stay cold.
- Gel/Ice packs: Cost-effective cooling for shorter routes.
- Insulated containers: Vacuum panels and EPS/thermos panels are suitable for short- and long-haul pharmaceutical shipments. Custom, prebuilt corrugated/foam boxes protect temperature-sensitive drugs.
- PCMs: Maintain narrow temperature ranges for biological products and vaccines.
- Reusable containers: Heavy-duty thermal containers reduce cost and waste over time.
- Temperature monitoring: Integrated data loggers and GPS/Bluetooth sensors ensure compliance and chain of custody.
- VIPs: High-efficiency, ultra-thin panels for extended control of extreme temps.
- Customizable kits: Choose a combination of PCMs, monitoring tech, and insulation for your application, kitted and delivered just-in-time.
Throughput and Automation Equipment
Automated packaging equipment eliminates human error and speeds up cycle time. Practical Packaging offers these services and equipment:
- Continuous flow systems. Turnkey integrated conveyors, fillers, erectors, labelers, and sealers that speed up processes, reduce human error, and change over from one SKU to another quickly. Systems can be scaled to meet your facility’s volume and processing needs.
- Case loaders. Gentle product loaders minimize product handling with case erecting and loading operations in a single machine.
- Palletizing and shrink wrapping. Robotic wrappers and palletizers prepare large quantities of products for shipping and storage on pallets.
- Shrink Bundling. Similar to kitting, automated bundlers wrap syringes, IV sets, and packs/trays of vials for unsupported, pad-supported, or tray-supported loads.
- Void fill machines. Foam-fill or automated air-pillow systems fill empty space in cases to prevent shifting, especially for irregularly shaped pharmaceutical products.
Case Erectors
These machines form flat blanks into 3D cases. This automation reduces manual labor, hand folding box bottoms, and improves pack lines. They feature toolless changeover capability, vacuum assist, and positive four-flap closing. Options include:
- Automatic and semi-automatic models: Belcor, Eastey, and Wexxar case erectors for closing and forming corrugated boxes.
- Combi 2-EZ®HS/SB: High-speed, side-belt erector featuring a heavy-duty frame, a lifetime warranty, and production of up to 20 cpm.
- Combi CE10: Value-priced, mid-speed sealer/erector for medium-volume lines, for 500 to 700 cases per hour (8-12 cpm).
Case Sealers and Tapers
Case sealers dispense and apply a pre-measured quantity of tape or adhesive for secure sealing without waste. Options include:
- BEL 150X: User-friendly, semi-automatic taping machine; features 30-second box size changeover.
- BEL 252: High-volume, fully automatic sealer with speeds up to 25 cpm, stainless steel, high-speed tape and “Snap Folder” system for secure seals.
Installation, Training, and Support
In addition to user-friendly, efficient automated packaging machinery, turnkey systems, and high-quality packaging materials, Practical Packaging provides the support you need to transform your pharmaceutical packaging operations.
- Communication: Personalized service contracts and updates during service calls.
- Field service network: Nationwide, OEM-trained technicians are available 24/7 for emergencies and startups.
- Installation and startup: On-site equipment calibration and setup of your equipment.
- Operator training: Hands-on training covers equipment operation, safety, and maintenance.
- Preventive maintenance: Scheduled routine service plans extend equipment life.
- Troubleshooting and repair: Quick response time for breakdowns in-person and over the phone.
Why Choose Practical Packaging Solutions?
We are a trusted one-stop shop for pharmaceutical packaging solutions, providing pharmaceutical and cold-chain packaging materials and supplies as well as equipment and turnkey integrated systems.
Contact us today to learn about our full selection of packaging products and equipment, or request a quote to get started today!