The use of labels featuring tamper evidence devices on pharmaceutical packaging is becoming more widespread. Now this packaging can be protected by means of specialty Void-Labels from Schreiner MediPharm. These make tampering attempts and first opening clearly and irreversibly visible, says the company.
Schreiner says that research shows the volume of worldwide counterfeit medicines in the global market amounts to about US$200 billion and every year it grows by about 20%, or twice as fast as the legal medicines market.
In February 2019, the European Union responded to the growth of counterfeit medicines by issuing the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) for pharmaceutical packaging. The global ISO 21976 standard also states how security features can be used on pharmaceutical packaging and how tampering attempts can be verified. In addition, it specifies requirements for protecting the authenticity of pharmaceutical packaging. The tailored Void-Labels from Schreiner MediPharm satisfy all these requirements, according to the company.
The utilization of the Void-Labels makes it more difficult for counterfeiters to reuse original packaging. Peeling off a label with a void effect makes a previously covert message visible. Following extensive tests, the company has adapted the closure seals specifically to the relevant packaging, material, substrate, and application.
Seals can be custom-designed, offering film material choices in various colours as well as white, and transparent versions. In addition, the void effects can be used for glass and plastic containers. Various void effects can be realized depending on the individual use case:
No Transfer
Peeling off the label leaves no residues on the pharmaceutical packaging. The void effect becomes visible only in the label after it has been opened for the first time. Reclosure of the label with the visible void effect is possible.
Semi Transfer
Peeling off the label leaves partial residues on the pharmaceutical packaging. After first opening, the void effect is visible both in the label and on the packaging. Reclosure of the label with the visible void effect is possible.
Full Transfer
Peeling off the Void-Label leaves a complete coating layer on the packaging. Consequently, the void effect is visible on the pharmaceutical packaging and in the label after first opening but reclosure of the label is not possible.
In addition, a tab may be integrated for particularly easy handling by the final user. Due to the addition of overt or covert authentication features, the Void-Labels can also provide proof of authenticity. Schreiner MediPharm says it can ensure optimal and reliable performance of the seal that is adapted precisely to the respective packaging and specific threat scenario.
This article was created in collaboration with AIPIA (the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association). For a full update on active and intelligent packaging, come along to the AIPIA World Congress (co-organized by Packaging Europe) in Amsterdam on 14-15 November. The only smart packaging event covering the entire technology spectrum, the World Congress is a meeting place for the global active and intelligent packaging industry where brand owners, innovators, and other stakeholders can network and see and discuss the latest trends and innovations. Register to attend here.
No comments yet