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Environmental sustainability

Pharma Companies in India Embracing Sustainable Packaging

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The pharma packaging industry in India is witnessing a paradigm shift towards sustainability, digitalisation, and patient-focused solutions. To ensure that medicines remain safe and the environment is protected, companies are transitioning to bioplastics, paper-based, and wood-based bio-PET alternatives, reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics and lowering carbon footprints. The industry is also rapidly shifting towards more patient-friendly packaging, with child-resistant designs becoming a common feature in Over-The-Counter (OTC) products.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indian pharma companies are adopting sustainable packaging methods to reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment.
  • Companies like Gerresheimer, Cilicant, Mylan, ACG, Alkem, and Jay Wood Industry are leveraging bioplastics, paper-based, and wood-based bio-PET alternatives to reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
  • The industry is shifting towards patient-friendly packaging, with child-resistant designs and senior citizens-friendly features becoming more common.
  • Innovations in pharma packaging include the use of QR codes, Data Matrix codes, RFID tags, and AR for instant access to comprehensive drug information and real-time tracking throughout the supply chain.
  • Digital printing and laser engraving are being used to enhance traceability and patient safety while improving operational flexibility.
  • Companies are investing in packaging materials that are recyclable, reusable, and bio-degradable, and adopting anti-counterfeiting solutions like serialisation and track and trace systems.
  • Developing sustainable materials that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements is a significant challenge, requiring rigorous testing and validation.
  • The future of pharmaceutical packaging lies in innovation that is not just tech-driven, but also deeply rooted in practical, scalable, and sustainable supply chain choices.

Statistics:

  • The global pharma packaging market is projected to reach $180 billion by 2027 (Source: Macleods Pharmaceuticals)
  • Smart and sustainable packaging accounts for a growing share of the pharma packaging market (Source: Macleods Pharmaceuticals)
  • Using bioplastics, paper-based, and wood-based bio-PET alternatives can reduce carbon footprints by up to 20% (Source: ACG)
  • The adoption of digital and laser printing can reduce the need for inventory-heavy pre-printed stock, supporting more efficient and flexible production (Source: ACG)
  • The use of RFID tags and AR can enhance patient safety and traceability while improving operational flexibility (Source: Cilicant)

Sources:

  • "Pharma Companies in India Embracing Sustainable Packaging" by Sanjiv Das, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd.
  • "Sustainability and Pharmaceutical Packaging" by ACG Packaging Materials
  • "Glass and Plastics are Fundamentally Distinct Materials" by Vinit Kapur, Secretary, The All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation (AIGMF)
  • "Pharma Packaging is Heading for a Huge Change" by Kumar Suman, Head Packaging Development Injectables & Medical Devices, Macleods Pharmaceuticals
  • "The Global Pharma Packaging Market is Projected to Reach $180 Billion by 2027" by Macleods Pharmaceuticals
  • "Smart and Sustainable Packaging Expected to Account for a Growing Share" by Macleods Pharmaceuticals
  • "The Convergence of Healthcare, Technology, and Sustainability is Redefining the Pharmaceutical Packaging Industry" by Alagu Subramaniam AR, Packaging Strategy & Commercialization Consultant -- Pharmaceuticals

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