Packaging material is an important part of a pharmaceutical product. The choice of pharmaceutical packaging material is a critical part of a product development due to its relation with product stability.
Commonly used pharmaceutical packaging materials include glass bottle, plastic bottle, aluminum foil etc. Here, we try to mention the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used pharmaceutical packaging materials -
Glass Bottle
Advantages:
- Great protection power
- They are available in both amber and transparent form
- Easy to labelled
- Variety of sizes and shapes are available
- Different types of glasses are also available
- High resistance to leeching
Disadvantages:
- Fragile
- Bulky
- Sometimes release alkali in aqueous preparation
Plastic Bottle/Container
Advantages:
- Easy to carry, flexible
- Less bulky
- Extremely resistant to breakage
- Variety of sizes and shapes
- Cost effective
Disadvantages:
- Less resistance to leeching compare to glass bottle
- Low heat resistant
- Chance to interact between the product and the container
HDPE Bottle
Advantages:
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent water vapour barrier
- Comparatively low cost
- Durable and lightweight
Disadvantages:
- High Thermal Expansion
- Highly Flammable
- Sensitive to Stress Cracking
Rubber Stopper
Advantages:
- Tightly packs the container
- Air and fluid proof
- Variety of size and shape
- Easy to maintain and durable
Disadvantages:
- Expensive
- Chance to interact with chemicals and petroleum derivatives
Aluminum foil
Advantages:
- Light, air and moisture resistant
- Stable at high and low temperature
- Non-toxic & odorless
Disadvantages
- Easily dented and scratched
- Comparatively expensive
PVC Foil
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
- Light weight
- Ease of thermoforming
- Air proof
Disadvantages:
- Poor heat stabile
- Poor barrier against moisture ingress
PVDC Foil
Advantages:
- Very good heat sealing capacity
- Higher moisture barrier
- Higher oxygen barrier
Disadvantages:
- Expensive compare to PVC foil
