| Originally developed in Japan as a convenient way to deliver controlled portions of coffee and sugar, stick packs are increasingly finding favour in the pharmaceutical sector. Holger Botsch of Sigpack Systems explains what this convenient and cost effective form of packaging has to offer
Stick packs containing sugar, coffee or condiments are a familiar sight in restaurants. However, they are increasingly found in the pharmaceutical industry for the same reasons that made them popular for foodstuffs, namely: precise dosages of contents; convenience (they’re easy to open and familiar to users); no wastage of product; consume minimal material in the wrapping; and are compact for secondary packaging (cartoning).
That these benefits also apply to pharmaceutical delivery explains the remarkable growth of the pack style in the sector. Indeed, it is claimed in some reports that the annual growth rate for sticks in pharmaceuticals is currently in excess of 30 per cent. While they are clearly convenient for users, there are also substantial benefits for pharmaceutical manufacturers and packers.
VERSATILE PACKAGING
One of the most significant benefits is versatility. Stick packs can be manufactured from almost any type of heat-sealable material, and can be produced with either a fin seal or an overlapping longitudinal seam. By choosing appropriate materials, the packs can be made impermeable and completely leak proof, two vital concerns in pharmaceutical applications. They are also inherently tamper-evident and can be very easily printed on to deliver patient information, expiry dates, batch data and so forth. |
