Correspondence: Jürgen Munzel, Division Head Pharmaceutical Packaging Edelmann Group, Carl Edelmann GmbH & Co. KG, Paradiesstrae 20, Heidenheim 89522, Germany. Tel: 07321 340-206; Fax: 07321 340-244; e-mail: j.munzel@edelmann.de; Web: www.edelmann.de

¹is Division Head of Pharmaceutical Packaging of the Edelmann Group, one of Europe's leading folding carton manufacturers. At the same time, he is Managing Director of the Edelmann subsidiaries, Wesche Pharmaverpackung GmbH (Norderstedt/Germany) and Braun Pharmadruck Bitterfeld GmbH (Bitterfeld/Germany).

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the current requirements for pharmaceutical packaging and highlights the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry and packaging manufacturers. Taking the implementation of Braille for pharmaceutical packaging in Germany as an example, it is shown how packing manufacturers respond to changes in the legal environment. At the same time, the reader gains an overview of the latest developments in packaging technology, which today ensure that pharmaceutical products are child resistant as well as senior and consumer friendly, and are protected against counterfeiting. In response to increasing competitive pressure, the pharmaceutical industry has also discovered the significance of packaging as an important sales instrument. Consequently, apart from technical challenges, packaging design expectations are increasing as well. The author demonstrates the possibilities whereby usually rather plain factual pharmaceutical packaging can live up to modern sales and marketing guidelines thanks to appropriate finishing technologies.