Pharmaceutical Packaging Coding Solutions: Technologies, Codes, and Benefits

Pharmaceutical packaging leaves little room for unclear identification, since pharmaceutical packaging coding solutions need to print variable information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, identifiers and machine-readable codes while supporting traceability.

From our field experience, reliable coding also depends on the packaging surface, marking method, line movement, and required code quality. Let’s explore the details here!

What Are Pharmaceutical Packaging Coding Solutions?

Simply put, these coding systems apply variable data to pharmaceutical products, primary packs (such as pharmaceuticals), secondary packaging, labels, and shipping cases.

They can print text, linear barcodes, 2D DataMatrix codes, graphics, or serialized identifiers for production and distribution teams to identify products and maintain traceability.

What Codes Need to Be Printed on Pharmaceutical Packaging?

Needs may vary depending on product, market, and regulation. Common codes include batch or lot numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, product codes, serial numbers, barcodes, and 2D DataMatrix codes.

Under the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), package-level identification and electronic tracing are mandatory for certain prescription drugs. The code must be written in English and always connected to the production data.

Batch numbers help trace the manufacturing process, expiry dates help control stock and serialized numbers can help trading partners identify and verify drugs and look for suspicious medicines.

Printer Technologies for Printing Codes on Pharmaceutical Packaging

The selection of pharmaceutical packaging coding solutions starts with matching technology to substrate and line conditions. Bottles, vials, cartons, labels, and blister materials may need different approaches, and sample testing is important. Here are your options:

• Continuous Inkjet for Bottles, Vials, and Pharmaceutical Packaging

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) is a non-contact technique for fast lines and different surfaces. It is widely used for bottles, glass vials, coated cartons, and labels, and inks for different adhesion and contrast needs are available.

• Thermal Inkjet for Cartons and Secondary Packaging

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) provides high-resolution non-contact printing for cartons, labels, and cases. It works well for crisp DataMatrix codes, barcodes, and compact variable information.

• Laser Coding for Permanent Codes on Pharmaceutical Packaging

Laser systems produce permanent marks through a focused beam that is directed onto the surface. They do not need many consumables, and the quality of the code depends on the material response and contrast.

This table summarizes the practical differences between these technologies for your pharmaceutical packaging coding solutions:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coding Printer for Pharmaceutical Packaging

Before selecting pharmaceutical packaging coding solutions, we suggest making a good decision on the application and not just the configuration of the printer.

It’s because many factors below like real packaging, actual line speed, code layout, and downstream scanning should all be considered:

• Packaging Material and Shape

Check if the surface is glass, plastic, coated board, paper, foil, or label stock, and if it is flat, curved, or difficult to stabilize.

• Type of Code and Information to Be Printed

Code size, content, and verification needs first. Simple text and dense DataMatrix codes provide different resolution and data requirements.

• Production Line Speed

The printer should maintain code quality at normal operating speed, including when indexing, acceleration or multi-lane production takes place.

• Code Readability and Contrast Requirements

Contrast, print distance, product movement, mounting stability and substrate colour influence human readability and scanner performance.

• Code Resistance to Friction and Environmental Conditions

Take abrasion, moisture, sterilization, temperature change and distribution into account. The final code should be checked against expected post-print conditions.

• Hygiene and Production Environment Requirements

Coding equipment must be able to perform cleaning, maintenance, documentation, validation and line-integration procedures without any additional operational risk.

Benefits of Pharmaceutical Packaging Coding Solutions for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

At least for manufacturers the effective pharmaceutical coding has several key advantages below:

• Traceability: Connects individual packs with production records and enables verification checks.
• Investigation speed: Quick response when suspect or non-compliant products are identified.
• Accuracy and consistency: Fewer labeling errors and good quality production on high volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can one coding technology be used for every pharmaceutical package?

Not always. The best choice depends on substrate, package geometry, required code, production speed and environmental conditions.

• Why are 2D codes important in pharmaceutical packaging?

They carry small machine-readable identification data and allow the package-level traceability and verification to be run in a very easy manner.

• Should manufacturers test codes before installation?

Yes. In our experience at Markcom Global, testing the real packaging at realistic production speed is essential to confirm adhesion, contrast, placement and scanner readability for routine production.

So, for pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to make the coding process more traceable, more consistent and more reliable, and the code can be kept from production to distribution, here’s our takeaway:

Effective pharmaceutical packaging coding solutions should combine many factors, including suitable printing technology, stable line integration, readable codes, compatible materials, and reliable production controls.

Read About: Industrial Inkjet Printer for Flexible Packaging Explained