INSPECTION, CODING & MARKING
The future of pharma packaging
Serialised coding is an excellent anti-counterfeiting measure. Serialisation is now a legal requirement for pharmaceutical products, in many countries around the world.
W
ith serialisation, each product or component is assigned a unique serial number or code,
making it possible to trace items as they move through the supply chain to the end user. These unique identifiers are printed using coding or marking equipment. The ability to track and trace each product and component throughout the supply chain – from origin to expiration –
With unique identifiers or seriliased codes on pharmaceutical packaging, all stakeholders in the supply chain can locate a product at any given point
makes it more difficult for counterfeiters to infiltrate the chain and pass off their products as authentic. Improved visibility is another reason why manufacturers implement serialisation. All stakeholders in the supply chain can locate a product or raw material at any given point.
THE BENEFITS OF FIX-A-FORM BOOKLET LABELS
Serialisation also helps to manage recalls more efficiently. It makes it much easier to locate and retract products, so fewer untainted products are recalled because batches are quickly identifiable.
Fix-a-Form labels are ideal for the 2D barcodes needed for serialisation How it works is the codes are generated randomly or sequentially. Once the codes have been purchased,
on packaging. Fix-a-Form informational booklet labels from Pyrotec PackMedia offer significant healthcare applications. They extend the space available for product descriptions
purchases
and user guidelines, safety messages
• information can be reproduced in multiple
and contraindications, dosage
languages, extending the reach of on-pack
instructions, medical device instructions
communication
and patient information leaflets. As an
• space to include 2D barcodes and other legislated information • elimination of separate packaging, leaflets or labels for wide product ranges
anti-counterfeiting measure, Fix-a-Form labels are ideal for the 2D barcodes needed for serialisation. Affixing to almost any package
• minimised packaging waste
surface, Fix-a-Form booklet labels offer
• labels are supplied on-reel for automatic
an innovative and space-efficient way
application using standard labelling
to communicate detailed product
machinery, resulting in uninterrupted
information as well as include legislated
production lines.
information without compromising on shelf appeal. They are available in a virtually unlimited range of shapes and
shipping case. The labels are scanned on the packaging line to determine where the unit must be packed.
| FEBRUARY 2019 | P C Review
label, or within the space provided
encourage correct product use and repeat
the labels of each saleable unit and
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information does not fit on a standard
benefits for pharmaceutical and • clear, legible on-pack guidelines that
manufacturers print a 2D barcode onto
Some pharma manufacturers include codes to product packaging to aid compliance. When scanned with a smartphone, the QR code directs the patient to a website demonstrating how to use the product, such as an inhaler
healthcare product labelling, often this
Fix the challenge One of the challenges of serialisation is label redesign to allow space for the new 2D barcode. While legislation demands increasingly detailed information to be contained on pharmaceutical and
sizes, which can be tailored to meet packaging requirements. When fully implemented, serialisation will reduce theft and counterfeiting by increasing transparency and visibility throughout the supply chain. It will also increase the speed and reduce the cost of product recalls. •
Pyrotec PackMedia – www.packmedia.co.za
