Adapting to new trends By Emma Verkaik, Membership & Marketing Director of the BCMPA
Outsourcing partners are delivering for the latest pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging demands. he requirement from brand owners and retailers alike for innovation, security and sustainability in packaging from the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector has always been strong, but recent changes in enduser demands and the impact of the COVID pandemic have accelerated this push across the industry.
“With the growth in demand for home delivery, especially in the sectors of vitamins and food supplements, we’re focusing on expanding our capacity for the production of protective, single dose sachets and blister packs, as well as developing alternative formulations such as powders, to meet our clients’ requirements for convenient and postable products.”
Changing retail The exponential increase in home delivery, exacerbated by the closure of high street outlets, lockdowns and the increase in numbers working from home, has been sector wide. This has led to strong demand from retailers for a rapid recalibration from BCMPA members in how to satisfy their exact requirements, including products like sachet/ single dose packaging, and the development of letterbox-friendly packaging solutions, to provide lightweight, economical, and easily distributable products at scale. Clare Campbell, Managing Director of Vitrition, comments,
Supply chain resilience The urgent need for the production and despatch of millions of COVID test kits further added to the workload of contract manufacturers, packers and third-party fulfilment, with increased demand placing strain on packaging, raw materials and in-house labour. Additionally, several members have engaged in discussions with clients in respect of longer term forecasted volume requirements, to facilitate contingency planning. The establishment of contingent stock holding and alternative supply chain partners has been key for members in maintaining
Like us, many firms in our industry are now following a ‘dual sourcing’ approach, with back-up suppliers throughout their supply chain. production and delivery targets, and the recent Brexit departure has led to many sourcing UKbased supply options wherever possible. “Like us, many firms in our industry are now following a ‘dual sourcing’ approach, with back-up suppliers throughout their supply chain,” confirms Gareth Lewis, Managing Director of PharmaPac. “This is especially important with high value, long lead time products and packaging items.” Innovation and accountability The process of innovation in packaging is complex, as it must address several disparate areas of development, from convenience, economy and efficacy to security,
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