How important is packaging in the medtech sector?

The organisers acknowledge the importance packaging has to play in the medtech sector at this year’s Med-Tech Innovation Expo.

Packaging is a key part of the medtech supply chain. For 2019, the UK’s only dedicated conference and expo will include more content for the packaging sector than ever before.

Developing simulation to tackle real-time packaging issues

Sean Egan, director of global marketing at Nelipak Healthcare Packaging

This presentation will cover the development of simulation for thermoformed custom packaging, design, product integrity testing, predicted behaviour and performance, and first prototype samples. The session will also examine how simulation can provide data on material thickness during forming and how it can impact drop testing and reduce material gauge towards more sustainable solutions.

In a recent article for Med-Tech Innovation, Sean Egan, Nelipak explained: “Involving a packaging partner at the earliest stages of product development can allow for the creation of innovative packaging that is both fit-for-purpose and as sustainable as possible.”

Stent package integrity: Regulatory shifts and the technological drivers

Donal Harrington, director of life sciences at Anglo Production Process (APP)

The discussion will encompass package integrity testing, USP 1207, and regulatory shifts to come. Taking the right approach to establish package quality testing protocols and implementing the proper test method is necessary to reduce patient or consumer risk by delivering high-quality, defect-free packaging.

Using simulation to validate performance of drug delivery systems

Christopher Smith, principal engineer at Wilde Analysis

This session will present a holistic approach to simulation of an injection-moulded drug-delivery system. The presentation will demonstrate the importance of considering manufacturing processes when validating in-service performance and how simulation tools can be used to inform the design process.

On the show floor, professionals from all areas of the medical device supply chain will demonstrate their newest and most exciting solutions for ambitious technology users. Highlighted below are just some of the packaging exhibitors this year:

Nelipak, a global leader in Healthcare Thermoformed Packaging with world class reputation for quality and service will be on stand F3. Nelipak provides custom-designed plastic packaging to the medical device and pharmaceutical markets, which protects their products to the point of use.

Oliver Healthcare Packaging is a leading supplier of pouches, lidding, roll stock, and mounting cards for the global healthcare industry and will be on stand D7. Their packaging protects medical devices and pharmaceutical products throughout the sterilization, shipment and storage processes.

New for 2019: Oliver Healthcare Packaging announced the acquisition of CleanCut Technologies, a medical packager based in USA. Mike Benevento, Oliver’s CEO, said: “This partnership allows us to maintain our exclusive focus in healthcare while increasing our reach in an industry we know and love.”

Bemis Healthcare Packaging will be on stand G29. They provide high-quality, engineered packaging solutions tailored for the protection of cutting-edge medical devices, sensitive drugs and sophisticated diagnostic systems. Specialising in the manufacture of co-extruded, laminated and flexible films, foil barrier laminations, pouches, bags, thermoformed trays, lids, labels heat seal coated DuPont Tyvek and medical grades of paper.

MPH will be on stand F10 and are suppliers and manufacturers of printed flexible packaging and labels, including sachets, pouches, flow wrap, top and base web constructions for the Pharmaceutical, Medical and Healthcare sectors. Innovators in ‘Reductive Laminates’ and Anti-Bacterial Coating Technologies.

Riverside are specialists in complex medical device manufacture, medical packaging solutions and contract fulfilment and will be exhibiting on stand F3. Riverside Medical Packaging are a leading supplier of packaging machines and complete packaging line solutions.

With over 40 years' experience across the UK and Ireland, IPP (formerly APP) is a technical distributor of manufacturing equipment to the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, specialising in packaging equipment, packaging inspection and testing equipment, automation and manufacturing equipment, and serialisation equipment. They can be found on stand D3.