INTERPHEX Features Packaging Innovations

Many exhibitors at INTERPHEX, held Mar. 18-20, 2014, at the Javits Center in New York, plan to showcase packaging innovations.

Anticounterfeiting. INTERPHEX marks the North American debut of the SecuMed labeling system from Schreiner MediPharm. This diverse portfolio of overt, covert, and machine-readable security technologies provides multiple levels of protection against counterfeiting. Overt options include complex holograms with custom artwork, two- and three-dimensional effects, dynamic structures, and micro/nano text; ShiftSecure color-shifting ink; and thermo-reactive print, which changes colors at a certain temperature. Covert features include combinations of luminescence and digital watermark, which are visible under ultraviolet light. Invisible, machine-readable LaserSecure and Laser HighSecure security pigments can be integrated into any graphic element. For more stringent requirements, the two-step DNA-Secure with red luminescence authenticates product using a handheld reader and DNA laboratory analysis. KeySecure encrypts data in human-readable text, barcode, or DataMatrix code for authentication by phone or internet. A plug-and-play system expedites implementation and simplifies integration with information technology.

Outsert and insert labels. A 266-Panel Outsert from Platinum Press offers an expanded number of panels to provide more space for product information and instructions and eliminate the need for piggybacked outserts or “twinserts.” Despite the number of panels, the 266-Fold Outsert measures about 20% thinner than traditional outserts. Easier to handle both manually and mechanically, the more compact printed piece increases production speeds while reducing production, storage, and shipping costs. Platinum Press also plans to show a carton with integrated insert. A window on the carton makes the insert visible for quality assurance inspection. Merging two packaging components increases line speeds and cuts costs.

Compliance packaging. Compliance-prompting packaging will be displayed by several members of the Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council (HCPC): Aphena Pharma Solutions Inc., Constantia Flexibles, Howell Packaging, IMA Life North America Inc., Platinum Press, Pharma Packaging Solutions, Uhlmann Packaging Systems, and Winpak Heat Seal Packaging Inc. HCPC executive director, Walt Berghahn, will give a presentation at INTERPHEX, “Improve Patient Adherence with Compliance-Prompting Packaging.” Berghahn will provide data showing improved patient adherence with compliance-prompting packaging, offer an overview of successful pharmaceutical compliance-prompting packaging, and discuss trends in smart adherence packaging.

Filling equipment. The 2060 Unipac Tube Filling System from Romaco North America is a high-speed, modular machine, equipped with a 12-station turret, which handles aluminum and polyethylene laminate tubes as well as various closure shapes. The unit features an easy-to-replace upper head, quick size-changeover, and a lightweight, easy-to-disassemble dosing pump. A high-capacity, ergonomic tube loader requires no changeover and is easily accessible at the side of the machine. Options include a servo-driven dosing pump and diving nozzle.

Filamatic plans to display its economically priced Econofil System and its versatile AdaptaFil Benchtop Filler. Capable of filling with accuracy of at least 0.5%, the two-head, piston-pump-equipped Econofil System reaches speeds of 60 containers per minute. If desired, the piston pump may be replaced with a peristaltic pump. The semiautomatic AdaptaFil Benchtop Filler is equipped with a touch-screen operator interface and accommodates a piston, peristaltic, gear, or lobe pump on the same base. With the multiple pump options, the unit can fill a range of products, volumes (milliliters to gallons) and viscosities (aqueous to viscous).

Aggregation system. Domino Amjet will show one of its print/apply labelers integrated with Omega Design’s Intelli-Pac Manual Case Aggregation System for serialized cartons or bottles. Featuring an ergonomic design and stainless-steel construction, the machine handles loose or bundled bottles and cartons and is configurable for manual or semiautomatic operation. The system also allows seamless integration to layer-aggregation technology, case-label printer, operator touch-screen, data-management system, case-loading table, and handheld scanner. Other capabilities include unit-to-bundle data syncing, case-to-pallet data syncing, and case-forming and -taping capabilities.

Packaging quality control. The web-based Proofware suite from Global Vision consists of tools to inspect text, artwork, spelling, Braille, and barcodes. The Proofware suite also enables e-signature, annotation, call-outs, stamps, measurement, and color inspection. Deployed on an on-premise server or private cloud server, the web-based system offers instant access to everyone involved in the development and use of brand copy and artwork. As a result, it enhances the level of collaboration among teams within and outside a brand owner’s organization. Other features include report management tools, the ability to run multiple inspections with the same set of files, and easy integration with artwork, document, and product lifecycle-management systems.

—Hallie Forcinio is Pharmaceutical Technology's packaging editor, editorhal@cs.com.