Smart and Intelligent Packaging
Smart Packaging Product Overview
Smart and Intelligent Packaging
Smart and intelligent pharmaceutical packaging refers to the integration of advanced packaging technologies to enhance the safety, efficacy and convenience of pharmaceutical products. Various technologies can create such packaging, including radio frequency identification (RFID) chip labels, near field communication (NFC), temperature-indicating inks, battery-free Bluetooth, printed invisible watermarks and printed brand security features.
RFID and NFC are wireless communication technologies that allow for the tracking and monitoring of pharmaceutical products throughout the supply chain. By embedding these technologies in packaging materials or labels, it is possible to monitor:
- Location
- Temperature
- Other environmental conditions of the product during transport and storage
This can help ensure that the product is kept in optimal conditions and can also help prevent the entry of counterfeit or fraudulent products into the market.
RFID Tag Labels
RFID chip labels and tags contain a unique identifier or data stored on an integrated circuit. When activated by an RFID reader’s electromagnetic field, the chip within the label or tag generates radio waves that transmit the stored data to the reader.
NFC Labels
An NFC label sends radio waves to activate the antenna in a receiving device — NFC-enabled devices such as smartphones or tablets. Most modern smartphones and tablets have NFC capabilities, which allow users to read and write data to NFC tags. An NFC label contains an embedded NFC tag, a small microchip that stores data and communicates with NFC-enabled devices. The tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna that enables wireless communication.
Temperature-Indicating Inks
Temperature-indicating inks are another technology that can be used in pharmaceutical packaging. These inks change color in response to temperature changes, providing a visual indication of whether the product has been exposed to temperatures outside of the recommended range. This can help prevent the use of compromised products and improve patient safety.
Battery-Free Bluetooth Technology
Battery-free Bluetooth technology is a new innovation that can be used to create smart pharmaceutical packaging. This technology uses energy harvested from the surrounding environment to power small wireless sensors embedded in packaging materials or labels. These sensors can be used to monitor the temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions of the product and can transmit this information to a smartphone or other mobile device.
Printed Invisible Watermarks
Printed invisible watermarks are another technology that can enhance the security and authenticity of pharmaceutical packaging. These watermarks are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected using specialized equipment, making them difficult to replicate or counterfeit.
Printed Brand Security Features
Finally, printed brand security features such as holograms, microtext and other unique identifiers can be used to prevent counterfeit products from entering the market. These features can be incorporated into the packaging design or printed directly onto the product label.
Get Intelligent Packaging From CCL Healthcare
Smart and intelligent pharmaceutical packaging can revolutionize how pharmaceutical products are packaged, distributed and consumed. These technologies can help ensure that products are stored and transported under optimal conditions, prevent counterfeit and fraudulent products from entering the market and provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Contact CCL Healthcare to find out more.
