Self-adhesive labels in the pharmaceutical sector
Containing a multitude of information, adaptation to high-speed packaging lines, resistance to temperature changes and sterilisation are just some of the challenges that self-adhesive labels used in the pharmaceutical industry have to meet. A prime example illustrating the specific nature of the industry includes labels on packaging used by research companies. Due to the requirement for resistance to low temperatures of both the surface layer of the label and the adhesive used, labels designed for the so-called deep freezing are most commonly used in this case. Moreover, it is worth noting that in the pharmaceutical industry, packaging manufacturers often use peel-off labels, thanks to which they obtain additional space to include necessary information.
Choosing the right label material
Currently, suppliers of label materials offer solutions that are flexible, adhere to substrates and can withstand harsh conditions. When considering the choice of material, it is important to bear in mind that there is a risk of the edges peeling off when a label is applied to a small surface or an unusual shape. That is why it is important for the material not to be too rigid, but to have the right level of flexibility. This mainly applies to containers with a diameter of less than 23 millimetres.
When choosing the right raw material, it is also extremely important to pay attention to the degree of migration, i.e. the release of harmful chemical compounds to the inside of the packaging. Therefore, when deciding on a particular label material, it is important to consider whether it has been tested for use in the pharmaceutical industry.
Safety labels in the pharmaceutical industry
Directive 2011/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, as regards the prevention of the entry into the legal supply chain of falsified medicinal products introduced an obligation to include safety features on the packaging of medicinal products to prevent their falsification. This is why labels used in the pharmaceutical industry, apart from their primary informational function, often also have a protective function – an intact label guarantees that the contents of the packaging are authentic. It is important to take all possible precautions when designing labels or packaging for medicinal products. In addition to these safety labels, pharmaceutical manufacturers also put a unique identifier on the product packaging. The guidelines concerning the said identifier are discussed, inter alia, in the guide on the “verification of authenticity of medicinal products – requirements and explanations” prepared and published in May 2021 by the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate, which states that “the sticker, upon an attempt to remove it, should leave a trace of such action and it should not be possible to remove it without damaging the packaging or the sticker itself or leaving visible traces”. Among the solutions most commonly used to ensure safety and to include a unique identifier are self-adhesive labels with a strong adhesive, destructible labels and VOID labels.
Labels for the pharmaceutical industry – check out our offer
Aniflex, a manufacturer of self-adhesive labels, has been successfully printing labels for companies in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. With our many years of experience, we are able to give advice and suggest what solution will best suit the needs of Customers. Our self-adhesive labels will distinguish your product not only because of their manufacturing quality, but also thanks to the possibility of printing in both digital and flexographic printing technology. Your order will be cost-optimised.
Feel free to contact us for more information.
