Reducing packaging waste and CO2 footprint: SCHOTT Pharma introduces blister-free syringe concept
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Mainz, Germany
- Together with its Alliance to Zero partners Schreiner MediPharm and Körber Pharma, SCHOTT Pharma has developed a new packaging concept for prefilled syringes that reduces plastic and packaging waste.
- The new secondary packaging transforms the pharmaceutical value chain from facilitating production processes to simplifying drug administrations in hospitals.
- A first case study, focused on prefillable polymer syringes for hospital use, demonstrated a 25% increase in pallet packing density and up to a 58% reduction in CO2 footprint across the value chain.
As part of the Alliance to Zero goal to facilitate the pharmaceutical industry's transition to net-zero emissions, SCHOTT Pharma, a pioneer in drug containment solutions and delivery systems, has teamed up with Schreiner MediPharm, a leading expert in functional label solutions, and Körber Pharma, a global pharmaceutical technology expert, to develop a groundbreaking blister-free syringe concept. Traditionally, blister packs are used to ensure the integrity and protection of prefilled syringes en route to the patient, as well as to provide a first-opening indicator. This new system combines a syringe, cap, functional label and a carton to cover the blister functionality. In addition to replacing single-use polymer packaging, it simplifies the entire value chain, including significant benefits for transportation efficiency and environmental impact. "Innovation and sustainability are at the core of SCHOTT Pharma's mission. This innovative blister-free syringe concept is proof of how we integrate sustainable practices into our products and solutions for our customers," said Andreas Reisse, CEO of SCHOTT Pharma.
The newly developed secondary packaging concept for prefilled syringes represents a significant step forward in sustainable secondary packaging. The folded carton, which is made entirely of 100% cardboard mono material, ensures that the prefilled syringes are protected against mechanical impacts and dust just as reliably as its polymer predecessor. It also maintains the visibility of labels and expiration dates, ensuring that the syringes are easily accessible and identifiable. At the same time, the combination of syringe, cap and label provides tamper evidence. This feature eliminates unnecessary syringe waste as the tamper evidence accounts for each individual syringe, not for the entire blister pack.
Positive results from first case study
A case study conducted by the three companies focused on blister-free prefillable polymer syringes for hospital use found major advances for healthcare workers and the whole supply chain.
The new system simplifies the usage for nurses and doctors, as it is much easier to open than traditional blister packaging. In addition, it is easier to dispose of. Using only cardboard material means fewer waste streams and a simpler recycling process. It also takes up less space in the bin as it is not as rigid and bulky as blister – a big bonus as space is an important factor in the hospital ward.
For the supply chain, one of the outstanding features of this new packaging concept is its optimization for packaging density. The new packaging concept supports a 25% increase in packaging density. Hence, it reduces the number of trucks needed for transportation and the storage space required along the supply chain. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain by up to 58%, the optimization leads to a reduction in logistics costs.
Commitment to sustainability
All three companies involved in this project are members of the Alliance to Zero, an initiative aimed at making the pharmaceutical industry more sustainable. This collaboration underscores their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.
"This co-development is a great milestone for the Alliance to Zero, which proves the value of thinking in ecosystems: Together, we looked beyond the scope of our individual companies and came up with a pioneering solution," says Arne Kloke, Head of Service and Sustainability Management at SCHOTT Pharma and President of the Alliance to Zero.
"We are proud to be part of this joint initiative. Our expertise in highly functional labels and smart packaging solutions has been instrumental in developing a packaging concept that not only meets the highest standards of protection and usability but also significantly reduces the environmental impact," said Roland Schreiner, CEO of Schreiner Group.
"At Körber Pharma, we are dedicated to driving innovation that aligns with our sustainability goals. This collaboration with SCHOTT Pharma and Schreiner MediPharm exemplifies our commitment to creating eco-friendly solutions that do not compromise on quality or safety," said Marwin Krull, Körber Sustainability Lead BA Pharma and Vice President of the Alliance to Zero.
This blister-free syringe concept marks a significant milestone in the journey towards more sustainable pharmaceutical packaging, setting a new standard for the industry.
The blister-free syringe concept is one of the Alliance to Zero’s initiatives to help the pharma industry transition to net-zero emissions. Image: SCHOTT Pharma/Oana Szekely
The new secondary packaging for prefilled syringes transforms the pharmaceutical value chain from facilitating production processes to simplifying drug administrations in hospitals. Image: SCHOTT Pharma/Oana Szekely
About SCHOTT Pharma
Human health matters. That is why SCHOTT Pharma designs solutions grounded in science to ensure that medications are safe and easy to use for people around the world. The portfolio comprises drug containment solutions and delivery systems for injectable drugs ranging from prefillable glass and polymer syringes to cartridges, vials, and ampoules. Every day, a team of over 4,600 people from over 60 nations works at SCHOTT Pharma to contribute to global healthcare. The company is represented in all main pharmaceutical hubs with 16 manufacturing sites in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. With over 1,000 patents and technologies developed in-house and a state-of-the-art R&D center in Switzerland, the company is focused on developing innovations for the future. SCHOTT Pharma AG & Co. KGaA is headquartered in Mainz, Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as part of the MDAX. It is part of SCHOTT AG, which is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. In light of this spirit, SCHOTT Pharma is committed to sustainable development for society and the environment and has the strategic goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2030. Currently, SCHOTT Pharma has over 1,800 customers including the top 30 leading pharma manufacturers for injectable drugs and generated revenue of EUR 899 million in the fiscal year 2023. Further information at www.schott-pharma.com
Lea Kaiser
PR & Communications Manager
Research Gate