Pharmaceutical

Hot Melt Systems in Pharmaceutical Packaging

The need for tamper-evident packaging

Tamper-evident packaging is essential for the pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, it is important to verify the authenticity of individual packaging and provide evidence of tampering. The Anti-Counterfeiting Directive for the pharmaceutical industry only allows pharmaceuticals for trade that are subject to verification with at least two safety features. Only after positive identification may pharmacies deliver the products to customers.

Tamper-proof packaging can be achieved by special gluing of folding boxes or flaps. Nordson adhesive melters and applicators provide reliable tamper-evidence, which is crucial for maintaining the authenticity and security of pharmaceutical products.

Clear Indicators of Tampering

Hot melt adhesives can be designed to break or change appearance if tampered with, providing a clear visual indication of interference. This is crucial for end-users to quickly identify compromised products.

Customization

Manufacturers can tailor hot melt systems to specific requirements, including the level of adhesion, melting point, and appearance, to suit different packaging designs and materials. Due to the small dimensions and high production speeds, pharmaceutical packaging places special demands on adhesive application systems, especially on applicators. The production quantities require high cycle rates and very short order intervals, which standard heads of old technology often cannot achieve. In addition, their service life of 20 to 50 million cycles is too short in view of the enormous output and is only about two to four months in industrial production. Furthermore, adhesive-related soiling of the folding boxes, e.g. due to thread tension, must be avoided at all costs.

Solutions for tamper-proof applications

Three different solution approaches have emerged for the adhesive application systems as technically feasible and suitable tamper evidence concepts: the application of non-reactive standard hotmelt based on EVA, the combined, parallel hot and cold-glue application or the use of reactive PUR hot melt adhesive. But cost comparison of the three approaches shows that the version with standard hotmelt is more cost-effective than the two-shot procedure and the processing of PUR hotmelt, so that the classic hotmelt system is the best choice in terms of investment costs for the necessary hardware and maintenance.

To learn more – please download our case study.

Download Case Study

Every day. Everywhere.

Nordson provides unmatched service and support for our customers and OEM partners. With local and direct offices around the globe, we are always nearby to help. Our expert technicians help keep your packaging equipment in peak operating condition. Services include new product installation, set-up and training, on-site equipment health-checks, preventative cleaning, and preventative maintenance.

Want to know more about our Aftermarket Service? Learn More