The market for cartonboard packaging is growing disproportionately in the healthcare sector. Metsä Board, one of the leading manufacturers of folding boxboard and white liner made from virgin fibres in Europe, has analysed the trends and has a versatile special range ready for future developments.
Today, ten per cent of all folding boxboard production is already used for the manufacture of packaging in the pharmaceutical sector. And demand is growing disproportionately compared to other sectors: according to Smithers Pira, the annual increase in demand will be six per cent by 2022, while consumption across all sectors will only increase by four per cent.
Developments in the healthcare market
The reasons for this growth lie in the special advantages and properties of cartonboard as well as in some specific developments in the healthcare market:
Cardboard is ideal for Tamper-proof packaging. It is an ideal carrier material for attaching information in Braille as well as the security features barcode and ATD (anti-tampering device), which will be required by the EU directives against counterfeit medicines from 2019. In addition, it is also possible to Child-resistant packaging out of cardboard.
Cardboard is particularly suitable for Packaging suitable for senior citizensn, which are increasingly in demand as a result of demographic change. They can be used to produce folding cartons that provide reliable product recognition and information through colouring and printing with infographics. Innovative carton folding technology can make handling convenient and particularly senior-friendly.
The sustainability of cartonboard strengthens brand confidence and fulfils consumers' demand for ethically sound packaging made of renewable, biodegradable raw materials. What's more, cardboard packaging is particularly economical and saves on materials.
Cardboard can communicate different styles of therapy and help to differentiate between conventional and alternative medical preparations through its materiality and appearance alone. As a natural material, it is also highly accepted in naturopathy and Ayurveda.
Cartonboard qualities for trendy pharmaceutical packaging
The Metsä Board programme offers optimal conditions. The virgin fibre cartons are natural, pure and puristic in appearance. They are ideal for sensitive products. The white, smooth surfaces can be printed, die-cut, embossed and equipped with anti-counterfeiting and tamper-evident labels in a variety of ways. Special lightweight grades reduce material consumption and costs. All cardboard grades have excellent printing properties.
Focus on customer service
Metsä Board complements this pharma-grade product range with a comprehensive customer service that ensures that every packaging solution perfectly fulfils all performance requirements in terms of material, design, cost and sustainability. Technical service and creative teams actively develop new solutions, concepts and materials for customers. With this expert support, even existing packaging strategies can be improved. The international team is familiar with trends and consumer demands all over the world and finds the right solution for every market.
