China's packaging industry has historically lagged behind global standards, especially in the field of pharmaceutical packaging. Despite growing awareness, there are still numerous challenges that need to be addressed. Understanding these issues can help improve the overall quality and competitiveness of China's packaging market.
Many pharmaceutical companies in China still rely on traditional paper-based packaging, which is prone to moisture and contamination. In contrast, advanced heat-shrinkable film packaging is widely used internationally. This type of packaging offers high strength, excellent transparency, and good protection against moisture and dust, while also being cost-effective. For example, when packaging 10 or 20 bottles of medicine, the cost per unit for heat-shrinkable film is between 0.03 and 0.07 yuan, compared to 0.5 to 2 yuan for cardboard boxes. Although many domestically produced tablets and capsules come in bottle-shaped containers that offer some protection from light, moisture, and oxidation, their technological content remains low.
For specialized medicines, blister packs made from PVC hard sheets or PVC/PE composite materials are commonly used. These provide effective protection against degradation and mold, helping to extend the shelf life of medicines. However, in the case of glass packaging, Chinese manufacturers still use lower-grade materials. Internationally, pharmaceutical-grade A-grade glass is widely used due to its superior physical stability and ability to protect the chemical integrity of medicines. The break edges of A-grade glass are smooth with no micro-cracks, making it safer and more reliable. While joint ventures and large state-owned enterprises have started using A-grade materials, most companies still opt for B-grade glass, creating a gap in quality.
Looking ahead, the international pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to undergo significant changes. Container packaging is likely to shift toward cardboard boxes and blister packs, while the use of bottle caps and closures may decrease. Labels and printed leaflets will become even more important in the future. Additionally, more drugs may be sold through drug delivery systems such as nasal sprays or needle-free injections, reducing the reliance on traditional injection forms. Although this doesn't increase the number of containers used, it could drive growth in market share due to added value.
Cardboard box usage might decline if the industry fails to innovate further. Meanwhile, advancements in printing technology are enhancing the visual appeal of packaging, which helps in brand recognition and product identification. More importantly, these innovations are playing a key role in anti-counterfeiting efforts. Technologies like near-infrared fluorescent coding, temperature-sensitive inks, self-destructive smart inks, photo-sensitive inks, and UV aniline inks are already being explored. However, despite some progress, China still lags behind in implementing these advanced solutions.
In summary, while the packaging design sector in China is not yet fully mature, continuous attention and investment can lead to rapid improvements. By addressing current shortcomings and adopting new technologies, the industry can enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ultimately boosting its global competitiveness.
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