Tips to Best Package Medical Products
When so much time is spent developing a new medical device or other type of medical product, finding the right packaging for it often gets put on the back burner. But the sooner you start thinking about product packaging, the better. There have been many cases of product launches being delayed because of difficulties involving product packaging.
Finding the right kind of product packaging takes a lot of careful planning and that’s particularly true when it comes to medical products. Not to mention all the testing involved! There is a wide range of medical devices and other medical products on the market and each of them has their own unique packaging needs. Regardless of which type of medical product you’re offering, we have some tips to help you find packaging that works for you.
Research the Regulations
Before you get too far into thinking about the appearance of a package, take some time to research any regulations that apply to packaging for your product. You may have FDA regulations for packaging and labeling you need to meet and if your product is being distributed internationally, other countries may have different requirements to comply with.
Needs of the Product
Product packaging plays an important role in making sure your product is protected during transportation and storage. But for packaging to do its job, it needs to work well with the specific needs of your product, so ask yourself about the basic needs of your product. Is the packaging strong enough to support the weight of the product? Would your product benefit from resealable packaging? Does it have any sharp edges that would require puncture-resistant packaging?
Packaging Size
Improper sizing is one of the most common problems people encounter with packaging for medical products. Packaging that’s too large gives the product room to move around and get damaged during transport, but packaging that’s too small can cause problems as well. Issues with packaging size can also lead to sterilization being compromised, so it’s best to work with a professional packaging specialist to find packaging that will keep your product safe.
Shelf Life & Storage
Medical products don’t always get used right away. There may be a pretty lengthy gap of time between a product being ordered and the time it reaches a patient — and that doesn’t even factor in the amount of time between a product being packaged and the time it reaches the distributor. Because of this, it’s important to make sure your packaging will be able to protect your product for an appropriate amount of time. Before you choose your packaging, try to get an idea of how much time you expect to pass between the time your product is packaged and the time it reaches users.
Usage Environment
The type of environment you expect your product to be used in can also have an influence which kind of packaging would be best for you. For example, is your product likely to be used in high-stress places like ambulances or emergency rooms? Since every second counts in those environments, easy-open packaging is essential. But if you’re offering a product that will be available to consumers, then something like childproof packaging may be something you need to consider.
For more help with packaging for medical products, Litpac is here to help. We can work with you to create a custom packaging solution that meets the needs of your product. Contact us today to get started.
