The preservation of medicines is a fundamental issue that closely touches the field of medicine, the pharmacist and of course, the users.
A correct preservation influences the drug fulfilling the function for which it was designed. And it is at this point where it is understood the extent of the importance of the materials the packaging containers for medicines are made of. An unsuitable material will not do its job well in preserving substances.
It is important to consider which material is the most appropriate, taking into account all the factors which we will explain below.
Historical evolution of drug preservation
If we think of an old pharmacy, the image of a man behind a counter comes to mind, as well as a large shelf full of containers. It is also easy to imagine him working with a measuring instrument, elaborating his formulas.
This happened in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it cannot be said that at that time a pharmaceutical industry existed. At least not as we understand it today.
Small companies that commercialized active principles began to emerge. But ultimately, the pharmacists were the ones in charge of making the medicines.
At that time, particular requests were attended to, which were manufactured by the person in charge of the pharmacy. In addition, this person was also in charge of supplying them, almost always in glass or crystal containers. But over time, some of these formulas became widespread and mass-produced and this was the first sign that drug marketing was going to undergo a major transformation.
The irruption of plastic in our lives
The 50s of the 20th century brought with them important changes and novelties. And one of those that have had the most influence in our lives is, without a doubt, plastic. Plastic brought great benefits to a flourishing pharmaceutical industry. And it is in this scenario when Triana was born.
Founded in 1962, its first establishment was located on Vèlia Street in Barcelona. Until then, laboratories soon came in search of better solutions for the packaging of their medicines, which were increasingly in demand.
Drug manufacturers needed a more efficient, safe and economical form of packaging. And plastic became the answer they were looking for.
The role of plastic packaging in the preservation of medicines
When we go to the pharmacy and buy a type of medication, we almost always receive it in a plastic container, whether it’s syrup, tablets or cream. The list of examples is huge, because the effectiveness of plastic in this task is more than proven.
There are several reasons why we can affirm that plastic is one of the best options for preserving medicines.
Advantages of each type of plastic
Each type of plastic has its own advantages. Malleability or flexibility, stiffness or strength, permeability, heat resistance, and chemistry are just a few. It is possible to form the perfect marriage between the packaged substance and the type of plastic. The ability to choose the most appropriate typology for a given drug is the first point in favour of this type of packaging, but there are many more.
Maximum adaptability
There are various types of plastics suitable for packaging medicines.
Low or high-density polyethylene (LDPE or HDPE), polypropylene or polystyrene, are some examples of the most used polymers.
It should be noted that this variety of materials is an advantage in itself, meaning that plastic medicine containers offer maximum adaptability. On the one hand, as explained in the previous point, the material of the container can be adapted to the packaged substance or to the function that the container itself will have. On the other, issues such as shape or size are also susceptible to adaptation.
Hygiene, resistance and safety
Plastic is a hygienic material that can be submitted to controls and treatments to preserve its sterility.
Its strength is another important factor, and additives can be added to its formulation to increase it. Plastic is unlikely to break, and so is the possibility of cuts, accidents, or drug contamination. Do not forget that its transparency and opacity can be altered, to regulate its resistance to light.
From Industrias Plásticas Triana, as specialists in the design and production of plastic containers, we put our experience at the service of the medical and pharmaceutical industries. We know that plastic is an element that allows us to innovate and find new solutions (see our dispenser for k!ek capsules).
We solve all the doubts you may have, and we will always adapt our work to your needs.
