The pharmaceutical packaging market is on a trajectory to reach $149 billion by 2028, driven by the increasing demand for secure and effective drug delivery systems, according to Grand View Research. Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the stability and integrity of pharmaceutical products, ensuring patient safety, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements. It’s well known that innovative packaging solutions, particularly those designed with child safety in mind, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental ingestion and enhance overall medication safety, undersoring their vital role in healthcare.
Recognising these critical needs, Netherlands-based Ecobliss Packaging Group has been at the forefront of developing sustainable, child-resistant packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. Since its inception, Ecobliss has combined environmental responsibility with the highest standards of safety, ensuring that its packaging not only protects the products but also the patients who use them.
Prioritising sustainability
As global efforts to reduce carbon footprints intensify, Ecobliss is leading the way in producing eco-friendly packaging solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in both the pharmaceutical and retail sectors. The packaging provider has now sharpened its focus on pharmaceutical packaging, particularly for small batches used in clinical trials. The company specialises in easy-to-open, sustainable packaging, making this their core mission.
“Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Marc Linssen, Packaging Developer at Ecobliss. “We believe that packaging should not only fulfill its primary purpose but also contribute to a healthier planet. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring our products are both environmentally friendly and of the highest quality.”
To achieve this, Ecobliss tuned to Roland DG, a leader in advanced printing technology, to enhance the quality and visual appeal of their printed cardboard packaging. After a successful partnership with Roland DG, facilitated through leading Roland DG dealership partner’s Mac Maniac BV since 2014, Ecobliss recently upgraded to the Roland DG VersaOBJECT CO-640i Flatbed UV printer to further elevate their packaging solutions.
The VersaOBJECT CO-640i is equipped with ECO-UV5 inks, which are GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning they meet strict standards of low chemical emissions, making them ideal for consumer products, including those manufactured in the highly regulated pharmaceutical environment. This allows Ecobliss to produce vibrant, colour-accurate prints that adhere to the high standards of the pharmaceutical industry, all while maintaining the recyclability and biodegradability of its cardboard packaging materials.
Leveraging advanced printing technology
With the ability to print on substrates up to 242 mm in height and handle irregular surfaces, this UV-LED flatbed printer is ideal for creating customised packaging solutions that are both visually appealing and highly functional. Additionally, the printer supports a wide range of flexible and rigid substrates, ensuring versatility in packaging design.
Marc adds: “The CO-640i’s capability to print directly onto irregular or curved surfaces with high accuracy means we can offer more innovative and unique packaging solutions to our clients.”
Additionally, the CO-640i includes a comprehensive Texture Library, which provides a variety of exciting printable textures. This feature enables Ecobliss to add extra expression and tactile elements to their packaging, further enhancing the patient-friendly accessibility features of the packaging and differentiating their products in a competitive market.
Enhancing print quality and accessibility
Packaging solutions must meet rigorous standards in the pharmaceutical industry, where safety and compliance are paramount. Ecobliss has embraced this challenge by prioritising effective prototyping and superior print quality over volume and speed. By doing so, they ensure their packaging solutions not only meet but exceed industry expectations, enhancing drug safety and compliance.
The use of Roland DG’s advanced printing technology has been instrumental in this process, delivering precise and vibrant prints that align with the high standards of the pharmaceutical sector. “The combination of GMG software and Roland DG technology is a game-changer for us,” notes Marc at Ecobliss. “It allows us to achieve unparalleled colour accuracy and consistency across our packaging designs, ensuring that we meet both our aesthetic and regulatory goals.”
Roland DG hardware, packaged with GMG software provided through Mac Maniac BV, supplies advanced colour management and proofing capabilities, allowing Ecobliss to maintain accurate and consistent colour reproduction across various print runs. When larger proofs are needed, Roland’s advanced printing technology steps in, ensuring that even the most intricate designs are produced with precision and vibrancy. This integration of GMG software and Roland printers, the first of its kind in the Benelux region, ensures that Ecobliss’s eco-friendly packaging solutions adhere to the highest quality standards, brand guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Looking to the future
As Ecobliss continues to expand its focus on the pharmaceutical industry, it is preparing to navigate increasingly complex compliance requirements while maintaining its competitive edge.
“Staying ahead of industry standards is crucial for us,” says Marc at Ecobliss. “As we deepen our involvement in the pharmaceutical sector, our commitment to sustainable, child-safe packaging solutions will remain unwavering and we are proud to have Roland DG power our journey.”
