Why Prototyping Could Lead to Better Healthcare Packaging Decisions

Healthcare packaging serves several significant functions. It must contain devices and medications while also making them readily accessible to end users, communicate essential information, and protect contents throughout the distribution cycle.

An error in any of these areas could put patient and end-user safety at considerable risk. Packaging prototypes in healthcare are critically important to address performance and safety, but the process is also instructive in matching packaging format to application.

There are many viable solutions available, yet thermoformed packaging is often the preferred choice of designers and engineers when applications warrant. In fact, design versatility is one of the top benefits of thermoformed trays as it allows for greater innovation in materials, structure, and effectiveness. It also opens the door to thermoform prototyping and potential packaging improvements.

Thermoform Prototyping for Healthcare Packaging

As a manufacturing method, thermoforming is relatively simple: Sheets of thermoplastic forming films are heated until pliable, then pressed against molds by vacuum and air pressure to take shape.

Nearly any thermoplastic can be used for thermoform prototypes, provided the thermoplastic is extruded sheet stock. The breadth of options is what makes thermoform prototyping so attractive to healthcare manufacturers and packaging engineers. Material types, gauges, integrity, and other key characteristics can be easily tested without undue risk exposure, time delays, or cost.

Using this technique, how packaging prototypes look and perform is purposely variable. However, for a manufacturer to arrive at the optimal solution requires one constant: a healthcare packaging partner with thermoforming expertise.

Collaborative Foundation, Packaging Success

As a trusted global leader in healthcare packaging solutions, Amcor has well-established thermoforming capabilities and a broad portfolio of solutions. To produce thermoformed trays to exacting specifications, Amcor developed a four-phase process that specifically includes prototyping:

Each phase is distinctly focused on one aspect of thermoformed packaging, but every touchpoint is centered around collaboration.

The Amcor team of specialists works with and alongside each customer throughout the process, offering expert advice and support:

• Sales Managers ensure all specific needs are met and clear feedback is provided
• Product Experts identify and explain packaging nuances and recommend the most suitable formats and materials for applications
• Product Engineers work from concept through delivery to make sure the solutions are effective
• Design Engineers have the credentials and expertise to provide the best functionality for opening, stackability, and other critical packaging factors

Collaboration is a priority for Amcor, and it’s particularly important during iterative processes like thermoform prototyping.

Amcor Catalyst™ for Change

To remain relevant and future-focused, healthcare packaging solutions must enable you to grow in meaningful ways. Prototyping is part of a larger whole that results in insights into thermoformed packaging.

Amcor Catalyst™ helps you do just that with an innovative, collaborative approach to packaging that’s the perfect blend of expertise, creativity, and engineering skills. The Catalyst™ forum encourages the exchange of ideas and concepts that help the team:

• Understand the challenges more deeply by asking the right questions and identifying factors that drive packaging decisions
• Create meaningful ideas more quickly by aligning capabilities and assets with the packaging challenges
• Deliver better packaging strategies and solutions through real-world testing and prototyping