People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of health and wellness, with 66% of consumers actively trying to improve their health, even if they are already satisfied with it. This has led to a growing number of people – around 48% of global consumers – actively making health and wellness choices, driving the growth in the over-the-counter home diagnostics market. This growth, fuelled by consumers’ focus on their health, has made bespoke pharmaceutical packaging more important than ever.
Packaging plays a pivotal role in the medical and pharmaceutical sector – a role that extends far beyond simply holding goods as they move through the supply chain. Transit protective packaging creates a barrier to ensure the safety, security, and sterility of products, therefore always keeping them compliant with regulations and safe from external factors.
In this blog we explore four key ways that Hexacomb packaging minimises risk and keeps these vital medical products safe throughout the supply chain.
What is Hexacomb packaging?
Hexacomb packaging (also known as Honeycomb packaging) has a unique paper honeycomb structure, which provides strength and durability while being lightweight and eco-friendly. This reduced weight can contribute to a business’ cost efficiency by reducing the cost of shipping and transportation. Honeycomb packaging, which is 100% recyclable and made from renewable resources, can be customised, making it the perfect size for specific product sizes, dimensions, and shapes. This – and its cushioning and shock absorption qualities – provides excellent product protection, ensuring even the most delicate medical products remain safe during transit.
- It can meet specific requirements
Many medical products are available, from syringes to scanners and monitors to machines, and Honeycomb packaging can be customised to meet the specific requirements of individual products. This is achieved by tailoring the size of the honeycomb cells and the thickness of the packaging material, finding the perfect balance of protection and security.
Changing the structure of Honeycomb packaging makes it perfect for specific products, creating a snug fit to reduce the amount of product movement within the packaging. For example, it’s secure enough to keep fragile medical devices safe from shocks and movement during transit and lightweight enough to keep shipping and transportation costs down. With products packaged in perfectly sized cells and remaining still during transit, the risk of damage is minimal. Also, by having packaging specific to the product, it’s possible to eliminate the need for excessive void fill, which can contribute to more waste ending up in landfill.
- It provides tamper-proof travel
Medical and pharmaceutical products must be able to travel without the risk of tampering. Honeycomb packaging can be customised to ensure this is the case. Tamper-resistant packaging provides safety and security, guaranteeing the products cannot be interfered with before reaching their destination.
There are significant risks with using packaging without tamper-proofing. This includes the potential contamination of products, which can lead to serious health hazards and a lack of customers’ trust. When consumers do not trust the safety of their medical products, they are less likely to purchase from the same brand again. 88% of consumers who trust a brand will buy again (Deloitte), boosting a business’s reputation.
Investing in reliable tamper-proof packaging protects medical and pharmaceutical products, maintaining consumer trust and ensuring repeat business.
- It shields against mishaps and damages
The honeycomb structure provides strength and durability and absorbs the shocks and impacts often experienced during transit and handling. This keeps fragile medical devices and delicate pharmaceutical products safe, secure, and free from damage throughout the supply chain. With this protection, the risk of product damage is significantly reduced and there’s less chance of needing a repair or replacement.
This type of medical packaging also acts as a shield or barrier, keeping products away from external factors that could be harmful. Moisture, light, and temperature changes can all compromise the quality of medical products. Honeycomb packaging keeps products safe from these hazards, ensuring they remain intact and effective as they journey from A to B. Not only does this guarantee the arrival of products in the condition they were packed, but it helps to provide a high-quality service to consumers. Businesses can transport their often-expensive products or equipment, safe in the knowledge they will not come to harm in the process.
- It appeals to eco-conscious consumers
Over half of Gen Z – a group accounting for around 10 million online shoppers – are influenced by packaging sustainability and 75% of consumers are more likely to purchase brands offering green or sustainable products (Deloitte). The importance of sustainability is present in the healthcare industry, with consumers factoring in their awareness of environmental issues into their choice of medical and pharmaceutical products. In fact, 49% of people asked said they would pay more for sustainable packaging (Deloitte), highlighting that eco-friendly businesses are likely to take centre stage.
By catering for eco-conscious consumers, healthcare businesses can align their offerings with what consumers are looking for. Sustainability is no longer a nice feature to have; it’s something consumers have come to expect. This wasn’t always possible with conventional medical packaging materials, many of which are non-recyclable and use plenty of plastic. By using eco-friendly medical packaging, the healthcare sector can reduce its negative impact on the environment while promoting its products to a growing market.
Harmony from Honeycomb
With Honeycomb packaging solutions, it’s possible to minimise the risks associated with transporting medical and pharmaceutical products while improving the efficiency of the wider business. Using a cutting-edge and planet-friendly approach to packaging, our Honeycomb packaging meets the evolving needs of the medical and pharmaceutical industry. To find out more, get in touch with us today.
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