Pharmaceuticals can benefit from digital print and traceable items, says supplier

Late-stage customisation is a major win for pharmaceutical businesses when introducing digital printing, says Domino, but others are improved data integrity and item traceability.

Many pharmaceutical manufacturers still rely on older, standalone thermal inkjet and thermal transfer overprinting on their packaging lines, says the supplier. But these systems can limit opportunities for automation, data integration, and late-stage customisation. In contrast, modern connected solutions offer cloud-enabled capabilities that support digital-first manufacturing goals, facilitating real-time updates, smart 2D codes and on-demand printing.

Digital printing eliminates the need to stock hundreds of pre-printed foil variants, Domino points out, reducing inventory complexity and freeing up valuable space. One manufacturer reduced its stock of pre-printed media from 150 variants to fewer than eight. According to strategic manager for digital coding Ian Chapman, this cut its warehouse footprint from 100 pallets to just 10.

“Digital printing is transforming pharmaceutical packaging from a cost centre into a strategic asset,” he says. “It’s about delivering more – more agility, more sustainability, more traceability – without compromising patient safety.”

When it comes to sustainability, the company claims that many manufacturers over-order pre-printed foils by up to 20% per product line, resulting in significant waste. Digital workflows eradicate this inefficiency, while also enhancing compatibility with recyclable substrates, says Domino, enabling a move to right-sized packaging. This also supports the introduction of smart 2D codes to facilitate electronic patient information leaflets (ePILs). All of this can contribute to improved environmental credentials and support Scope 3 emissions reporting.

From a regulatory standpoint, digital printing enhances data integrity and traceability. Inline printing systems with integrated inspection reduce the risk of mislabelled products and batch recalls.

At the same time, late-stage customisation through on- or near-line printing allows manufacturers to adapt packaging for different markets – from language changes to local regulatory requirements – without incurring downtime or risking obsolete stock, Domino points out.

01954 782551

www.domino-uk.com