Stora Enso Oyj and Robert Bosch GmbH have entered into a global strategic alliance to develop a novel packaging concept for pharmaceuticals. The new packaging solution provides unique child resistance, senior-friendliness and compliance features.
The new concept consists of an automated cartoning machine, a unique package design and a specially developed board grade. In the framework of the alliance, Bosch Packaging Technology Division is responsible for machine development, manufacturing and worldwide service, while Stora Enso is responsible for packaging material and design.
Ismo Saarinen, Director of Pharmaceutical Packaging Solutions at Stora Enso, underlines the compliance features of the package: "The universal non-compliance problem is a major challenge in pharmaceutical packaging. It has been reported that in the USA alone 125,000 lives are lost every year due to non-compliance. Our new packaging solution can be applied to creative patient guidance schemes, which contribute to optimal compliance. The reclosable carton also responds to the highest requirements in child resistance, while being very easy for senior adults to use."
Global market potential
The value of the global pharmaceuticals market exceeds USD 490 billion annually, with reported growth in 2003 of nine percent in Europe and eleven percent in the United States. The major growth drivers are the aging demographic patterns and changing approaches to healthcare throughout much of the world. "There is high potential for our new packaging concept especially in the United States, which has the most stringent drug-safety regulations, followed by the United Kingdom and the rest of Western Europe," predicts Saarinen.
Cooperation between Stora Enso and Bosch is another step towards the reshaping of the value chain in the consumer packaging sector. Both companies harness their global sales networks to the marketing of the new packaging solution. "We are convinced that the demand for child resistant cartons will increase in the future, and only strong partners will be able to provide an integrated pharmaceuticals packaging system," Saarinen concludes.
Versatile configuration options
The system offers versatile configuration options. It is ideal for unit dose packages such as blisters but it can be used for ampoules, vials and syringes, depending on individual customer needs. "The machine consists of a carton-manufacturing module which can be combined with a semi- or fully automatic blister infeed and carton assembling module. In the carton-manufacturing module, flat, unglued carton blanks are converted into cartons by means of a specific forming and welding process," says Helmut Deichert from Bosch Packaging Technology. "Our target is to have the first generation of packaging machines available within the first half of 2005 and complete packaging lines with blister machine, cartoning machine and final packaging shortly afterwards."
Facts & Figures
Stora Enso Oyj is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company producing publication and fine papers, packaging boards and wood products, areas in which the Group is a global market leader. The Packaging Boards product area is world's leading producer of consumer packaging boards. The sales of Stora Enso amounted EUR 12.2 billion in year 2003. The Group has some 44,000 employees in more than 40 countries and an annual production capacity of 15.7 million tons of paper and board. Stora Enso's shares are listed in Helsinki, Stockholm and New York.
Robert Bosch GmbH is the market leader in packaging machines for pharmaceuticals industry. The Bosch Group consists of three business divisions: Automotive Technology, Consumer Goods and Building Technology, and Industrial Technology, which also covers packaging technology. The sales of the Bosch Group increased by nearly four percent to EUR 36.4 billion in the year 2003. At the beginning of 2004, the Bosch Group employed 232,000 people worldwide.
Further information:
Stora Enso Oyj
Packaging Boards
Mr Ismo Saarinen, Director, Pharmaceutical Packaging Solutions
55800 Imatra
FINLAND
Tel. +358 20 46 22 181
Fax +358 20 46 24 721
Stora Enso Oyj
Packaging Boards
Mr Juha Lehtola, Vice President, New Business Innovations
55800 Imatra
FINLAND
Tel. +358 2046 22153
Fax +358 2046 24720