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The medical packaging industry should not have to pick between sustainability and patient safety.
FREMONT, CA: Healthcare packaging is evolving and bringing in the possibilities of enhanced sustainability. The medical sector generates a massive volume of plastic packaging waste that ultimately finds its way into dumping sites. However, with growing awareness and advancing packaging technologies, one can look forward to a transformation that will foster environmental friendliness. Design and material innovations are emerging and present several optimization opportunities in the sphere of healthcare packaging.
• Design and Packaging Simulation
When manufacturers prioritize product planning, packaging partners are involved at the earliest. This increases the possibility of innovations in packaging that promote sustainability. Products and packaging can use simulation technologies to develop efficient designs from the very beginning. This helps cut down on package size and materials. Subsequently, designs become more efficient. Apart from that, energy consumption during manufacturing also reduces, assisting manufacturers in reducing the carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Materials
Healthcare packaging is gradually moving towards materials that have less impact on the environment. Conventional materials used in medical packaging were difficult to reuse or recycle. On the other hand, new alternatives are easier to process. Even for manufacturers who want to stick to plastic-based packaging, the right grade of plastic should be the preferred option. Testing and opting for materials that offer better chances of downstream recovery contributes significantly to make the environment safer.
• Software-Enabled Optimization
Impacts on the environment can result from how healthcare packaging partners operate. When healthcare packaging management is done with technology-backed solutions, there is a higher degree of efficiency. The software can streamline packaging methodologies and minimize the need for transportation. When a packaging provider can carry out all required processes under one roof, using a single platform, wastage is minimized, and shipping needs also reduce. These inter-related factors make healthcare packaging more sustainable.
With suitable technological interventions, medical packaging can effectively enter into a zone of sustainability. A proactive approach and ability to adapt quickly can come in handy for medical packaging experts.
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