Medical Device Packaging ReportIn the medical packaging industry, the adoption of the most modern state-of-the-art technology has become a major trend.  Several different packaging methods have been adopted by the manufacturing markets along with the integration of new automated production processes.

What is Medical Device Packaging?

This type of packaging is the process that involves the protection, handling, containment, and disposal of medical devices.  The packaging must meet the same safety and quality standards as other types of packaging, but in addition, it must consider the specific needs of the medical devices it will contain.  This means, for example, many medical devices are sterilized before they are used, so the packaging used must be able to withstand this process.  In addition to this medical device, packaging must be durable enough to protect delicate devices from damage during shipping and storage.  As the market grows so does the need for new and high-quality medical device packaging.

Devices can be packaged in a range of materials, depending on the type of device and the level of protection that is needed.  Common types of packaging for medical items include pouches, trays, blisters, and clamshells with each type of packaging having its advantages and disadvantages.

Pouches are most often used for smaller devices that do not need a lot of padding or support, usually they are made from a high barrier film or mulit layer construction  Trays are made of stiffer materials and are used to hold large devices in place.  Blisters are normally made from plastic or foil and are used when there is a need to protect an item from moisture or light.  Meanwhile, clamshells are typically made of plastic and are normally used for devices that need to be securely sealed.

Medical Device Packaging Market – An Overview

The market is divided into seven main parts depending upon the types of applications.  There are surgical and medical instruments packaging, surgical appliances and supplies packaging, ophthalmic devices packaging, dental devices packaging, medical apparatus packaging, electro-medical devices packaging, and others.

The main customers and recipients of this type of packaging are diagnostic centres, medical device manufacturers, and hospitals.

healthcare packagingDevice Sterilization Becomes a Part of Medical Device Packaging

A huge part of the construction of healthcare packaging is the guarantee that the internal item always remains sterilized.  The packaging must remain fully intact and airtight for the medical device to be permitted to use on patients.

The packaging consists of various products including pouches, containers, clamshell packs, multiple compartment trays, glass vials, and blister packs.  These products can be used to package a huge array of medical items including contact lenses, large medical devices, syringes, and diagnostic reagents.  There are firm regulations in place that apply to medical device packaging as the items inside are normally sterilized within the packaging materials themselves. Often this is done in conjunction with a suitable medical sealer or in combination with a vacuum sealer machine that conforms with ISO 14644-1 Clean Room Standards where required. 

Several different packaging procedures have become popular which include compression moulding, liquid injection moulding, insert moulding, mill-able injection moulding, and transfer moulding.

Market Research Store Report – Market Growth Forecast

In the medical device packaging manufacturing markets, the forecast for growth between 2013-2018 is expected to be a CAGR of 5.92% according to a recent report from the market research store Foretells.  The report was developed based on comprehensive market research with inputs from market analysts.

The report covers a thorough analysis of the major businesses and brands in the market in addition to the vendor landscape.  The report also provides details of the main challenges the market faces, including drivers and trends in the market.  Included in the report is an overview of the subject of medical devices and includes such items as instruments, equipment, apparatus, and implants that are used for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases.

According to the report, medical device packaging is an essential part of the process to ensure that the sterility of these devices always remains intact.  It is a crucial factor that the protection of the devices from outer damage at the time of distribution and handling is of upmost importance.  The demand for innovative packaging solutions has increased immensely with the growing complexity of new, innovative devices, says the report.  There is also a need to encourage the creation of sustainable packaging that will add to the many benefits of the overall packaging process.

To read more reports developed by Market Research Store, you can visit their website.