101+ Pharma and Medicine Packaging Design – Complete Guide

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by DesignerPeople

The medical sector has a vital role in each individual’s life, not only in humankind but also in the entity of other life forms. The essential part of the medical field is the “Medicine”, and concerning this, the production process or packaging plays a significant role in achieving success in the competitive market.

When it comes to any drug or medicine box design, packaging plays an essential part in each process stage. However, packaging is not only a segment of the marketing mix but it’s essentially an ingredient to the product attributes, execution and shelf life.

However, in the medical packaging design, many elements need to be considered before executing the designs for the packaging.

Apart from other sectors, the three components, i.e. clean, minimalist and sterile aesthetics, are generally followed in pharmaceutical branding. But in the present time, we can observe that many food and beverage companies are also switching to the strategies to medical branding and preferring styles that are the reverse of expected.

So, now let’s discuss Pharmaceutical packaging design, its importance, how it’s been executed, and the different types of packaging and the essential elements of a successful Pharma packaging in detail.

Why is Pharma Packaging design Important?

In the pharmaceutical trade, packaging or labelling is critical and essential from production to its final use. A good and standard packaging can always attract customers also give life to the business.

A proper packaging safeguards the drug not only from physical damage but also from bioremediation. Indeed, sensitive drugs require adequate protection from light, water and also needs to proximate other exposed substances.

When it comes to pharmaceutical packaging design, the packaging should also need to meet the proper quality standards. The adequate implementation of space, the allocation for clear labelling and pertinent information about the product on the packaging are the important elements to consider while designing the packaging.

Types of Pharmaceutical Packaging

Now let’s discuss the different types of pharmaceutical packaging:

1. Containers

The containers provide protection against moulds and bacteria. It also safeguards the pharmaceutical products from air, light and moisture. It is one of the best methods in delivering medicines to consumers without compromising the content and quality.

2. Aluminium

The aluminium foil is used to create an expedite closure called lid film. Indeed, it also helps the tablets or capsules to get hygienically protected. The blister packs are compact, convenient and portable.

3. Injectibles/ Vials

It is also one of the packaging methods that are used in this Pharma industry. These are majorly used in products such as needle injections, slabs, and other liquid substances. These are also some of the essential packaging in this segment.

Also Read: Product Label Design

4. Bottles

As plastic is substantial and more convenient than glass, packaging like bottles, glass or jars is mainly distributed for syrups, liquid drugs, etc. The drugs that are less distributed are majorly used in bottle packaging.

5. Cartons

The Pharma packaging companies use cartons as one of their primary packagings. These are impenetrable towards external impacts like moisture, oxygen, biological toxin, mechanical damage and strength to the medical products.

6. Paper Board

The paper board box packaging is also considered an essential packaging in the Pharma industry. These are used to find a new substitute way to ensure public safety. These are typically utilized in bulk deliveries of products.

7. Lamitubes

Lamitubes are used for the treasury of pharmaceutical products like antifungal creams, oral cavity gels, pain relaxant gels, etc. It is one of the most creative sectors in which news types of alternative packagings are evolved.

8. PVC Based Combinations

PVC and PVD combinations are used in pharmaceuticals as central packaging materials that protect pharmaceutical products against moisture, oxygen, odour permeation and other microbial attacks.

Also Read: Medical & Pharmacy Logo Design Ideas

Elements of Successful Pharma Packaging Design

Now let’s reach the most critical part of this blog – the different type of elements that needs to be implemented for an effective Pharma packaging design:

1. Color

When it comes to color coding in the Pharma products, each drug has a different set of guidelines to be followed. Some of the popular colors utilized in pharmaceutical packaging design are white, blue, red, green and brown. The color measurement in the pharmaceutical industry is essential as a color formulation for each drug needs a lot of considerations. Researches indicate that colors also have a psychological effect on humankind that ends up in fast healing. (source)

2. Shape

The shape of your pharmaceutical packaging can precisely attract your target customers; therefore, it is one of the most important elements in choosing the packaging design. Each packaging has its own standard shape. Also, in the current scenario, most companies are coming up with unique shapes and structures that can attract consumers.

3. Fonts

Similar to color and shape, font is also one of the fundamental elements of a medicine packaging design. When we notice the Pharma packaging, we can analyze the execution of simple, classy fonts; as such it has to be clearly readable by every individual irrespective of age. A good font can even convey the proper company message.

4. Guidelines & Instruction

The guidelines and instructions have to be appropriately positioned with the correct alignment at the appropriate place. As discussed above, the proper implementation of typography was also an essential element to be considered. Make sure that you convey the message precisely so that consumers can understand it easily.

5. Honest

One of the most crucial elements, but most companies don’t follow this, is the part of morality or integrity in their packaging or products. The content or details we are presenting in the packaging should be genuine and helpful for the consumers. Only when the consumer gets the result from the product, they’ll stick on a long-term basis.

6. Readability

The design of pharmaceutical boxes, bottles, and tablets must comprise the necessary information of the product. The details such as ingredients, expiration date, manufacturer’s name, address, etc., are also some of the elements to be added to the packaging. Though all these elements must be included, it also has to be clearly readable. However, a good branding design agency can help clear all these challenges and achieve the best result.

7. Safe

Another vital component that needs to be considered is the safety of the packaging; it should be regarded on the top of your checklist when appraising your pharma products. The primary purpose is that the material should retain the medicine safe for usage until it comes to the expiry date.

8. Sustainability

As various businesses are switching their packaging to biodegradable packaging, so is the pharmaceutical industry. Most organizations are considering recyclable materials rather than single-use plastics for packaging. As the consumers are also going with the trend, it motivates the manufacturers to develop such packaging.

9. Practical

A packaging will become only effective when it helps the consumers to use it in the best practical method. Therefore, while researching all the different aspects of packaging, always keep in mind the practicality of the packaging. If the consumer doesn’t find it convenient for their use, they’ll search for other products. Thus, it is one of the essential elements that need to evaluate in the packaging.

Some of the Inspirational Pharmaceutical Packaging Design

Consumers perceive things through appearance if they find the first look catchy or engaging, and then you can achieve a good space in their market. Here are some of the pharmaceutical packaging designs that will provide you with fresh creative ideas that will help you get exposure in this segment.

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Conclusion

With this blog, we mainly focused on you to understand the importance of packaging in the pharmaceutical industry. We’ve also discussed the different packaging materials used and the significant elements that need to be considered while designing a Pharma product packaging.

Suppose you are an entrepreneur or a person focusing on developing a new venture in this particular sector and are confused about how to brand your products. In that case, I hope this blog will have helped you answering your significant questions.

If you are still facing challenges in any part, you can undoubtedly connect us. We, DesignerPeople, have been in this sector for 18 years and got the privileged to designed the branding of many top Pharma companies in India and worldwide. You can reach us, and we’ll help create unique branding or packaging for your brand or products.

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Author: Anush Malik

Being a strategist’s head and a long term visionary personality aims to achieve excellence in branding, packaging and digital marketing field. My 15 years of design experience and masters degree ais my strength which keeps me motivated and keep me going positively. I have participated in extensive branding design conquests in India, USA, Australia and New Zealand with winning zeal. My objective is to encourage start-ups and hence involves actively in the articles which will act as a productive intake of knowledge for them. Do connect me personally via my LinkedIn and I love to share my expertise with you.