CurTec packaging: designed for easy use

products-servicesCurTec International
August 10th 2015

CurTec drums, containers and crates are straightforward pharmaceutical containers that are designed to be robust and easy to use.This includes aspects like high stack ability, compact nesting of empty containers, easy opening and sealing, tamper proofing, application of track and trace systems and batch sorting recognition.

CurTec International’s easy to use pharmaceutical drums and containers have screw closure lids that are simple to open or seal, with moisture proof closure and error-free tamper proofing.

This adaptable pharmaceutical packaging can speed and simplify a wide range of logistics and handling processes.

Optimised Processes at Pluripharm

Pluripharm is a wholesaler that supplies independent pharmacies in the Netherlands with a full range of medicines and supporting products. When Pluripharm began using a fully automated roller conveyor system it also adopted CurTec lidded crates. These have led to greater flexibility, faster deliveries and more convenience for pharmacists.

Instead of using high racking to store and organize its internal stock with manual selection for customer orders, Pluripharm has been able to move to a system of 18 conveyer fed ‘order picking zones’, using CurTec lidded crates with track and trace barcoding.

The new logistics system automatically sorts supplies into virtual ‘bins’, matching crate size to individual consignment.

Easy sorting

The barcode on the lidded crate is scanned and the system prints out a card. This card contains information such as name, address and city so that the crates can also be visually recognized in the logistics process.

The crate is routed to the correct delivery point using scanners on the conveyor track, where relevant medicines are then scanned and placed in the correct lidded crate. When the order is complete, the lidded crate is given a special sealing loop. “Before the driver leaves, we give the packages one final scan for verification purposes. The order is then delivered to the pharmacy before 8 am.”, says Pluripharm’s General Logistics Manager, Mark de Loos.

Supporting automation

Pluripharm has also felt the benefit of the lidded crates space-saving nesting, freeing up much space in the warehouse.

The move to plastic lidded crates has also speeded the Pluripack Central Filling Service; preparation of patient prescriptions at a central site for pharmacies that are themselves wholesalers and who prefer to outsources the work of packing the boxes and labeling and bagging them.

Preparing batches for Central Filling is a fully automated robotic process.

“This is where the CurTec lidded crates come into play. We use order picking to collect the specific medicines. This crate is then sent to Pluripack on the same day. The medicines are sorted for individual patients, placed in labeled bags and then dispatched”, said Mark de Loos.

“Pharmacies are fond of the lidded crates because they are so compact. The crates make it easy for customers to sort and process batches more quickly. They are also durable: we have yet to see the first worn-out crate,” Mark added.

Easier packaging at Bachem

The German bio chemicals company Bachem, which specializes in the process development and manufacturing of needed to ensure its high quality peptides, complex organic molecules and APIs were stored and dispatched safely in accordance with highest quality specifications. It adopted CurTec Click Pack containers for a number of reasons.

  • Easy tamper evident sealing and resealing
  • High stability of packaging materials
  • Simple handling with easy quarter turn opening/closing

Compatible with primary bags

Bachem products are packed in polyethylene bags. Even when full, bags can be easily inserted into containers thanks to the wide neck and smooth inside finish.

Used containers can be nested after cleaning which offers Bachem the benefit of saving storage space.

Easier handling with GMP compliance at Sanner.

Increased durability, easier stacking and preparation have also delivered productivity gains at Sanner, the German manufacturer that produces around 2 billion plastic packages and packaging components each year for the pharmaceutical industry.

Sanner had previously used cardboard boxes but switched to CurTec lidded crates to pack closures after production. The packaging not only needed to provide benefits in the process, it also had to meet GMP regulations.

Stacking and handling

CurTec’s Lidded crate offered significant benefits, including higher and safer stacking, thanks to the crushproof design, as well as much easier handling, eliminating the time needed to unfold and prepare cardboard cartons.

“We had to unfold the cardboard every time we used them. Furthermore, we were only able to use the boxes two or three times. However, the main reason why we began searching for an alternative form of packaging was the need to use our warehouse more efficiently. The cardboard boxes were not strong enough for stacking and this meant that they took up a lot of space”, said Michael Monitzer, Production Leader at Sanner.

Sanner also gained GMP benefits from not having to reuse cardboard cartons and from the higher contamination resistance of plastic crates.

Resources

Click on CurTec packaging: designed for easy use for more information.
Click on CurTec to contact the company directly

 

CurTec Lidded Crates with track and trace barcoding at Pluripharm

CurTec Lidded Crates with track and trace barcoding at Pluripharm

Easy orderpicking at Pluripharm with CurTec Lidded Crates

Easy order picking at Pluripharm with CurTec Lidded Crates

Easy filling at Bachem with Click Pack nestable containers

Easy filling at Bachem with Click Pack nestable containers

Easy filling at Bachem with Click Pack nestable containers

Easy filling at Bachem with Click Pack nestable containers

CurTec Lidded Crates are easy to handle according to Sanner

CurTec Lidded Crates are easy to handle according to Sanner


Supplier Information
Supplier: CurTec International
Address: Spoorlaan Noord 92, P.O. Box 25, 5120 AA Rijen, Netherlands
Tel: +31 88 808 2000
Fax: +31 88 808 2260
Website: www.curtec.com