UNITHER adopts CurTec plastic drums for enhanced internal logistics

Case Study: Overview

Primary packaging, the “innermost layer” in direct contact with the manufactured product, plays a key role in satisfying pharma and fine chemicals supply chain needs. Primary packaging for pharmaceutical ingredients and powders must be secure against impact, spillage, contamination and tampering. At the same time it must be easy to handle and space-efficient.

Pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer UNITHER has achieved considerable business benefits by adopting CurTec plastic drums for primary packaging during internal transport. Replacing disposable plastic bags with reusable drums has delivered measurable benefits in easier and quicker handling, reduced materials costs, security and sustainability.

UNITHER’s need: better packaging for its pharma powders

France’s UNITHER group is currently the world leader in manufacture of dosage forms for pharmaceutical laboratories and generic manufacturers in Europe, including eye drops, saline solutions and sterile unit-dose asthma drugs using Blow-Fill-Seal technology. The group has world sales totaling more than €160 million and employs 850 staff worldwide.

UNITHER’s Colomiers site, near Toulouse, manufactures non-sterile solutions for oral administration, including syrups, solutions, drops, etc., as well as suppositories. These processes rely heavily on transport of high quality powders and granulated ingredients around the site. Until recently UNITHER relied on sealed plastic bags for transport of these materials between weighing and production zones.

However, these bags had to be handled and emptied manually and thrown away after a single use. Moreover, they were prone to occasional puncturing or splitting if carelessly handled. UNITHER wanted a reusable and sustainable solution that would save on time and circumvent the difficult and ergonomically challenged bag handling.

Automated handling

At the same time, UNITHER saw an opportunity to automate the process of introducing raw materials into the blending tank by installing a lift with a tumbler. The container would be clamped by the tumbler and would have to withstand vertical pressure during the emptying process.

UNITHER therefore also needed a reusable transport container that was robust enough for mechanical handling and with a total opening wide neck that would allow quick and easy emptying into the feed hopper. It also would have to be suitable for raw materials for pharmaceutical use.

Quality: fit for application

CurTec was able to deliver an ideal solution in the shape of its 55-litre total opening drums, which UNITHER now uses for all its internal transport of raw materials.

UNITHER was already familiar with the high quality of CurTec packaging, having used their 75 litre anti-static conductive drums for safe internal transport of specialty chemicals. The CurTec conductive drums are safe (robust, anti-static, etc.) and highly suited for use in the conditioned areas of a pharmaceutical production environment. After transport and emptying, the conductive drums can be easily washed, dried and stored for re-use.

UNITHER now decided to adopt CurTec drums for the transport of pharma-grade ingredients. However, handling space and headroom was too limited to allow use of the 68cm high conductive drums.

Instead, UNITHER adapted the 55 litre total opening drum. Like the conductive drum, this is constructed from hardwearing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, carrying handles and tamperproof features, with a very wide mouth sealed with a watertight screw lid. Unlike the larger drum, the total opening drum is made of food grade material, while its height of under 50cm makes it much easier to handle around machinery.

CurTec could also supply all certificates necessary to prove suitability for intended use in support of regulations and cGMP standards.

Drums in use: delivering handling benefits

UNITHER is delighted with the quality of its latest CurTec drums. Observing the 55-litre drums in use at the Colomiers plant, it is clear that the transport and handling of raw materials between production and processing zones has become much safer and easier.

UNITHER has been able to save precious handling time and reduce the impact on the production environment. Furthermore, the company has also been able to increase staff safety and create a more sustainable internal logistics system.

CurTec Packaging Scan

Issues like technical material quality, handling suitability; internal dimensions, hygiene, safety and reusability can all be identified in CurTec International’s unique Packaging Scan consulting service.

Packaging Scan is a must for any client looking to optimize its packaging in line with strategy and company objectives.

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