CPI Presents at Pharmapack in Paris

Exhibiting at the Paris-based Pharmapack event, noted for its high calibre pharmaceutical packaging, drug delivery, medical device and machinery programme, CPI showcased its cutting-edge printable electronics capabilities and end-to-end production process that supports partners on their journey from concept to commercialisation.

The development of printable electronics is expected to support a number of medical sector advances, such as self-monitoring packaging capable of tracking sensitive medicines, and Dr Alex Cole, Chief Scientist Aurora/​Strategic Marketing Analyst, underlined CPI’s important position in the innovation spectrum during a talk to Pharmapack delegates about the future of smart pharmaceutical packaging and smart medical devices.

The event, which welcomed thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, also allowed CPI to highlight its expanding work in the field of printable electronics, which was last year strengthened by the opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. 

Helping companies exploit opportunities using the Internet of Things, the centre is able to create rolls of thin, flexible inlays containing multiple electronic components that can be converted into labels or embedded into smart products.

Providing open-access facilities, including incubation areas for closer collaboration between companies and CPI, the site will help companies develop products to pilot production volumes, with potential market opportunities including packaging capable of tracking and tracing goods and monitoring contents’ condition. Such functions are already being used in the distribution of temperature sensitive medicines. 

CPI’s work in printable electronics, which is complemented by a sister facility at NETPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, has also included work on the ReMedieES (RE-configuring MEDicines End-to-end Supply) project. Alongside GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, CPI developed and scaled up smart packaging concepts using printed electronics. The project included work on product trials, notably how condition and quality data was transferred to GlaxoSmithKline via the Internet of Things, and the development of superior barrier material for blister packaging.