Most Primary Drug Containers (PDC) are made from borosilicate glass, a material that’s been used for over 100 years. However, some PDC’s are made from polymers as changing the material and manufacturing process can have multiple additional benefits over glass PDC’s.
As many device manufactures are focusing their efforts on making their devices more sustainable, just how sustainable are polymer based PDC’s?
Variable dose injector pens are particularly challenging as characterisation of the PDC needs to be fully understood prior to significant development of the device’s mechanism. Furthermore, variability of the drug being dosed through small PDC geometry can result in potentially dangerous scenarios of under or, overdosing the user.
Below, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of glass and polymer PDC’s.
The development of sustainable medical devices is clearly a complicated process, and sometimes it requires the application of specific sustainable strategies in order to just become more sustainable, rather than totally environmentally friendly. Recalls of devices are not only extremely costly but can take considerable resource and may damage company reputation and are also extremely polluting in the energy required to actually recall the devices from the market.
The transportation of product to user is typically the most polluting factor in most LCA’s. Ensuring that a device is only transported once, and is as minimal and lightweight as possible can also significantly reduce the environmental impact of a device. Risk assessment of medical device development upholds efficacy and safety. If polymer PDCs can be designed for your system, it may actually be more effective, safer and more sustainable (in certain aspects) than typical glass PDC’s.
Exploration and evaluation of the wider picture, enables the right solution to be identified. If you would like to learn more or discuss a project, please get in touch.
Senior Design Development Engineer & Business Development Manager
Will graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a degree in Product Design. Prior to Haughton Design, Will worked for Renishaw, where he led the industrial design for the current and next generation metal Additive Manufacturing machines. Will has a strong interest in Design for Sustainability, and the Circular Economy, looking to reduce companies’ environmental impact and often teaches about design engineering at local STEM events. Outside of work, Will enjoys Formula 1, rugby and travelling with friends.
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