Advancements in Technology for Pharmaceutical Packaging: A Review of Technology, Contributions, and Applied Areas

Packaging plays a critical role in the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines. Packaging requirements vary by region, and compliance needs are supported by several available technologies. The industry has faced challenges with digitalization, but restructuring, process improvement, and technology implementation can address issues such as costly errors, strict regulations, and quick process times. The study used a review approach to explore technology in pharmaceutical packaging to discover the research and practices. Reviews highlighted the role, contribution, and impact of technology in the domain. The findings revealed several technologies being utilized, such as data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, cyber-physical systems (CPS), blockchain, simulations, and robotics. The result shows that different technologies could solve pharmaceutical packaging problems based on the strengths and capabilities. The practical application involves combining various technologies. The study concludes that there are technologies that receive less attention in the applied areas, emphasizing the need for further research.