The Evolving World of Oral Liquid Packaging

 Oral liquid medications, supplements, and health drinks are an integral part of daily wellness and medical treatments. Whether it's a prescription drug or a convenient vitamin solution, how these liquids are packaged plays a significant role in ensuring safety, efficacy, and ease of use. Over the years, oral liquid packaging has evolved with both functional and aesthetic considerations in mind. In this blog, we'll dive into the importance of packaging for oral liquids and explore some of the latest trends and innovations in the field.

oral liquid packaging

The Importance of Oral Liquid Packaging

When it comes to liquid formulations, packaging isn't just about convenience or appearance—it's a critical component in maintaining the integrity and safety of the product. Here are some key factors that make packaging crucial for oral liquids:

Preserving the Product's Integrity: Oral liquids are prone to contamination, degradation, and evaporation. Proper packaging materials can help protect the product from external factors like light, air, and moisture, ensuring that the liquid remains potent until it reaches the consumer.

Safety and Child Resistance: Child-resistant caps and tamper-evident seals are essential for preventing accidental consumption, especially for liquid medications. The packaging must not only be functional but also designed to deter children from accessing the product.

PP28mm child resistant cap

Ease of Use: The packaging should be user-friendly, especially for elderly or disabled individuals. Measuring cups, syringes, and other dosage control systems can make administration easier, preventing over- or under-dosing.

Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident Features:

Child-resistant closures have been around for a while, but they’ve become more sophisticated with advancements in design. New mechanisms, such as push-and-turn caps and tamper-proof seals, are being used to enhance safety without compromising ease of use for adults.

Requirements for moisture absorption rate of desiccant for medicinal moisture-proof bottles

 The stability of the internal environment of the medicinal moisture-proof bottle is crucial to the quality of the drug. To prevent moisture from affecting tablets, desiccants are usually placed in the package to control humidity. The moisture absorption rate of the desiccant is directly related to its effectiveness and service life. This article will discuss in detail the moisture absorption rate requirements of the desiccant and its impact on the stability of the drug.

50ml desiccant bottle with CRC

1. The role of desiccant

In the packaging of oral solid pharmaceutical high-density polyethylene moisture-proof combination bottle caps, the main function of the desiccant is to absorb moisture in the tube to prevent the tablets from being damaged by moisture. Commonly used desiccants include silica gel and molecular sieves, each of which has different moisture absorption characteristics and application advantages. In order to ensure the stability of drugs during storage and transportation, it is crucial to select a suitable desiccant and meet relevant standards.

2. Silica gel desiccant

1. Performance characteristics

The main component of silica gel desiccant is highly active silica gel, and its moisture absorption capacity can reach 40% of its own weight. As the only desiccant certified by the US FDA, silica gel desiccant can safely come into direct contact with drugs and food. Silica gel can effectively control moisture in long-term use and keep the internal environment of the package dry, thereby protecting the quality of the drug.

2. Moisture absorption rate requirements

In the application of medicinal moisture-proof bottles, the saturated moisture absorption rate of silica gel desiccant is required to be no less than 30%. In addition, in terms of short-term moisture absorption rate, the requirement for silica gel is no less than 3%. These standards ensure that silica gel desiccant can effectively absorb moisture during use and maintain the stability of the internal environment.

III. Molecular sieve desiccant

1. Performance characteristics

In addition to being able to absorb moisture, molecular sieve desiccant can also absorb other gases, and it can also effectively accommodate water molecules at high temperatures (above 230°C). The hygroscopic properties of molecular sieves enable them to quickly absorb moisture in a short period of time, which is suitable for packaging needs that require rapid control of humidity.

2. Moisture absorption rate requirements

According to the standard, the saturated moisture absorption rate of molecular sieve desiccant should be no less than 19%, and the short-term moisture absorption rate should be no less than 4.5%. These requirements ensure that molecular sieves can quickly reduce the humidity inside the package in a short period of time and provide reliable protection for drugs.

desiccant bottle with silica gel

IV. Mixing advantages

In practical applications, the desiccant for medicinal moisture-proof bottles is usually an equal proportion of silica gel and molecular sieve. This mixture has the advantages of both, with silica gel providing long-term stable moisture absorption capacity and molecular sieves able to quickly respond to short-term humidity changes.

Moisture absorption rate requirements

According to the YBB standard, the moisture content of the desiccant mixture should be less than 4.8%. In terms of saturated moisture absorption rate, the mixture is required to be no less than 24%. For short-term moisture absorption rate, the mixture is required to be no less than 3.5%. These standards ensure that the desiccant mixture can effectively control the humidity in the pharmaceutical moisture-proof bottle in actual use, thereby protecting the stability and effectiveness of the drug.

Desiccant in pharmaceutical moisture-proof bottles is crucial to the stability of tablets and capsules. Ensuring that the moisture absorption rate of the desiccant meets the YBB standard not only helps maintain the quality of the drug, but also increases consumer confidence in the product. When selecting packaging and desiccant, pharmaceutical companies should fully consider the performance requirements of the desiccant to ensure the stability of the drug throughout the supply chain.

HDPE & PP Bottles with Desiccant Caps: Packaging for Moisture-Sensitive Products

 In today's highly regulated industries-especially pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and diagnostics—product stability is non-negotiable. Moisture control plays a critical role in maintaining efficacy, shelf life, and safety. Enter the HDPE or PP bottle with a desiccant cap—a robust, integrated solution that combines protective plastic materials with built-in moisture management.

50ml desiccant bottle with CRC

What Are HDPE and PP Bottles with Desiccant Caps?

These bottles are made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polypropylene (PP)—two of the most widely used plastics in pharmaceutical and medical-grade packaging. Each bottle features a desiccant-integrated cap, which actively absorbs moisture from the bottle interior, protecting its contents without the need for loose desiccant sachets or canisters.

desiccant bottle with silica gel

Why Use HDPE or PP?

Both HDPE and PP are FDA-approved for food and pharmaceutical contact, and they offer a balance of durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness:

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Excellent moisture barrier

High impact resistance

Lightweight and recyclable

Commonly used for tablets, capsules, and powders

PP (Polypropylene)

Higher heat resistance than HDPE

Chemically inert and non-reactive

Great for autoclave or steam sterilization

Often used for diagnostic kits or liquid formulations

The Desiccant Cap Advantage

Desiccant caps are engineered with moisture-absorbing materials—like silica gel, molecular sieves, or activated carbon—integrated into the cap's structure. This keeps the desiccant secure and away from the product, while offering consistent protection from humidity.

Key Benefits of Desiccant Cap Bottles:

Integrated Moisture Control: Reduces product degradation due to humidity

Safety First: No loose packets, eliminating ingestion risks

Maximum Fill Volume: No internal space taken up by sachets

Streamlined Packaging: Simplifies automated bottling processes

Regulatory-Ready: Compatible with cGMP and FDA packaging standards

Ideal Applications

Pharmaceuticals: Tablets, capsules, probiotics, and powder-based meds

Nutraceuticals: Herbal blends, vitamins, and dietary supplements

Diagnostics: Glucose strips, test kits, and reagent cartridges

Industrial Uses: Sensitive materials like adhesives, catalysts, and electronics

Innovative packaging solution for COP vials without washing or sterilization

 As the pharmaceutical industry faces increasingly strict demands for drug packaging materials, especially in the field of high-end drugs such as biologics and cell-based therapies, there is a growing need for higher packaging quality, stability, and safety. COP vials (Cyclo-Olefins Polymer pharmaceutical plastic vials) have become the ideal packaging material for many pharmaceutical companies due to their excellent chemical stability, low protein adsorption, and outstanding low-temperature resistance. In recent years, the "no-wash, no-sterilization" packaging form of COP vials has gained widespread attention in the industry as an innovative solution, providing an efficient and convenient option for pharmaceutical production.

sterile vial in tray

1. Definition of No-Wash, No-Sterilization Packaging Form

In traditional drug packaging processes, the vials typically need to undergo cleaning and sterilization treatments to ensure sterility. This process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also increases production costs and process complexity. The no-wash, no-sterilization packaging form of COP vials, as the name suggests, is a method where vials are directly used for filling and packaging without the traditional washing and sterilization procedures. This innovative approach guarantees the hygiene of the vials and the safety of the drugs by using sterile raw materials and a high-standard production environment during vial manufacturing, while also eliminating many steps in the traditional process. As a result, it significantly improves production efficiency.

RTU(ready to use) 2ml COP vial

2. Technical Advantages of No-Wash, No-Sterilization Packaging

Time and Cost Savings: The traditional packaging process involves cleaning, sterilization, and other procedures, which consume a lot of time and increase additional labor and equipment costs. The no-wash, no-sterilization COP vials streamline production processes by eliminating these steps, offering directly sterilized vials, reducing production cycles, and lowering factory operating costs.

Improved Production Efficiency: As competition in the pharmaceutical market intensifies, companies increasingly demand higher efficiency in production processes. The application of no-wash, no-sterilization technology allows drug filling to be carried out quickly and seamlessly, avoiding delays from cleaning and sterilization. This enables pharmaceutical companies to increase production flexibility, quickly respond to market demand changes, and enhance overall production capacity.

Reduced Risk of Drug Contamination: COP vials are produced in sterile environments using materials that meet pharmaceutical standards, ensuring that no external contamination is introduced during the packaging process. In traditional cleaning and sterilization processes, improper handling or aging equipment can still lead to microbial contamination. However, the no-wash, no-sterilization COP vials minimize contamination risk by controlling the source, ensuring the quality and safety of the drugs.

3. Applicable Scenarios for No-Wash, No-Sterilization Packaging

No-wash, no-sterilization COP vials are especially suitable for drugs that require high packaging standards, particularly in the fields of biologics, cell-based therapies, and high-pH drugs. Some typical applications include:

Biologics and Lyophilized Powders: Biologics often contain sensitive proteins or active ingredients, and any unnecessary contact or contamination could affect the drug's efficacy. No-wash, no-sterilization COP vials provide sterile packaging, ensuring the drug is not contaminated during storage and transport, preserving its activity to the maximum extent.

Cell-based Therapies: Cell therapy and gene therapy drugs need to be stored in low-temperature environments and require high cleanliness and sterility of the packaging material. The no-wash, no-sterilization COP vial packaging form reduces drug loss and contamination during low-temperature storage and transportation.

Vaccines and High-pH Drugs: High-pH drugs are prone to reactions with packaging materials during storage, which can affect the drug’s stability. COP vials, with their chemical stability and low protein adsorption properties, effectively prevent drug-material interactions, ensuring the drug's efficacy.

In summary, the no-wash, no-sterilization packaging form of COP vials offers pharmaceutical companies a novel solution that ensures drug quality and safety while significantly improving production efficiency and reducing costs. Whether in biologics, cell-based therapies, or vaccines, this innovative packaging form provides great convenience for pharmaceutical companies. With technological advancements and changing industry demands, the no-wash, no-sterilization packaging form of COP vials will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the future, driving the pharmaceutical industry towards greater efficiency, environmental sustainability, and intelligent development.

Antitumor drugs drive the market demand for COP vials

 COP vials are a high-end drug packaging that can be used as storage containers for drugs with a pH value greater than 10, protein drugs, and cell drugs. With the popularity of anti-tumor drugs, the demand for this type of packaging has also increased.

Anti-tumor drugs are a type of drug for treating tumor diseases. Simply put, there are chemotherapy drugs and biological agents. In recent years, the development of molecular oncology and molecular pharmacology has gradually clarified the nature of tumors; the invention and application of advanced technologies such as large-scale rapid screening, combinatorial chemistry, and genetic engineering have accelerated the process of drug development; the research and development of anti-tumor drugs has entered a new era.

Polymer Vial for cell and gene therapies

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), 3/5 of the world's people die from four major diseases: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer is one of the main causes of death. At present, drug therapy has become one of the important means of clinical treatment of tumors today. Affected by the high incidence and mortality of cancer, the sales of anti-tumor drugs have also increased year by year. The research on new anti-tumor drugs is also in full swing, becoming the focus of competition among pharmaceutical companies. COP vials are the main packaging for this type of drug. They have good temperature resistance and can maintain good stability at -196℃—+121℃, making them a good packaging container.

RTU(ready to use) 2ml COP vial

Overall, the market demand for anti-tumor drugs is large, and pharmaceutical companies are enthusiastic about research and development. As a special packaging for this, COP vials will also enter a period of rapid development, helping more anti-tumor drugs to be launched on the market.

Types of Moisture-Proof Packaging for Sensitive Products

 Moisture is one of the leading causes of degradation for a variety of products, particularly in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries. Whether it's effervescent tablets, test strips, or desiccant bottles, effective moisture-proof packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining product integrity, extending shelf life, and ensuring accurate results. Let's dive into the specific packaging solutions designed to protect these sensitive products from humidity.

effervescent tablet packaging

1. Effervescent Tablet Packaging

Effervescent tablets, which dissolve in water to deliver active ingredients quickly, are extremely sensitive to moisture. Exposure to humidity can cause them to degrade, fizz prematurely, or lose their potency. Therefore, moisture-proof packaging is essential.

Desiccant Tube Packaging: Rigid plastic tubes, typically made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or PP (Polypropylene), with integrated desiccant stoppers or caps. These desiccants absorb moisture each time the cap is removed, ensuring the tablets remain dry.

glucose test strip container

2. Test Strip Packaging

Test strips, including those for glucose, pregnancy tests, and water quality tests, are highly sensitive to moisture. If exposed to humidity, they can lose their functionality or give false results. Therefore, packaging needs to effectively shield these strips from moisture and environmental factors.

Desiccant-Lined Vials: Multi-strip packs often come in rigid plastic vials or bottles with desiccant material built into the cap or walls. These vials ensure the test strips remain dry throughout their shelf life.

Why It Works: Individual sealing and desiccant integration prevent moisture from compromising the strips' chemicals, ensuring that the test results remain accurate and reliable.

desiccant bottle with silica gel

3. Desiccant Bottles

Desiccant bottles are commonly used for packaging moisture-sensitive pills, capsules, and other pharmaceutical products that need long-term protection from humidity. These bottles are designed to absorb moisture and maintain a dry environment inside the container, ensuring the product’s efficacy.

Common Packaging Solutions:

Desiccant-Integrated Caps: These bottles feature caps with integrated desiccant liners, such as silica gel or molecular sieves, that absorb moisture as the bottle is opened. This ensures that the product stays dry even when the container is frequently opened.

Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident Features: For pharmaceuticals, desiccant bottles often include child-resistant closures and tamper-evident seals for safety and compliance.

Why It Works: Desiccant bottles effectively control humidity levels inside the container, ensuring that the product remains in ideal conditions, preserving its quality and potency.

Effervescent tube water vapor transmission rate test

 In the field of pharmaceutical packaging, effervescent tubes play a critical role in protecting moisture-sensitive medications such as vitamin C effervescent tablets, certain tablets, and capsules. Among the various performance indicators, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is a key metric used to assess the moisture barrier properties of effervescent tubes. The accuracy and standardization of WVTR testing methods directly affect the quality and safety of the medications. Let's take a closer look at this crucial testing process.

cap for effervescent tube

I. Significance of Testing: A Critical Line of Defense for Drug Quality

The stability and efficacy of medications are closely tied to their storage conditions, with humidity being one of the most critical factors. As the "protective outerwear" of pharmaceuticals, effervescent tubes must have excellent moisture barrier performance. If the water vapor transmission rate is too high, external moisture can silently seep in and cause the drug to absorb moisture. This not only alters the physical form of the medication—such as causing effervescent tablets to clump or tablets to deform—but can also affect its chemical properties, reducing efficacy and potentially generating harmful impurities that pose health risks to patients. Therefore, accurately testing the WVTR of effervescent tubes is a vital prerequisite for ensuring drug quality and safe, effective medication use.

II. Testing Standards: The Foundation of Standardized Procedures

According to the authoritative Chinese standard "Oral Solid Pharmaceutical Polypropylene Bottles" (YBB00112002-2015), the WVTR testing process for effervescent tubes follows a clearly defined and standardized procedure. Specifically, the test must use Method 3 (2) from "Water Vapor Transmission Rate Testing Method" (YBB00092003-2015). During testing, environmental conditions must be strictly controlled, with temperature maintained at 25°C ± 2°C and relative humidity at 95% ± 5%. Only under these standardized conditions can the resulting WVTR values be accurate and comparable, truly reflecting the moisture barrier performance of the tubes. According to the regulations, the WVTR of effervescent tubes must not exceed 100 mg/24h·L, which serves as a key benchmark for determining whether the tubes meet quality standards.

III. Key Testing Considerations: Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability

In actual testing, many details can impact the accuracy of the results. First, sample selection is crucial. Since factors like material type, thickness, and structure can all affect WVTR, it's essential to select samples with the same material, thickness, and structure. This minimizes errors caused by sample differences and ensures the test accurately reflects the true performance of the effervescent tubes. For example, different materials have different molecular structures and thus vary greatly in their ability to block water vapor; similarly, variations in thickness can influence how easily water vapor penetrates.

effervescent tube

Second, the stability of the testing environment must not be overlooked. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can affect the diffusion rate of water vapor, thereby skewing test results. In conditions with higher temperatures or unstable humidity, water vapor molecules become more active, potentially increasing the amount that passes through the tube and causing deviations in the results. Thus, testing must be conducted in a stable environment with precisely controlled temperature and humidity. Laboratories must be equipped with high-precision environmental control systems to continuously monitor and adjust conditions, ensuring the entire testing process stays within the required standards.

WVTR testing for effervescent tubes is a vital step in safeguarding the quality and safety of medications. By strictly adhering to testing standards and paying close attention to key details during testing, accurate and reliable results can be obtained, allowing for the selection of high-performance tubes that effectively protect medications during storage and transport—ultimately safeguarding patient health.