Labels Help Meet Pharma Industry Supply Chain

Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based global provider of specialty pharmaceutical labeling, has launched a process center for late-stage customization of functional labels.  Allowing for greater flexibility and supporting variable packaging needs, the new service addresses the demands of a more agile and responsive pharmaceutical industry supply chain that is increasingly driven by segmentation initiatives.

For Schreiner MediPharm, providing dedicated service for late-stage customization of its sophisticated functional labels helps ensure optimal process flow while still guaranteeing that the pharmaceutical industry’s exacting quality requirements are met.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has been challenged by ever-changing market conditions and a significant uptick in segmentation needs. Factors such as country-specific regulations, different languages and special packaging formats require flexibility and adjustments with short lead times. Pharmaceutical products targeting more specialized medical needs—including orphan drugs—and growing cost pressures also play important roles.

For customers, Schreiner MediPharm’s streamlined process allows for expedited label specialization. Initially, the labels are pre-produced in large quantities with all required functional features—including die-cut hangers, detachable documentation parts and integrated security features. Printed with standard text, the labels are stored as semi-finished products in Schreiner MediPharm’s warehouse.  

On demand, the pre-manufactured labels are customized using digital printing and delivered within a few days, making segmentation requirements such as small volumes and varying demand far less challenging for drug manufacturers.

An expert team of late-stage customization specialists provides comprehensive consulting support on a case-by-case basis. Specific workflows and shared processes are developed in joint workshops with the respective customers—a transparent, partnership-based approach that helps ensure on-demand product expedition without sacrificing quality.

The service is designed to save customers internal costs: There are no minimum order quantities, warehousing expenses are minimized and wasting of printed labels due to text revisions is eliminated.