The Pharmapack Europe Awards have once again celebrated excellence in pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery innovation. This year’s restructured awards recognized both commercialized products and pioneering technologies, with a record number of entries showcasing sustainability, patient-centricity, and cutting-edge materials.
The winners spanned six key categories, each representing a breakthrough in pharmaceutical packaging:
- Delivery and Device Innovation: SHL Medical’s Elexy™ reusable electromechanical autoinjector sets a new standard in drug administration. Designed to accommodate both prefilled syringes and cartridge-based primary containers, it features SHL’s proprietary Needle Isolation Technology (NIT®), eliminating the need for manual needle attachment.
- Eco-Design: Huhtamaki’s Omnilock™ Ultra PAPER introduces a fully recyclable, heat-sealable ultra-high barrier paper, offering a sustainable alternative to non-recyclable multi-layer laminates.
- Packaging Innovation: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company’s OXYCAPT Multilayer Plastic Vial provides an exceptional gas and UV barrier, making it ideal for storing gene therapy products under extreme conditions.
- Patient-Centric Design: UCB Pharma’s BIMZELX 160mg autoinjector packaging enhances user experience with an intuitive “book-style” carton, a tamper-evident mechanism, and a sustainable plastic tray composed of 50% recycled PET.
- Start-Up Innovation: Active Label’s non-electronic smart labels revolutionize temperature and time monitoring. Activated by UV light and read via optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), these labels enable precise tracking without electronic components.
- Woman of the Year: Asmita Khanolkar of SMC Ltd was honored for her contributions to drug-device combination products and innovative drug delivery solutions. With over two decades of experience, her work has advanced critical areas such as diabetes care, oncology, and cell therapy.
Commenting on this year’s winners, Tara Dougal, Brand and Content Director – Pharma at Informa, stated: “The quality of innovation continues to rise, with a strong focus on sustainability and patient experience. These breakthroughs highlight the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.”
The Pharmapack Awards 2025 reflect the sector’s ongoing drive toward efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced patient outcomes. With innovations that push the boundaries of packaging and drug delivery, the winners exemplify the transformative power of smart design and advanced materials.