Sustainable Packaging for Regulated Industries (Pharma, Food, FMCG)
Sustainable Packaging for Regulated Industries (Pharma, Food, FMCG)
Sustainable Solutions for the Pharma and Food Industries
Professionals in the pharma, food, and FMCG sectors understand better than anyone how packaging regulations apply in these fields. Recycling packaging materials won’t do the trick. Packaging must also consider shelf-life, safety, contamination control, and tampering. These considerations can lead compliance teams to conclude that sustainability is impossible to achieve.
However, industry leaders are successfully adopting sustainable packaging. They apply innovative strategies that comply with regulations while minimizing material misuse, waste, and costs.
The solution is integrating sustainability into the packaging design decision-making processes.
So what are the challenges?
Regulated industries must comply with strict packaging design rules; reckless and untested design changes may not be legal. Unavoidably, any design change must go through a sequential testing, approval, and certification process.
This doesn’t imply that change is impossible in the field. It emphasizes that innovation must be applied to legal compliance in these industries.
What are the additional barriers to sustainable packaging in these industries?
- The materials have to be food- or pharma-grade.
- Packaging has to hold up over time, often across extreme temperatures
- Labels need to be compliant and maintain readable and scannable attributes.
- Not compromising on child resistance and tamper evidence becomes difficult.
- Shelf life and barrier properties still need to be spot-on
So yes, it’s a bit more complex. But it’s not impossible. And it’s already happening.
Solutions Being Implemented by Smart Teams
1. Switching to the Right New Materials
You can’t hope for a positive outcome just by adding a biodegradable pouch. However, replacing legacy materials with newer, tested, and approved sustainable substitute materials is a viable option.
Many companies replace multilayer, unrecyclable films with mono-material recyclable films, and they also switch from polystyrene trays to molded pulp or fiber trays that are fully recyclable, equally protective, and pulp trays are fiber.
Bonus: many of these new materials weigh less, which cuts shipping costs without compromising performance.
2. They’re Rethinking Overengineering
In pharma and food, it’s common to go overboard “just to be safe.” Extra layers. Bigger boxes. More inserts. But much of that isn’t needed anymore thanks to better materials and smarter testing.
Right-sizing and revalidating existing packaging setups often reveals places to cut down on waste without touching the product experience or safety levels.
One FMCG brand shaved 12% off its packaging weight across five SKUs just by updating box sizes and removing unnecessary protection. Product integrity? Unchanged.
3. They’re Not Waiting for Suppliers to Pitch Ideas
The most proactive teams don’t wait around for a packaging supplier to offer the “green” version of what they already buy. They ask for it directly-or better yet, request multiple options.
Even better? They test a few materials every quarter, before they need to make a switch. So when a regulation tightens or a cost spike hits, they’re not scrambling-they’re already ahead.
4. They’ve Got a System for Compliance + Sustainability
This is key: sustainable packaging that doesn’t pass compliance checks is useless. The teams getting it right are baking sustainability into their QA and regulatory processes from day one.
So instead of fighting the system, they build it into the workflow-testing shelf life, barrier performance, and handling right alongside recyclability and materials sourcing.
That’s how you make sustainable packaging real-not just theoretical.
Real-World Examples? They’re Everywhere
- A global pharma company rolled out recyclable PET bottles for its OTC range-FDA compliant and curbside recyclable
- A food brand launched a full product line in compostable film that still meets moisture barrier requirements
- An FMCG player dropped plastic trays in favor of molded pulp across 70% of their portfolio-saving money and weight without needing revalidation
None of these brands started with a giant rebrand. They started with one SKU, ran the tests, validated it… then scaled.
A Few Practical Starting Points
Not sure where to begin? Start here:
Audit what you’re using today.
Figure out which materials are overengineered or outdated. There’s almost always room to trim.
Work with suppliers who know your industry.
Not just sustainability vendors-but partners who understand pharma, food safety, or FMCG needs inside and out.
Test a few new materials per year.
Make it part of the process. Don’t wait for a crisis to start looking.
Don’t go it alone.
Involve your regulatory, legal, and ops teams early so you’re not backtracking later.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Safe and Sustainable
In regulated industries, packaging changes will always come with some red tape. But that’s no excuse to stand still. The tools, materials, and partners exist to make real improvements—without compromising compliance or product quality.
And the upside? It’s not just about sustainability. These changes usually lead to better efficiency, fewer returns, lower freight costs, and stronger brand perception.
So no, you don’t have to go “cheap.” Just smarter.
Delivering to Every Corner: How Packaging Reaches 25,000+ PIN Codes Reliably
Delivering to Every Corner: How Packaging Reaches 25,000+ PIN Codes Reliably
Anyone who’s shipped a product across India knows the drill. Delivering across the country isn’t just about logistics-it’s a test of durability, planning, and real-world problem solving.
You’re not just shipping to metros with paved roads and proper addresses. You’re also reaching small towns, far-flung villages, coastal zones, hilly terrains, and places where the weather can flip in a day.
And somehow, some brands are doing this consistently-reaching over 25,000 PIN codes with minimal damage, delays, or customer complaints. The not-so-secret weapon? Smarter, more reliable packaging.
The Delivery Struggles No One Talks About
Let’s be real. Delivery failures are rare because the product didn’t leave the warehouse. The problems happen in transit.
Packages get dropped. They ride on bumpy roads in overloaded trucks. They sit in the rain outside a local depot. Labels peel off. Boxes cave in. Items shift and break.
Now imagine the same product has to survive this across 25,000 different locations. One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. And that’s exactly why packaging needs to be purpose-built for scale, diversity, and chaos.
How Packaging Makes (or Breaks) Nationwide Delivery
If you want to ship anywhere and everywhere in India without holding your breath every time a parcel leaves your warehouse, your packaging has to be more than just functional. It has to be dependable.
Strong outer packaging matters. Corrugated boxes with the right ply strength, protective layers at pressure points, and boxes that can handle stacking-these aren’t luxuries. They’re essentials when your shipment might be at the bottom of a truckload headed to a Tier 3 town.
Internal protection isn’t about stuffing in bubble wrap and hoping for the best. It means using inserts, trays, or padding that hold the product firmly in place, even if the box flips upside down or gets dropped from waist height.
Right-sizing also plays a big role. Oversized boxes invite damage because items move around too much. Undersized ones offer no protection. Packaging that’s tailored to the product size and shape improves both safety and efficiency.
Moisture control is another big one. Monsoon season doesn’t care about your delivery timelines. And in coastal areas, even a light drizzle or high humidity can mess with packaging adhesives, labels, or the product itself. Waterproof layers, sealable polybags, and humidity-resistant materials go a long way here.
Even your tape matters. Regular tapes may come loose in transit, especially in dusty or humid conditions. High-quality packaging tapes that seal tightly are a small investment that prevents big problems.
What Reliable Delivery Looks Like Behind the Scenes
Brands that consistently deliver across the country without issues do a few things differently.
They test their packaging against real-world scenarios. Not just lab tests, but actual shipping routes. They drop boxes, stack them, expose them to rain, and leave them in the sun. If the packaging survives that, it’s ready for the real world.
They don’t use the same packaging for every product. Electronics get custom foam inserts. Cosmetics get snug boxes to avoid rattling. Glassware gets cushioning that doesn’t shift around. The packaging adapts to the product-not the other way around.
They review and update packaging regularly. As the logistics network evolves, delivery partners change, and customer volumes grow, so should the packaging. What worked two years ago might be costing you returns today.
They also work with packaging partners who understand pan-India shipping. Vendors who know what a 7-day journey to Northeast India does to a cardboard box are better equipped to suggest the right materials and formats.
Common Delivery Issues Packaging Can Solve
Damaged goods aren’t just bad luck-they’re usually the result of under-engineered packaging. Weak boxes, loose interiors, or poor labeling lead to replacements, complaints, and refunds.
A wet label can mean a parcel gets lost in the system or is sent back. That’s a packaging issue, not a logistics one.
Melted or deformed products during summer? That’s preventable with heat-resistant or insulated packaging.
Pieces missing from the box? Usually because of movement inside or torn external packaging. Proper fitments and secure sealing solve that.
If you’re tracking a high rate of delivery failures, there’s a good chance packaging is playing a bigger role than you think.
What Scaling Delivery Really Involves
Reaching every corner of the country isn’t just about getting more orders or more vehicles. It’s about building systems that can scale without breaking. Packaging is one of the easiest systems to get right-and one of the costliest to ignore.
Good packaging reduces the need for repacking at hubs, speeds up sorting, prevents damage in manual handling, and minimizes returns. That means faster deliveries, lower costs, and happier customers-even in remote PIN codes.
Brands like Moglix Business treat packaging as a strategic function, not just a cost, tend to scale more smoothly and with fewer surprises.
Building Packaging That Reaches Anywhere
If you want to consistently deliver across 25,000+ PIN codes, the packaging has to be:
- Strong enough to survive real-world transit, not just warehouse handling
- Sized correctly so it’s efficient for both shipping and storage
- Resistant to rain, dust, and heat during long journeys
- Securely sealed and clearly labeled for fast, error-free sorting
- Adaptable by product category and region
This doesn’t mean overpacking or overspending. It means thinking smart and planning for real delivery conditions, not ideal ones.
Final Word
Smart packaging doesn’t just protect your product. It protects your reputation, your delivery timelines, and your bottom line.
Reaching 25,000 PIN codes isn’t impossible. But doing it consistently, without damage or delays, means treating packaging as part of the delivery system, not just the box it ships in.
When done right, packaging becomes your delivery partner. Silent, reliable, and always on time.
Primary vs. Secondary Packaging: How CPOs Can Make the Right Choice for Procurement Success
Primary vs. Secondary Packaging: How CPOs Can Make the Right Choice for Procurement Success
In a competitive market, packaging is essential for product protection, branding, and logistics.
Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) are tasked with making strategic packaging choices that balance cost-effectiveness, product protection, and brand appeal.
Understanding primary and secondary packaging helps businesses optimize costs, ensure product safety, and enhance market appeal.
This article will explore the key differences between these two packaging types and offer insights into how CPOs can leverage them for optimal results.
Understanding Primary and Secondary Packaging
Effective packaging is more than just a container; it’s an integral part of the product experience.
It serves several critical functions, from protecting the product during transit to communicating brand messaging to the consumer.
This is where the distinction between primary and secondary packaging becomes important.
Primary packaging, or consumer packaging, is the first layer that directly encases the product to protect, preserve, and enhance consumer experience.
Its primary purpose is to contain, protect, and preserve the product’s quality, freshness, and safety.
It’s the packaging the consumer interacts with directly when using the product. Consider these examples:
- A glass bottle containing a fragrance
- A blister pack holding individual tablets of medication
- A sealed pouch of coffee beans
- A wrapper around a chocolate bar
Choosing primary packaging depends on factors like material durability, regulatory requirements, and product sensitivity to environmental conditions.
For instance, food products often require specialized materials that prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
Pharmaceuticals demand packaging that protects against light, moisture, and tampering.
Secondary packaging, or transit packaging, is used to bundle, transport, and protect multiple units of primary packaging.
It’s the outer layer that bundles multiple units of primary packaged products together for efficient storage, transportation, and distribution.
It also provides an additional layer of protection against physical damage during handling and shipping. Examples include:
- A corrugated cardboard box containing multiple bottles of shampoo
- A shrink-wrapped bundle of pharmaceutical blister packs
- A printed carton displaying branding and product information for retail shelves
- Pallets used for bulk shipping
Secondary packaging plays a vital role in logistics, ensuring that products reach retailers and consumers in good condition.
It plays a key role in branding, logistics, and compliance by displaying product information, barcodes, and sustainability labels.
How CPOs Can Make the Right Choice for Business Success
CPOs must strategically balance cost, efficiency, and sustainability in packaging decisions.
By carefully considering the following factors, they can make informed decisions that contribute to business success:
- Product Requirements: The nature of the product is the most crucial factor.
CPOs need to understand the specific protection requirements, shelf-life considerations, and any regulatory obligations related to the product.
For example, food products may require specialized packaging to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, while hazardous materials require packaging that prevents leaks and spills.
- Cost Optimization: Packaging costs can significantly impact the overall product cost.
CPOs should explore various materials and designs to find the most cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or protection.
This involves considering factors like material costs, manufacturing processes, and transportation expenses.
Negotiating favorable contracts with packaging suppliers is also essential.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: Packaging plays a vital role in the efficiency of the supply chain.
CPOs should consider how packaging design affects storage, handling, and transportation.
Optimizing packaging dimensions and weight can reduce shipping costs and improve warehouse space utilization.
Standardized packaging can also streamline logistics processes.
- Brand Enhancement: Packaging is a powerful tool for brand communication.
CPOs should work with marketing teams to ensure that packaging aligns with the brand’s overall messaging and visual identity.
Attractive and informative packaging can enhance the consumer experience and drive sales.
- Sustainability: Increasingly, consumers are demanding sustainable packaging solutions.
CPOs should explore eco-friendly materials and designs that minimize environmental impact.
This includes considering factors like recyclability, biodegradability, and the use of renewable resources.
Partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainability is also crucial.
- Supplier Collaboration: Building strong relationships with packaging suppliers is essential for CPOs.
Collaborating with suppliers can lead to innovative packaging solutions, cost savings, and improved supply chain efficiency.
CPOs should seek suppliers who offer high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable service.
Conclusion
Optimizing primary and secondary packaging directly improves cost-efficiency, logistics, and brand reputation.
By understanding the functions of each packaging type and considering the key factors outlined above, CPOs can make informed choices that optimize costs, protect products, enhance brands, and improve supply chain efficiency.
A data-driven packaging strategy enhances customer trust, sustainability, and competitive advantage.
For inquiries regarding optimized packaging solutions for your business, mail your inquiries to info@moglixbusiness.com
Packaging for the Future: Sustainable Solutions in E-commerce
Packaging for the Future: Sustainable Solutions in E-commerce
In 2022, global e-commerce sales stood at $5.63 trillion which represents nearly 19 percent of retail sales worldwide. Forecasts indicate that over the next five years, the online segment will make up close to a quarter of total global retail sales. This provides a fillip to the e-commerce packaging market which has enjoyed a CAGR of 20% since 2017 and expects to grow further.
The growth will be led by packaging manufacturers who continue to innovate as per the needs of the market.
