Orion Revamps Packaging to Boost Patient Experience and Sustainability
Since 2020, Orion has been systematically reimagining its product packaging with a dual focus on patient safety and environmental sustainability. This ongoing effort has touched every stage of the supply chain—from raw material selection and logistics to patients’ daily experiences with the products. By combining sustainability, usability, and practicality, Orion aims to create packaging that benefits both people and the planet.
The initiative began with a thorough assessment of Orion’s existing packaging to establish a baseline for improvement. From there, a comprehensive strategy was developed to guide the company toward more sustainable and user-friendly solutions. The strategy outlines specific practices to ensure that packaging not only reduces environmental impact but also supports ease of use for patients.
“Packaging is an effective lever for promoting sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry,” says Anna-Leena Hakoila, Development Manager for Primary Packaging Materials. “It is a central component of Orion’s ambitious Sustainability Agenda.”
Prioritizing Safety Above All
While sustainability is a key goal, Orion places product safety at the forefront of any packaging redesign. The company rigorously evaluates the carbon footprint of its packaging, and any material changes are carefully assessed using detailed data provided by suppliers.
“Packaging can never be considered sustainable if it results in waste,” emphasizes Hakoila.
Every aspect of packaging is evaluated from a practical perspective. For example, removing an outer carton might reduce material use, but it could also increase the risk of product breakage or make handling more difficult for pharmacists. Orion ensures that any change balances environmental benefits with functional safety.
Redesigns have been implemented across both prescription and self-care products, with some changes already visible to consumers.
Social Responsibility Through Thoughtful Design
Kati Bergius, Senior Development Manager for Primary Packaging, has led the redesign of Orion’s proprietary drugs for neurological conditions. Through careful planning, the redesign has improved sustainability across multiple dimensions. The new bottles are expected to reach the market by mid-2026.
A key change involved replacing the old square bottles with new ones featuring an easy-to-open tear-off closure. This design specifically addresses the needs of patients who may face physical challenges in opening packaging. Since no suitable off-the-shelf solution existed, Orion collaborated closely with a supplier to develop the new design.
“Sustainability is not only about the environment—it also includes social responsibility,” Bergius explains. “Easier-to-open packaging improves accessibility and ensures that patients can take their medications as directed.”
The redesign brings a host of supply chain benefits:
- Bottle volumes have been reduced from 175 ml to as little as 75 ml.
- Lower water vapor levels inside the bottles help extend the product’s shelf life.
- Smaller bottles allow for smaller cartons, enabling more units per shipping case.
- The supplier of packaging materials was switched from a US-based company to a Danish supplier, allowing materials to be transported to Finland by road rather than air.
- Multi-language, multi-layer labels now allow for larger batch packaging and deliveries to more countries.
“These changes will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transport to about one fifteenth of current levels,” notes Bergius. “Sourcing materials closer to home also improves security of supply.”
Advancing Material Sustainability
Orion is also making strides in using recycled materials. Aluminium tubes, for instance, are transitioning to recycled content. According to the tube supplier, this switch could reduce the carbon footprint of the tubes by up to 70%.
“This is the first time we are using recycled material in product-contact packaging,” says Hakoila. “Aluminium is ideal because it can be endlessly recycled while still meeting strict quality standards.”
Despite these advances, challenges remain. The availability of recycled materials that meet regulatory requirements is currently a limiting factor in reducing reliance on virgin raw materials.
Looking ahead, Orion plans to expand its use of recycled materials further by switching to recycled plastic for emollient cream packaging. This change will also be accompanied by design improvements such as thinner tube walls and lower cap heights, further reducing material use.
A Holistic Approach
Orion’s systematic approach demonstrates that packaging can play a significant role in sustainability while maintaining patient safety and usability. By redesigning packaging with care, the company is achieving measurable environmental benefits, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and improving patient experiences.
With these initiatives, Orion sets an example of how thoughtful, innovative packaging can serve both people and the planet—turning everyday interactions with medicines into small but meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.
Source link : https://www.orionpharma.com/
