'A brilliantly executed packaging innovation that has the consumer's safety and convenience at heart': this was how the Nicotinell L-Pack from Novartis Consumer Health was described by specialist judge Sarah Divanbeigi, Packaging Ideations Manager, Sensodyne Future Group, GSK.
The pack was named Best Pharmaceutical Pack in the Starpack Awards, which were announced at the Total Processing and Packaging show in Birmingham, UK.
The Nicotinell L-Pack is a packaging breakthrough that significantly improves portability, convenience and product protection, as well as consumer information. The unique design of this pack for Nicotine Replacement Gum provides a new standard for pharmaceutical packs and successfully combines primary and secondary packaging.
Consumer needs are the top priority of Novartis Consumer Health and this innovative pack structure is another step towards providing customers with greater convenience and the best possible chance to quit successfully.
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is cleverly integrated into the small pack, while Braille is incorporated without any impact on the aesthetics of the pack. Patient compliance is also made simpler as the smaller dimensions of the new pack make it easier for the patient to carry a day's dose.
The packaging design challenge was to keep both the size of the gum and the number of gums per blister unchanged within the pack. The solution was to fold the blister onto the foil side to provide protection from accidental perforation during storage, use and transport.
The blister is attached to the carton so that it self unfolds when the L-Pack is opened and returns to the folded position when closed. The carton plays a functional role in the blister flipping movement by transmitting the necessary opening force.
The L-Pack sides are all closed, which is rarely the case in other wallet pack concepts. This unique design combines a traditional carton material with a traditional blister and merges primary and the secondary packaging into a single entity to give protection, communication and dynamic functions.
An innovative triangular fold was designed so that one side of the pack can be closed. This required an additional step in the manufacturing process as the fold could not be produced with standard cutting, creasing and gluing equipment. It provides good rigidity to the L-Pack and the triangular shape means the L-Pack's dimensions are very close to those of the folded blister.
The PIL is attached inside the pack to ensure information is always available to the consumer and a repositionable glue tape maintains it closed and folded. A printed inner panel provides space for extra brand communication or other important information.
Environmental aspects have also been considered, with the amount of packaging material used per unit being reduced substantially. A European Patent Office application has been filed for the L-Pack.
The pack was also the winner of a Gold Star for Best in Creative Cartonboard Packaging and a Silver Star for Best Consumer Pack - Non Food.
A Silver Starpack in the Best Pharmaceutical Pack category was awarded to The PocketPak from Burgopak (UK) and Healthcare Branding Co.
Designed by Burgo Whartom and manufactured by Parksons, the patented PocketPak combines blister and patient safety leaflet in a handy pocket-sized pack. A cardboard sleeve connects and protects the blister and safety leaflet. It is being used for the12-capsule PocketPak ibuprofen and 12-capsule PocketPak paracetamol.
The pack's simple opening mechanism works by pulling one end of the pack to reveal the blister, while simultaneously revealing the patient safety leaflet at the other end of the pack. Having the blister capsules and the safety leaflet connected aids patient safety.
The intricate design of the pack will reduce counterfeiting, while the extension of the pack increases the branding space available. The packaging is physically robust and able to survive being carried in bags and briefcases better than a traditional carton.