Today marks the fifth instalment of our summer series. Over the past two weeks, we’ve discussed the production of solid and liquid products. Today, we’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at the next department in the process: the one that packages the solid products. The Solid Packaging Department ensures that all capsules, tablets and powders are packaged in their appropriate containers. And just as with the previous departments, this is also carried out under strict conditions.
Before the capsules and tablets reach the Solid Packaging Department, they have already undergone several checks. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the capsules and tablets are then packaged in blister packs or jars.
The Solid Packaging Department has various machines at its disposal for packaging the products:
• 2 blister packing machines, the Noack and TR-100. These machines can pack both capsules and tablets into blisters of various sizes.
• 2 filling machines, the Swiftpack and TC-8. These machines can fill both capsules and tablets into various sizes and jars.
In addition, the department has a sleeve labelling machine where we can apply a sleeve to jars, complete with a barcode and best-before date. We also apply an induction seal to the jars to ensure the lid is securely sealed for the customer.
Packaging with the blister machine
The blister machine is set up under the supervision of our Senior Technical Specialist, Radjkoemar Jarbandhan. The correct sizes of blister, sealing film and forming film are loaded. The sealing block is marked with a batch number and best-before date. The blister machine is commissioned and adjusted as necessary. Once the machine is ready for production, the production manager and the Quality department carry out the checks specified in the relevant protocol. These checks are always carried out by two people: the four-eyes principle. Regular checks are also carried out during the blistering process.
Once the capsules and tablets have been blister-packed, they are packed into outer cartons or into packaging supplied by the customer. The packaging has also undergone various checks before it is used. Once the products have been packed, they are sent to the Logistics Department, which then handles the further processing of the packaging.
Packaging with the filling machine
The filling machine is set up by our operator. The same procedures are followed here as described above. The only difference compared with the blister machine is that, with the filling machines, the capsules and tablets are packaged in jars.
Who are the key members of the department?
Peter is the production manager and heads up the Solid Packaging Department. Radjkoemar is a Senior Technical Specialist and has many years’ experience in the industry. He is responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Honza is a production operator and specialises in sleeving jars. Ania is a packaging operator and is responsible for the filling machines.
Working in the Solid Packaging Department is challenging! Every day is different. It’s always very rewarding when we’ve completed a production run and can proudly send the packaging off to the customer.
