What do you think is the most important aspect of pharmaceutical packaging? Is it a packaging that offers medicine safety? Or a box that serves as a critical branding tool? Usually it's either the functionality or aesthetics for a certain product. But, for medicines you need both. Because, pharma boxes are the first point of interaction a patient has with your product. Their quality and clear information builds confidence. Thus, make the customers choose your medicine without any doubt. While designing pharma boxes, you’ll need to choose how you want your products laminated. This is an important decision as the right choice makes the product "ready" for customer service. 

In this article we'll explore what is lamination? What are its different types? And which one is the right choice for pharma boxes? 

Why is lamination essential for pharma boxes? 

Lamination is a thin layer of a clear plastic film applied on your paperboard or cardstock surface. The process uses heat or pressure for this polypropylene or polyester coating. The purpose behind laminating custom pharma packaging boxes is to enhance durability. Usually medicine boxes are vulnerable to scratches, scuffs and moisture. Which can compromise the quality of product during transit or storage. Lamination plays an essential role in protecting the product integrity and ensuring stability. Moreover, it prevents the rubbing-off of the printed ink. Therefore, the product information remains intact on the packaging. Apart from the practical function, it gives a premium look and feel. Based on its functionality and aesthetics, there are two types:

• Matte Lamination

• Gloss Lamination

Let's find out which type is the best option for pharma boxes. 

A comparative analysis of matte & gloss lamination 

Choosing between matte and gloss lamination for pharma boxes depends upon various factors. Such as:

• Aesthetics

• Durability

• Readability

• Regulatory Compliance

Therefore, the right coating will be the one that ticks all these markers. 

What is matte lamination? 

Matte lamination refers to the application of non-glossy plastic film to printed material. Apart from heat or pressure, this film is often applied with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Which is also called cold lamination. 

• Advantages for pharma boxes 

Reduced Glare: Glare for pharma boxes is undesirable. As it makes it difficult for the patients to read the product details and instructions. A matte finish absorbs light and minimizes the glare effect. It allows easy-to-read dosage instructions, warnings and expiry date under any type of lighting. 

Premium feel: Medicines are not any food item or a piece of jewelry that needs luxury in its presentation. These are drugs whose misuse can cause serious consequences. Therefore, pharma boxes need a visual appearance that conveys professionalism. Matte lamination gives a soft and understated elegant look. Which delivers a sense of quality and trustworthiness. Which aligns well with the serious nature of medicines. 

Hide minor imperfection: Due to the non-reflective effect of matte lamination. You can hide minor scuffs or any other imperfection. 

However, matte lamination makes the colors less vibrant. This can be a drawback for the companies who aim for colorful branding. Also, it may hide minor defects, but can show visible scratches or scuffs. 

What is gloss lamination? 

The process of gloss lamination is similar to that of matte finish. The only difference is the plastic film used for the pharma box has a shiny reflective surface. It produces a smooth and glass-like finish. 

• Advantages for pharma boxes 

Enhanced Visual appeal: Gloss lamination produces a reflective surface for pharma boxes. It makes the colors rich, bold and eye-catching. As a result the boxes stand out on a shelf and immediately grab customer attention.

Perceived as "Clean and New": Since a gloss lamination gives a shiny finish to the pharma boxes. It makes the pharmaceutical products look new as they are the fresh batch manufactured just yesterday.

Durability: Gloss finishing produces a surface that is resistant to dirt, dust and moisture. This means you can wipe off any stain or blemishing spot. It is helpful for pharma boxes as hygiene is a first priority of medicines. 

Gloss lamination causes glare under light which makes it hard to interpret text or images. Moreover, its vibrant appearance does not sit well with the serious image of medicines. 

Regulatory considerations for pharma boxes 

Owing to the safety concerns for drugs and pharmaceutical products. There are strict regulations which every company must adhere to:

• The packaging must be durable enough to fight against external elements. Such as dirt, dust, moisture, oxygen and light. 
• The box material should not be reactive with the drug product
• The packaging must have clear and readable information. 
• Lastly, pharma boxes must have tamper-evident and child-resistant closures.

Based on these regulations "Matte Lamination" is the right choice for custom pharma packaging boxes. As it offers good readability, durability and professional look. 

Get your affordable pharma boxes from Boxit Packages 

Boxit Packages is the most trusted supplier for pharma boxes. They adhere to every regulatory compliance necessary for medicine packaging. And even offer custom eco- friendly pharma boxes for certain products. Moreover, their rates for wholesale custom printed boxes is quite low with free delivery and design consultation. 

Conclusion

If you want to create a professional image of brand and pharmaceutical products. Then, choose matte lamination for your pharma boxes. It ensures product safety, follows every regulation and builds trust within a patient.