Smart labeling innovation for drug delivery products
Global pharmaceutical company
Successfully demonstrating the feasibility of an updateable electronic labeling system for drug delivery products in production volumes.
The challenge
Exploring the future potential of digital secondary packaging technologies.
E-labeling technology existed but was unproven at scale. Our global pharmaceutical client wanted to stay ahead of the curve by exploring the potential for this technology to address two key challenges. Firstly, how clearer, expanded instructions for use (IFUs) could be shared digitally, thereby maximizing the limited label space on the device. And secondly, how production waste could be reduced by enabling labeling information to be updated wirelessly prior to shipping to users.
The solution
We researched, designed and prototyped a solution which demonstrated the feasibility of ‘battery-less’ electronics for label display updates, through the use of energy harvesting and near field communications technologies in conjunction with off-the-shelf components available for production use.
The execution
The project began with research into the use of e-paper, near field communication and energy harvesting as a means of developing a wirelessly-programmable battery-less “smart” label solution; a solution that would remove the barriers to optimal label information presented by limited on-device space and the timing of the sterile packing process.
To then prove the concept and viability of the commercial model, our team designed and created a demonstrator system. Using an iterative process, we developed flexible Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) with e-paper displays which could be fitted to a drug delivery system, allowing them to be updated in parallel over-the-air. We assembled and tested trial volumes of prototype “smart” labels fitted to drug delivery products, allowing the technology to be demonstrated and its potential further understood for production volumes.
VP Design and Development, Europe
The impact
Cutting-edge electronic labeling brought to life.
This innovative exploratory project proved the feasibility of battery-less electronic labeling for pre-sterilized drug delivery devices and combination products, enabling on-package display updates via energy harvesting and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies.
Beyond addressing the immediate challenges of space limitations and the need to change information late in the production process, bringing a prototype to life enabled us to understand the greater potential of e-labeling to enhance usability, reduce environmental impact, drive cost efficiencies and accelerate time-to-market.
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