The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented set of challenges for various organizations, businesses, institutes, economies, consumers, pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers and hand sanitizer manufacturers in Malaysia. A majority of the countries are facing economic issues, such as industry closures, massive disruptions in the supply chain, lockdown and strict social distancing guidelines. The healthcare industry is also experiencing an unparalleled demand for masks, gloves, PPEs, tests and medicine. It would not be wrong to say that we still don’t know many things about Covid-19’s behaviour, as researchers are still studying the different aspects of the virus. Generally, people are looking for sterilized products and a safe environment to avoid contracting the coronavirus.
Recently, Princeton University and the NIH published their conclusions from a study about the surface stability of COVID-19 and its decay rates. The findings indicate that coronavirus can stay in aerosol form from three to twenty-four hours on cardboard packaging and up to three days on certain types of plastic surfaces. These findings have made things more demanding, especially for pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers.
People are trying their best to follow the social distancing guidelines, and this new study can really impact behaviour. Many feel anxious and stressed performing daily activities because even with all the precautions, there are still chances of catching the coronavirus. Now, consumers will have to assess the risk of specific products, as well, depending on their packaging style.
Researches have already indicated consumers’ attitudes and behaviours are evolving, and the overall society is moving towards becoming a ‘sterilized society.’ Due to the fear and anxiety associated with avoiding germs and the spread of the virus, the demand for safer products and packaging is now more important than ever.
Rising consumers’ anxiety about product packaging is having a huge impact, especially on the food packaging industry and pharmaceuticals. A lot of uncertainty is associated with the survival of the virus on different surfaces, as current studies have not been peer-reviewed. The new demand for clean and sterile packaging is increasing causing the pharmaceutical industry to face numerous issues and shortages.
In the past few years, sterilization and general packaging techniques have evolved substantially; they have become complex because of a wide range of designs, materials and features available in different packaging. Recently, plastic packaging is rising again during this pandemic to fulfil consumers’ need for sterile and antiviral packaging. The development of plastic products has also increased tremendously. Hence, it indicates that many pharmaceutical manufacturers and hand sanitizer manufacturers in Malaysia will rely on plastic due to its high efficiency and effective barrier properties.
Research will find feasible, eco-friendly, cost-efficient and suitable packaging for different kinds of products. Some of the products and packages that can be declared safe during a pandemic are:
There is no doubt that many consumers will only opt for safe and secure packaging from now on. Companies also have to be more aware of the importance of sustainable, eco-friendly and safe packaging that minimizes contamination chances.
By adopting sterile and safe packaging, manufacturers can satisfy consumers and play a critical role in sustainable development. For more information, feel free to get in touch with us.