packaging
Paxxus explains how the pandemic has accelerated change for medical device packaging manufacturers, particularly in the diagnostics space.
MOVING WITH THE TIMES HOW MUCH DO YOU FEEL THE DIAGNOSTICS LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED DURING THE PANDEMIC? The pandemic has contributed to an incredible shift in diagnostic testing. Many diagnostic companies are in the midst of bringing brand new methods and platforms to market which equates to new challenges for the entire supply chain. The scale and volume of demand for new and creative formats have increased significantly as testing continues to boom in both clinical settings and at-home environments. From discovering allergies to identifying genetic risks at home, the ability for consumers to manage their own health has resulted in a widespread recognition and acceptance of numerous new diagnostic platforms and tests.
16
For this reason, the diagnostic landscape has experienced an exponential increase in new players all hoping to better support patients in all settings. WHAT EFFECT HAS THIS HAD ON THOSE WORKING IN MEDICAL DEVICE PACKAGING, LIKE YOURSELVES? The explosion of new players and methods in the diagnostic space required packaging suppliers, like us, to pivot rapidly in terms of our manufacturing focusses. During the first few months of the pandemic, we very quickly recognised the need to prioritise our offerings of materials for diagnostic testing kits. We collaborated with our partners to quickly recommend primary packaging materials and
identify appropriate materials that can be used in conjunction with components inside of their diagnostic devices. By offering both pre-engineered solutions and developing new structures to address specific requirements, we have been able to support several major companies as they have introduced novel tests to the market. WITH PEOPLE NOW BECOMING MORE FAMILIAR WITH HOME TESTING, WHAT KIND OF EFFECT DO YOU THINK THIS WILL HAVE ON THOSE WORKING WITHIN DIAGNOSTICS PACKAGING GOING FORWARD? Human factors have already had an enormous impact on the development of devices and their respective packaging and we expect this focus to only gain strength going forward. Many athome tests are being administered in a less controlled environment, compared to clinical settings, by consumers who may not be trained. Consumer storage,