Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and related products, such as vitamins and herbal supplements, need the secure, high speed induction sealing that Pillar induction sealers provide. And for many over-the-counter medications, the FDA has stringent regulations for sealing, which Pillar's induction sealers can easily meet. Pillar induction sealers are trusted by major pharmaceutical manufacturers and packagers to provide essential product seals that comply with all FDA regulations. Common examples of products that can be induction sealed include pain relievers, acid reducers, allergy medications, cold and cough medicines, and much more.

FDA-Approved Tamper Evident Induction Sealing

The Food and Drug Administration requires tamper evident seals for most over-the-counter medications in order for them to be legally sold. Induction sealing is the ideal choice for creating this tamper evident seal. Induction seals are strong, reliable, and cannot be resealed without specialized equipment, ensuring that any intrusion of the product will be immediately visible to the end consumer.

In addition to tamper evident seals, the FDA also mandates child resistant packaging for many pharmaceutical and related products. With a Pillar induction sealer, you can apply a child resistant cap that complies with FDA regulations in order to protect children from inadvertently harming themselves.

Induction sealing also preserves freshness and longevity for these products. Without a proper seal, these products can be compromised by oxidation, moisture intrusion, and more. And damaged products lead to dissatisfied customers who can't get the relief they need, monetary losses due to product loss, and damage to your brand image. With Pillar's line of induction sealers and cap sealing equipment upgrades, you can avoid these issues and ensure customer satisfaction. 

Pillar Induction Sealing Solutions

Pillar's induction sealers can provide both tamper evident and child resistant packaging solutions that can keep up with even the fastest of line speeds.

• iFoiler Induction Sealer: utilizing a 2.25kW power supply, the iFoiler is 10% smaller and 30% lighter than previous generation systems, and is the ideal induction sealing solution for most cap sealing applications
• iFoiler+ Induction Sealer: the iFoiler+ utiizes a 4.5kW power supply and is the perfect choice for high throughput, high speed operations
• Bottle and Cap Detection System: a comprehensive system that utilizes the latest sensor technology to automatically detect one of three fault conditions: stalled bottle, missing foil, or crooked cap
• Pneumatic Reject: when installed, the Pnuematic Reject works in conjunction with the Bottle and Cap Detection System to automatically remove faulty bottles from the line as detected by the Bottle and Cap Detection System

FAQs About Induction Sealing for Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

Why is induction sealing important for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging?

Induction sealing is a critical step in ensuring product safety, compliance, and consumer confidence. For pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers, it provides:

• Tamper-evident protection to prevent contamination and unauthorized access.
• Barrier protection against oxidation, moisture infiltration, and environmental exposure.
• Extended shelf life by keeping products fresh and stable.
• Compliance with industry regulations, reducing the risk of product recalls and packaging failures.

A properly sealed container helps maintain product integrity throughout its shelf life while protecting your brand reputation and bottom line.

Is induction sealing required for compliance with pharmaceutical packaging regulations?

While not all pharmaceutical products require induction sealing, many regulatory bodies, including the FDA, GMP, and USP, strongly recommend or mandate tamper-evident packaging. Induction sealing helps manufacturers meet these requirements by providing:

• A secure, visible seal that reassures consumers.
• A validated packaging process that aligns with compliance standards.
• A cost-effective way to improve product safety and prevent contamination.

Manufacturers should review industry regulations for their specific product category to ensure compliance.

What types of bottles and containers can be used with induction sealing?

Induction sealing is compatible with a variety of packaging materials, including:

• Plastic bottles (HDPE, PET, PP) – Commonly used for capsules, tablets, and liquid medications.
• Glass containers – Used for specialized pharmaceutical formulations requiring superior protection.
• Metal containers – Less common but feasible with the right liner material.

The key to a successful seal is selecting the appropriate liner to match the bottle and cap type.

Can induction seals provide moisture and oxygen barriers for sensitive formulations?

Absolutely. Many pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products are highly sensitive to moisture and oxygen, which can degrade active ingredients over time. Induction sealing provides:

• Airtight, moisture-resistant barriers to protect against humidity.
• Extended shelf life for probiotics, vitamins, and powdered supplements.
• Customizable liner options for specific barrier properties based on product needs.

Choosing the right liner is key to ensuring optimal protection for your formulation.

Does induction sealing affect the stability of pharmaceuticals or supplements?

No, induction sealing does not negatively impact product stability. Instead, it enhances it by:

• Providing a non-contact, heat-free sealing process, ensuring delicate formulations remain unaffected.
• Preventing exposure to external contaminants and preserving ingredient potency.
• Ensuring long-term product safety and efficacy for biologics, probiotics, and enzyme-based supplements.

This makes induction sealing ideal for sensitive pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

How does induction sealing affect product shelf life and potency?

By blocking out oxygen, moisture, and contaminants, induction sealing helps:

• Extend product shelf life by preventing ingredient degradation.
• Maintain the potency of active ingredients, ensuring effectiveness over time.
• Reduce product waste by preventing spoilage and ensuring consistent quality.

This is especially beneficial for powdered formulations, soft gels, and liquid-based nutraceuticals.

Can induction sealers handle high-speed pharmaceutical production lines?

Yes, modern induction sealing technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into high-speed pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production lines. Pillar Technologies offers:

• Air-cooled induction sealing systems that provide consistent, high-quality seals at rapid speeds.
• Customizable sealing heads for various cap and bottle sizes.
• Automated detection systems to ensure reliable sealing and minimize downtime.

With minimal maintenance requirements and high efficiency, our solutions help manufacturers maintain production speed without compromising seal integrity.

For pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers looking for a reliable, compliant, and high-performance induction sealing solution, Pillar Technologies has the expertise and technology to meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help optimize your packaging line with industry-leading induction sealing solutions.