Shipping products, parts, biomaterials or biological materials for the medical industry comes with unique considerations and requirements. In many cases, it’s not enough for something to simply arrive undamaged - it also may need to be protected against aggressors like moisture to ensure a safe delivery.
Foam is an excellent packaging choice for the medical industry because of its high degree of protection, insulation and moisture resistance. Let’s explore how foam can be used in medical packaging applications.
Common Foam Applications for Medical Packaging
Foam is currently a premier choice for many medical packaging applications, including:
- Device Manufacturing and Prototyping
- Packaging for Medical Devices
- Packaging for Medical Assembly and Medical Production
- Packaging for Biological Materials
In many cases, custom case inserts are ideal for medical packaging applications. This ensures a snug fit for products, to protect them in transit.
In this example from Lifeline, the custom case insert made of Polyethylene Foam protects both the defibrillator and charging equipment, in a case that can be stored and deployed on-site. For this project, we designed a snug fit that would ensure the products are not jostled, but still can be easily removed.
This container for shipping blood samples was made using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam to create a shipping solution for transporting biological materials. In this case, a snug fitting case insert isn’t ideal to protect the samples during transit. Instead, we used foam to create an insulated environment. It also provides protection for the samples against physical damage.
Key Considerations for Medical Packaging
When creating packaging for the medical industry, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Cold storage
When shipping biological materials, it may be necessary to maintain a specific temperature throughout the entire transit process. Foam is an excellent choice for cold storage applications, because of its thermal insulation properties. It can maintain temperature, while also still providing shock absorption, pressure-resistance and moisture-resistance.
Related Content: Foam Packaging Applications for Cold Storage
Delicate materials
Many medical products contain - or exist entirely out of - delicate materials that are susceptible to breaking. These parts may also be electronic, which requires additional packaging considerations.
Foam is an excellent choice for protecting delicate materials like thin glass and plastics. Foam packaging is designed specifically to protect delicate materials without breaking them, while also withstanding a high degree of external pressure.
Related Content: What is a Cushioning Curve?
Barrier requirements
Many medical devices should be packaged in materials that can maintain a barrier post-sterilization. This includes protection against moisture, UV light and solvents. This is extremely common for biomaterials that should remain sterilized, even during transit.
Foam is also highly moisture-resistant, and can be treated using lamination and other processes to increase barrier resistance to UV light and other aggressors as needed. This makes it an excellent choice for applications where strict barrier requirements are necessary.
Related Content: Medical Packaging and Part Solutions
Find Your Best Option with a Packaging Expert
As a leader in the packaging industry, Foam Industries has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.
