6 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Custom Medical Packaging Partner

Choosing the right custom medical packaging partner isn’t something you want to rush. Packaging plays a critical role in ensuring safety, compliance, and brand integrity, whether you’re launching a new pharmaceutical product or scaling production. Choosing the right partner can make a real difference in how smoothly everything goes, from the initial design to the final delivery. How, then, do you know who’s the best fit?

It starts with asking the right questions. Here are some of the must-ask inquiries you need to make before signing on the dotted line with any medical packaging provider:

Do They Understand Your Product and Its Needs?

Not all medical devices or pharmaceuticals are the same. Some require sterile packaging, others need protection from light and moisture, and many have unique size and shape considerations. Before moving forward with a partner, it’s important to find out whether they truly understand your product and its specific requirements.

To determine this, ask them to walk you through similar projects that they’ve worked on. If they’re unable to explain how they’ve handled similar products in the past – or worse, if they don’t ask detailed questions about your product – take that as a red flag. A good partner will want to know the ins and outs of your device or drug before offering any solutions.

How Familiar Are They With Regulatory Requirements?

Medical packaging shouldn’t just look professional. It also needs to meet strict regulations to ensure patient safety. From FDA standards in the U.S. to ISO certifications and global compliance laws, your packaging partner needs to know these things like the back of their hand.

When you talk to potential partners, ask them about their experience navigating these regulations. Do they follow ISO 13485? How do they handle validation processes? If they hesitate or offer vague answers, they may not be as up to date on regulatory compliance as they should be.

What Materials and Technology Do They Use?

Medical packaging materials must be carefully chosen to maintain sterility, integrity, and shelf life. Whether you need Tyvek®, medical-grade paper, or blister packs, your partner should not only have access to these materials but also know which ones are best for your specific application.

Dig into the technology they use as well. Are they using modern machinery? Do they offer digital prototyping? Can they test for seal strength and package integrity? The tools and materials a company uses say a lot about their ability to deliver high-quality, reliable packaging solutions.

Can They Scale With You?

It’s easy to focus on your immediate packaging needs, especially when you're just starting out. However, you shouldn’t forget to think about the long term. The ideal partner should be able to expand with you, and you shouldn’t outgrow them in just a year or two.

To that end, ask about their production capabilities. It’s prudent to ask after their lead time, how they handle large orders, and if they’re equipped to manage quick turnarounds if demand suddenly increases. The ability to scale – without compromising quality or timelines – is a major factor to consider when choosing a medical packaging partner.

How Transparent Is Their Communication?

Communication might not be the first thing that comes to mind when selecting a packaging partner, but it’s crucial. Delays, errors, and misunderstandings often happen when communication breaks down. A trustworthy partner will keep you in the loop every step of the way, from quoting to design changes to delivery updates.

Pay attention to how they respond when you first reach out. They should take the time to explain things and are prompt with their answers. Award bonus points if they assign you a dedicated point of contact. Strong communication early on is a good sign that they’ll be reliable when it really counts.

What’s Their Track Record With Quality Assurance?

Packaging failures in the medical field can lead to recalls, regulatory violations, and, most seriously, harm to patients. That’s why quality control should be a major part of the conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask how the company manages quality assurance throughout their process.

They should have clear procedures in place for inspecting materials, testing packaging strength, and documenting compliance. If they have certifications or third-party audits to back it all up, even better. If they treat quality as an afterthought, that’s a sign that you should move on and keep looking.

Work With Oliver Inc. on Your Custom Medical Packaging

Here at Oliver Inc., we’re committed to bringing expertise, excellence, and values to your custom medical packaging. We’re ready to fill printing and secondary packaging needs for companies in markets including over-the-counter healthcare, prescription drugs, medical devices, private labels, and store brands.

Get in touch with us today by navigating to our Pharmaceutical Packaging page and filling out the contact form.