Forerunners in pharma: how Igb and BOBST take pharma packaging production to the next level

Igb (Industrie Grafiche Bressan) is one of the most renowned manufacturers of pharmaceutical folding cartons in Italy, well known for both its production quality and its innovation: in 2018, Igb was awarded the Oscar della Stampa as the Best Technology Innovator.

The company is very much a family affair and has been growing very quickly, driven by a lean manufacturing management approach. Originally founded by Dino Bressan during the 1960s, Igbis now managed by his three children. We spoke to one of them – Alessio Bressan, the CEO of Igb – about what differentiates the company and how their partnership with BOBST gives them an extra competitive advantage.

Driven by innovation 
“Igb is a little bit different to most manufacturers: we innovate as well as produce packaging that responds to our clients’ specific needs,” explained Alessio. “We have a specialist R&D department, which has so far filed more than 100 new patent applications. Some of these innovations already have the potential to be truly groundbreaking. For example, we have developed Tamper Evident and Child Resistant folding boxes, which can be processed on standard packaging lines.

”On February 9, 2019, the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD – Dir. 2011/62/EU) on anticounterfeiting came into force. This means that pharmaceutical products in Europe require tamper evident cartons. Glue is not considered as an accepted anticounterfeiting solution for pharmaceutical cartons, while cases sealed with labels are complex and expensive to pack. Igb’s solution has no glue, requires no change in the packaging processes of pharmaceutical companies, is environmentally friendly, and completely fulfils the needs of the FMD. It’s a very lean and green solution, and several world-leading pharma companies have already chosen this product to ensure they are ready for the FMD.

Meanwhile, Igb has also developed and mass-produced an innovative Child Resistant folding box that looks like a regular folding box, but has a locking system with a key. Sales are growing quickly for this product both in Europe and in the US. “These innovations are representative of Igb’s approach,” said Alessio. “We look to the future to understand what challenges our customers will face, we assess the shortcomings of current approaches and we find completely innovative solutions. Igb is a problem solver and solution provider as well as a service provider, and we are always actively looking for new ways to improve the service to our customers even further.”