In a new feature for EPM Magazine, Jurgen Flohr, Director of Operations at Tjoapack, examines how robotics and automation are becoming critical enablers in the evolving world of pharmaceutical secondary packaging.

As global demand rises and therapies become increasingly complex—especially biologics, personalised medicines and injectable formats—pharmaceutical companies are under pressure to strengthen precision,compliance and patient safety. Jurgen explains how robotics is helping meet these challenges by reducing human error, increasing consistency, and streamlining packaging operations through automated labelling, blistering, palletising, guided vehicle systems and continuous quality control.

He also looks ahead at the trends that will shape the next decade:

• Smaller, more flexible batch sizes driven by personalised therapies
• Greater sustainability expectations, requiring reduced waste and optimised material use
• Advanced product protection for temperature-sensitive biologics
• Improved patient usability through consistent, scalable design features

Jurgen emphasises that successful adoption requires more than machinery— it calls for GMP alignment, strong workforce training, and supply chain collaboration. Strategic partnerships with experienced CPOs, he notes, allow pharma companies to access proven automation platforms without the cost and risk of integrating them alone.

Ultimately, robotics and automation are not just advancing packaging—they are enabling safer, faster and more reliable access to medicines for patients worldwide.

📖 Read the full article on EPM Magazine.