Glass: The best material for pharmaceutical packaging

Abstract

AbstractGlass is the most used material in pharmaceutical packaging, and the production volumes are continuously growing. The reasons why glass can be considered the best material for pharmaceutical containers are discussed. A current picture of this area, which was showcased during the Covid‐19 pandemic, is provided. Borosilicate glass products, which are currently the most used among those described by the Pharmacopoeia, are mostly considered, but new glasses that may be introduced in the future are also mentioned. A short view on the evolution of this type of glass and the current market situation are provided. Particular emphasis is given to chemical durability. Glasses are generally considered inert from the chemical point of view, but this is not exactly true. Phenomena such as the release of elemental impurities into solution, buffer interaction, and delamination have caused much concern in the last decade or so, especially as the complexity and value of drugs has been increasing. These phenomena are described, and it is pointed out that, thanks to the increasing scientific knowledge and production technologies, these issues are now under control, and the products on the market are of very high quality and very reliable.