Like a little treasure

Ampoules can be used in many ways and across all sectors. They are a very safe packaging material and form a high-quality shell for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic liquids. The liquids are safely and airtightly sealed and the single use is hygienic. Depending on application and dosage, there are different sizes and thus “tailor-made” ampoule shapes.

In addition, ampoules are a practical packaging; you do not need any accessories, such as caps for bottles. Their light weight makes them the perfect companion when travelling or on the road. Exact wall thicknesses always allow an exact filling quantity.

Ampoules in clear and amber glass of the 1st hydrolytic class, also called neutral glass, have a high resistance to thermal shock as well as the highest hydrolytic resistance. Commercially available ampoules can be manufactured according to DIN EN ISO 9187-1:20101 or according to individual requirements.

Amber glass ampoules protect particularly sensitive ingredients from UV light, that can influence shelf life.

Opening technique

The different breaking systems allow easy and safe opening of the ampoules.

• Breaking ring: By applying a ceramic colour in the constriction of the ampoule, an easy and splinter-free breaking of the ampoule in any direction is guaranteed.
• Score ring: The ampoule is scored all around with a so-called knife. For identification purposes, a coloured ring is sometimes placed on top so that the user knows that the ampoule is to be broken in all directions.
• One-point-cut: A small incision is made in the constriction of the ampoule. A coloured dot is applied above this score to indicate where the ampoule is to be broken.

Reasons for glass

The all-round talent glass is sustainable and is made almost exclusively from natural raw materials, which occur in sufficient quantities in nature and can largely be mined in many regions. This saves long transport routes – a real plus for the environment and climate. This makes glass a sustainable material and waste glass a valuable raw material.

But sustainable packaging does not only have to meet ecological criteria. As an inert material, glass provides protection for cosmetics and me-dicines of all kinds, for example by preventing gases or other volatile substances from penetrating the glass wall or reaching the formulation from outside.

Drawing attention

In addition to the standard ampoules made of clear and amber glass, there are also numerous possibilities for enhancing the ampoules in an eye-catching way and thus also increasing the attention to their contents. Whether classically elegant, modern, or extravagant – extraordinary and extensive customisation is possible.

• Shiny metallic surfaces in modern colours are a real eye-catcher for exclusive cosmetics in the glass ampoule.
• Flow-coated translucent surfaces in delicate colours are perfect for visualising high-quality contents.
• Refined surfaces made of amber glass are extravagant and give the ampoule a very special look.
• Black or white opaque lacquered surfaces are perfect for protecting sensitive contents.

In short, the possibilities for variation are almost limitless.

Printing with individual colour shades allows for eye-catching branding as well as a contemporary application of product information directly on the ampoule. Almost all colours are possible in screen printing.

Ampoules are the perfect packaging for all liquids with a liquid viscosity due to their versatile application possibilities, practical and simple use and numerous finishing options.

References:

1 The DIN EN ISO 9187 series of standards specifies the materials, dimensions, volume, performance and packaging requirements for three common forms of ampoules for injectables.