Unique collaboration in packaging chain for pharmaceutical companies

Sharp advises customers to order packaging in small print runs

As the crow flies, the distance between De Budelse and Sharp Belgium is less than 6 kilometres, and it is only a 10-minute drive from Budel to Hamont-Achel in Belgium. Surprisingly, it took until 2022 for the first contact to be made with this global provider of packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical sector. The time has come to get acquainted with this packaging specialist from just across the border. ‘After a successful quality audit, the first joint projects were initiated,’ shares Supply Chain Manager Simon Cuypers. ‘With respect to the future, there are even more plans in place to join forces.’

Sharp’s Belgian facility in Hamont-Achel has a workforce of about 280 enthusiastic employees. A workforce that commits itself every day to providing high-quality packaging that ensures the health and safety of patients worldwide. ‘Over a period of more than 60 years, Sharp has grown into a centre of expertise in pharmaceutical packaging,’ continues Simon Cuypers. He has enjoyed working for this company for 7 years now. ‘For example, we specialise in assembling and labelling syringes, vials and auto-injectors. In the process, we also take care of the packaging design and serial numbering.’

Faith in collaboration

At Sharp, quality, ingenuity and expertise come together in one dynamic work environment. The company believes in collaboration, both within its teams and with customers and partners. The goal is to collectively improve people’s lives throughout the world. ‘We think it’s important to build long-term relationships with strategic chain partners such as De Budelse,’ Simon elaborates regarding the partnership. ‘It is quite gratifying that De Budelse and Sharp are located near each other. We first exchanged samples to see if there was a match. Then we ran a small project, which also went smoothly. This all makes for a fruitful future.’ 

? Supply chain manager, Simon Cuypers
Focus on quality

As Sharp works for pharmaceutical companies, ensuring quality is the first priority in working with partners. For example, through GMP certification, it is important that De Budelse meets the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) quality requirements for the packaging of medicines. ‘You really wouldn’t want German boxes to end up on the French market or vice versa,’ offers Simon as an example of this requirement. ‘When it comes to medicines, the language on packaging and leaflets is crucial in communicating with patients. If people cannot read or understand the message, the health risks can be enormous.’

Speed and timing

Opting for De Budelse made perfect sense, according to Simon Cuypers. In his view, the deciding factor here was that both companies speak the same language. Nuances in mutual communication are picked up quickly. For a dynamic, project-driven organisation like Sharp, that adds value. ‘Our business model involves a lot of pressure for new products,’ he continues. ‘De Budelse is able to present a packaging dummy at lightning speed. We provide feedback so that we can jointly fine-tune the final proposal to the customer. Something that we, as Sharp, are very happy about. Speed and timing are important factors when we need to provide a quote to an existing or new customer.’

Sharp’s focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with De Budelse’s corporate mission: we reduce your stock. Less stock not only reduces the risk of destruction, but also saves on internal costs. 
Communication 

Even though the distance in kilometres and travel time is very short, there have always been cultural differences between the Belgians and Dutch, which are also noticeable in mutual communication. ‘Normally the Dutch are much more direct and assertive than Belgians,’ Simon explains. ‘Fortunately, those differences have eased off in the last 10 years. Sharp’s operation has become far more international, they opened a branch in Heerenveen and, in addition, have a melting pot of nationalities on their payroll, including many Dutch. Personally, I like that directness. It’s nice to know where you stand. You also get things done faster that way.’ 

Eye for Sustainability 

Sustainability is a major theme in Sharp’s business operations. For example, the company advises pharmaceutical customers to order packaging in small print runs. ‘We are first and foremost, of course, a packaging specialist, not a warehouse,’ Simon explains. ‘From an environmental perspective, it’s not wise for our customers to stockpile huge quantities. A change in the law or an amendment could result in the entire stock being destroyed.’ De Budelse shares this view and also advises customers not to stock up on large supplies. Sharp’s focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with De Budelse’s corporate mission: we reduce your stock. Less stock not only reduces the risk of destruction, but also saves on internal costs.

Green Life Cycle 

Sustainability plays a role and not only in reducing stock. Throughout its operations, Sharp puts a lot of time and energy into it. For example, the company is in the process of replacing “plastic trees” and will soon opt for power supply through solar panels, among other things. ‘Our customers want a green life cycle,’ Simon concludes. ‘For us, that’s a reason to take the lead on this. We are not yet working completely climate neutral, but we are on the right track. Together with our partners – like De Budelse – we want to deliver quality, continue to grow and make a difference.’ 

Interview Weite Oldenziel, CEO of the Ofichem Group

Interview with Hans Geurtjens, managing director, and Weite Oldenziel, CEO of the Ofichem Group

As a specialist in printing and packaging, De Budelse closely follows the industry for which it prints packaging and leaflets, which is the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, the Ter Apel-based Ofichem Group took over bankrupt Leiden-based InnoGenerics. This has placed the only Dutch generic medicine manufacturer in the hands of the company that produces raw materials for medicines. De Budelse has worked with both companies in the past. This is a good reason for Hans Geurtjens to talk with the CEO, Weite Oldenziel, about developments in the sector.  

 

? Weite Oldenziel, CEO Ofichem Group.

Innogenerics is being relaunched under the name Ofimedicine. The main focus is on producing and expanding the current assortment of high-quality generic medicines with proprietary raw materials, with the aim of improving availability, reliability and sustainability. ‘After InnoGenerics’s bankruptcy, the entire production of tablets came to a halt,’ Weite Oldenziel quips. ‘It took a while before we could get back up to full speed. The production rate had to go up in order to achieve a positive result. Fortunately, we managed to retain many employees in the production process itself and many customers have also remained loyal to us.’’ 

Production to China

Weite Oldenziel has been the managing director/owner of the Ofichem Group for sixteen years which, with the launch of Ofimedicine, now comprises six businesses. The former pharmacist and doctorate in neurochemistry has concerns about the developments in the Dutch pharmaceutical industry. ‘Originally, Ofichem was a company that manufactured APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), the substances that cause the effect of medicines’, he continued. ‘At the turn of the century, we were struggling because eighty percent of world production was moving to China. 

 

Parent company with subsidiaries

Born of necessity, the Ofichem Group embarked on other activities, which were brought under the flag of the parent company as separate operating companies over the years. ‘We are still engaged in commercial production,’ sums up Weite Oldenziel. ‘Beside this, we also focus on development and have 3 trading companies in-house. Everything we undertake happens around APIs. With the relaunch of InnoGenerics, we are also producing the medicine ourselves. In doing so, our ambition is to resolve the major shortage of generic medicines by expanding both our portfolio and customer base.’’ 

 

High volumes, short runs

While Weite Oldenziel does not know all the details, De Budelse and two of its subsidiaries have been acquainted for some time already. In the past, De Budelse produced packaging for Ofipharma and high volumes of information leaflets for InnoGenerics. ‘As a company, we specialise in high volumes, short runs’, Hans Geurtjens explains. ‘We believe that with just-in-time deliveries, we are contributing to reducing stocks in the chain. It makes no sense to stockpile packaging when, for example, laws and regulations change so frequently. In an ideal situation, our customers’ ERP system is aligned with ours. This allows us to respond to current changes, whereby high delivery reliability is an important prerequisite.’’ 

Let’s start with a blank sheet of paper and not judge each other on past experiences

Role of health insurers  

Weite Oldenziel nods in agreement. In his view, it is not always easy for producers of both raw materials and medicines to respond to current events. For example, he considers it very unfortunate that health insurers play such a prominent role in healthcare. ‘As producers, we have no influence on the choices made by a health insurer,’ he explains. ‘In my experience the focus is always on the price. That troubles me, because I will gladly pay a little more for paracetamol or ibuprofen if I know those products come from the Netherlands.’ Hans Geurtjens could not agree more: ‘I am convinced that many Dutch people would make the same choice if the communication about this was much more transparent.’ 

Threatening shortages

According to Weite Oldenziel, the shortages of medicines in the Netherlands are taking on alarming proportions. It appears that this trend is unstoppable. As an example of this, various pharmaceutical companies have been fined by the Netherlands Health and Youth Care Inspectorate for failing to report impending medicine shortages in advance. ‘Vulnerability in the chain is increasing,’ he notes worriedly. ‘The number of registrations and potential producers per product is falling. There is a good chance that this will create scarcity. Health insurers have indicated that they do not see this as a problem as such, but I am convinced that the time is ripe to press the reset button.’’ 

Risk-averse behaviour

Hans Geurtjens regularly pays a visit to InnoGenerics, which currently houses Ofimedicine, on behalf of De Budelse. The production environment was off limits, which is why he wonders if the production facilities are of sufficient high-quality in order to realise the ambitions. ‘We have a high-quality medicine plant in which a great deal has been invested in the past,’ Weite Oldenziel answers his question. ‘The average pharmacist in the Netherlands focuses very strongly on risk avoidance. The question is how useful this is. The plant has been audited many times for generic products such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. We have state-of-the-art equipment for these productions. If we are asked to produce for, for example, a new innovative, U.S. medicine under patent, we are not yet geared up for that.’’ 

Gap in artwork 

Hans Geurtjens has found that working with the former InnoGenerics in times of acquisition is quite chaotic. In his view, checking the artwork in particular is a time-consuming factor. Weite Oldenziel recognises this. ‘In terms of the artwork, there really is a gap’, he explains. ‘This part is often neglected. Of course, it is not a good thing if someone from customer service does the artwork. We need to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. At the same time, it’s good to break existing patterns and engage with an experienced specialist such as De Budelse to brainstorm this issue.’’ 

The same language

For De Budelse, it is important to know what expertise is available in Leiden. ‘Implementing changes in artwork for pharma is in fact a difficult task,’ Hans Geurtjens notes from experience. ‘I wonder how useful it is sometimes. Consider, for example, the number of print runs required to build up packaging colours. It goes without saying that colour adjustments in packaging cannot be compared to changes in the medicine recipes. It is therefore good to step away from risk aversion in this area. It is much more important to speak the same language in order to take steps together.’ Weite Oldenziel nods in agreement. ‘I think it’s a good idea to continue talking to each other about this. I share your view that it is good to start with a blank sheet of paper and not judge each other on past experiences.’’ 

What customers say: Ecobliss

What customers say: Ecobliss, market leader in pharmaceutical and retail packaging

Ecobliss is the inventor of the environmentally-friendly cold seal packaging technology and Locked4Kids, the patented and certified childproof solution. The company has set up separate divisions for pharmaceutical and retail packaging. With regard to the pharmaceutical wallet packaging for blister strips and the Locked4Kids packaging, Ecobliss collaborates with De Budelse and KDS Stansvormen in Weert.

According to Commercial Director and co-owner Marijn van Utteren, Ecobliss began as a small home printing company. After inventing the technology for the environmentally-friendly cold seal packaging, the company from the Limburg town of Echt grew substantially. ‘In order to meet the rising demand for pharmaceutical packaging, we sought to expand the supply chain,’ is how Marijn van Utteren starts his story. ‘Via our supplier KDS Stansvormen we came into contact with De Budelse. Both companies had already established a satisfactory collaboration.’ 

? Commercial director and co-owner Marijn van Utteren. 

Blister strips with cardboard packaging

Most Ecobliss customers opt for the sustainable and handy blister strips. ‘These strips come in a special cardboard packaging,’ continues Marijn van Utteren. ‘This type of packaging is important for two reasons. Firstly, it protects the blister strips and, secondly, it displays additional information concerning the medication. We engage the services of De Budelse for the printing of this packaging.’ ’ 

Childproof packaging

Furthermore, Ecobliss developed the unique childproof packaging Locked4Kids. Children will not succeed in opening this packaging. Adults, however, can easily do it. An ideal solution if the medication to be taken could prove hazardous to children. ‘The Locked4Kids boxes contain a plastic tray in which the blister strips are secured,’ explains Marijn van Utteren. ‘As a user, you must pull this tray outwards, as you would a drawer. To achieve this, you have to simultaneously press the two pressure points. Children do not understand how this way of opening a box works.’   

the box contains two pressure points, which must be pressed simultaneously, children do not understand how this opening works

A solution for each packaging job

Ecobliss handles the packing processes of a large number of clients and successfully so. In view of size, these companies vary from small to large pharmaceutical companies worldwide. In addition, Ecobliss GMP is certified where the packing of medicines is concerned. The company makes unique products, both with a cold seal or according to the Locked4Kids system. ‘For many pharmaceutical companies we have become a valuable supplier,’ concludes Marijn van Utteren. ‘After all, we don’t just supply the materials and required packing machines. We also offer clients the option of handling their packing activities for them. In other words, materials printed by De Budelse literally travel all over the world.’ 

Good coordination and collaboration

Marijn van Utteren is very pleased with the collaboration with De Budelse, which has only become closer since their first contact in 2019. ‘Ecobliss and De Budelse are medium-sized companies that consider quality of the utmost importance. On that basis we selected De Budelse. Moreover, it’s great to have De Budelse nearby as both a supplier and sparring partner. It also makes coordinating matters quite pleasant. Important fact: De Budelse has a “put your shoulder to the wheel and do what needs to be done” mentality, as does Ecobliss. This creates a great mutual bond as well.’ 

? One of many examples of “cold seal” packaging.

Interview with Michaël Nieuwesteeg (NVC) about the future of medication packaging 

Medication packaging with pictograms and digital leaflets to combat environmental pollution  

The pharmaceutical industry is on the eve of a large breakthrough in the packaging of medication and medical devices. Behind the scenes and at the initiative of the NVC Netherlands Packaging Centre, various companies from the packaging sector decided to join forces. Being a packaging specialist, De Budelse became involved in this project. Michaël Nieuwesteeg of the NVC explains why it is so important to tackle the current packaging together and to determine innovative alternatives for the purpose of counteracting waste and environmental pollution. 

The NVC’s motto is Sharing the future in packaging. ‘The PUMA project is a powerful example of this shared responsibility to, as a corporate packaging community, put an end to emptied packaging as an environmental issue worldwide,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg proceeds. ‘A project closely connected to this is the NVC innovation project Pharmaceutical Packaging Innovation, where NVC member companies investigate the possibilities of new and innovative packaging of medication and medical devices, among other things.’   

Counteracting waste

What information should be printed on packaging or must be unlocked via packaging, so that we can improve healthcare? ‘According to European guidelines it is mandatory for the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) to be supplied in the language of the country,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg continues. ‘Patients must be able to read how to use their medication in their own language. Something that initially appears quite handy, but which at the same time results in numerous trees being felled for the purpose of printing huge quantities of patient and medication information that could easily fill libraries. We obviously wish to counteract that waste and it is hugely inspiring to see that innovators such as De Budelse wish to participate in this.’

? Michaël Nieuwesteeg  NVC.

Interactive QR code or NFC chip

The addition of an interactive QR code or NFC chip is one of the spearheads of De Budelse. In view of the potential for both the environment and an improved healthcare, we fully support De Budelse regarding their developments. At the same time, there is a connection with projects we initiate in collaboration with other members. Thanks to the joining of forces, we are also talking to legislative bodies throughout the world,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg continues. ‘In Europe that would be the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Amsterdam. This is important, as not only the technology but also the social and legislative preconditions must be watertight. Such a digital addition being hacked doesn’t bear thinking about. Imagine scanning a code and ending up at a porn site or being shown the wrong instruction video. In this respect, pharmaceutical companies will do everything they can to limit any risks to an absolute minimum; for this they require a good legislation that encourages innovations and moderates any associated risks, so to speak. Or to say it more bluntly; they are scared to death of being faced with a claim for damages.’  

“verspilling willen we uiteraard tegengaan en het is geweldig inspirerend te zien
dat innovators als De Budelse hier ook in willen mee schakelen”

Unambiguous information

In order to limit risks, the unambiguity of the information on packaging is crucial. According to Michaël Nieuwesteeg, easier to understand pictograms will play an important role here in the future.  

In this regard, the NVC also collaborates with Japanese companies and institutions, if only to experience what it is like if you really cannot read a text at all. Furthermore, where ageing population is concerned, Japan is leading, with all its additional requirements regarding the packaging and information of medication. ‘I am pleased – and even vicariously proud – that NVC member De Budelse is doing pioneering work in this project where the digital printing of codes to unlock information is concerned,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg states. ‘Readability, findability and uniqueness of codes is of paramount importance here. It is the only way to provide patients with relevant information and simultaneously improve healthcare.’ 

? Patients should be able to read in their own language how to take a medication. 

Collect Control

There is an interesting crossover between the problems of the pharmaceutical industry and those of the environment. ‘Within the PUMA project, NVC members are working on ending packaging as a worldwide environmental issue,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg explains in more detail. ‘We are not working on putting an end to packaging. But, to prevent packaging from becoming an environmental issue, it is important to know where all the emptied packaging ends up. Currently, 320,000 products are packed per second worldwide. The same quantity is added each second as emptied packaging. The trick is to control that flow, or rather, it’s about collecting (Collect) and using the correct Backend process (Control).’ 

In concrete terms, this means that we are going to start an international study, which will include the coding of medication packaging and the setting up of a backend process, informing us of their whereabouts. In this case the “consumer” is the patient. Due to its expertise, De Budelse plays an important role in this. The combination of unique coding, an understandable symbol and the correct QR code or NFC chip for access to online information ensures that patients know how to use their medication and devices and how to dispose of the packaging used in a responsible manner.’ 

“with a digital insert you can use an app to create a personal profile,
With an eye toward personalized care, this is a big step forward.” 
? Yousri Acem, student Pharmaceutical Business Administration. 

Kijksluiter

Yousri Acem studies Pharmaceutical Business Administration at the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht. As a thesis subject, he investigates the added value and possibilities of digital leaflets. Within the context of his study he is currently fulfilling a work placement at De Budelse. ‘The “KIJKsluiter” is a great example of digitisation,’ Michaël Nieuwesteeg explains. ‘The pharmacist places a code on a medication package. If you scan it using your telephone, you are shown a video with a step-by-step explanation on how to take the medication or use the device. Such a video would have to be unlocked first. The only option at your disposal would be the packaging.’  

Use of electronic patient information

The pharmaceutical industry is a government-regulated industry, where the EMA devotes itself to people’s health by evaluating and supervising medication. An important task here is providing the correct information to healthcare workers and patients. ‘The EMA gives its approval to the use of electronic patient information (ePI),’ Yousri Acem prefaces his research. ‘A great many parties are involved in this. In my research, I assess the need and I would also like to know whether a QR code or NFC chip is the preferred method to unlock medication or patient information via mobile scanning.’

Advantages digital leaflet

In his research, Yousri Acem focuses on the ease of use of the ePI for the patient, among other things. ‘A digital leaflet would be far more useful because of the presence of a search function, the translation into your preferred language and the option of having the text as a sound clip. The latter being important to blind and partially-sighted people as you want to make sure that the information is available to everyone.’ ePI also has many advantages for pharmaceutical companies. ‘Normally, adapting a paper leaflet is a very time-consuming process. Let alone the huge stocks of some leaflets. When using a digital leaflet, this disadvantage no longer applies.’  

Personalised care

According to Harry Mennen, the digital leaflet offers patients another big advantage by combining the effects and side effects of various medicines. ‘If patients use multiple medicines, they will receive a leaflet with each medicine in which the effects and side effects are explained. You cannot achieve this combination manually. For example, can you combine a blood thinner for your heart issues with a painkiller for your headache? In the case of a digital leaflet, you can use an app to create a personal profile, combine effects and side effects with each other and add your medical file to gain a better insight into what you are taking. In view of personalised care this is a huge step forward.’   

Qualitative study

In order to adequately map needs and preferences, Yousri Acem conducts qualitative studies at stakeholders, such as the EMA, the Medicines Evaluation Board (CGB-MEB), pharmaceutical companies and the umbrella organisation of pharmacies, patient organisations and health insurers.  

‘It appears, after the first interviews, that pharmaceutical companies and the Netherlands Patients Federation agree on the fact that electronic product information has a great future in store,’ Yousri Acem summarises his findings. ‘There is still much unclarity regarding the final form and method of implementation. In short; a lot more questions to ask and plenty of food for thought.’ 

? Harry Mennen, Account Manager  De Budelse.

Serialisation for pharmaceutical company packaging

Serialisation for pharmaceutical company packaging

Sometimes a tour of De Budelse leads to progressive insight and a request for complex printed matter. As a specialist in packaging, we love challenges, and we like researching solutions for new customers. Especially if that customer belongs to one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The outcome of this research leaves you wanting more.  

Printing QR codes with an inkjet printer 

The question arose whether we could print QR or 2D matrix codes on boxes made from microwave cardboard. De Budelse has this technology in-house. We print variable data on packaging using existing digital machines. The 1 millimetre thickness presented an extra challenge for this packaging. After some research, we found a solution that complies with all checks and GMP guidelines. 

Scan and approve QR codes

Accuracy is critical for pharmaceutical companies. That is why we have a scanner behind the printer that scans and approves the QR codes. Each box has a unique QR code. Within the European Union, this will become mandatory for pharmaceutical companies. It does not matter whether we have to print one box or a thousand. 

All functions under one roof

An inkjet printer and a scanner investment seems like a small step. The impact is huge. From now on, we can manage “printing – die-cutting – labelling – printing with unique codes” under one roof. This solution leads to both a satisfied customer and a satisfied manufacturer for the serialisation of folding boxes.

The words of a customer: Willem Koster (COO Vitals)

The words of a customer: Willem Koster (COO Vitals)

‘De Budelse has lived up to high expectations as an innovative and sustainable printer’

Vitals ambition is to develop the most progressive food supplements. The quality and scientific substantiation of the ingredients are central to this. This ambition also includes a conscious choice for sustainability. “As a company, we are a strong supporter of the circular economy,” says Willem Koster, COO of Vitals. “That is why we opt for optimally recyclable packaging, and we strive for a lower CO2 footprint. That’s how we came to De Budelse, who now prints our bilingual packaging on Paperwise cardboard.”

Vitals never stands still. The company is continuously expanding its range, improving products and entering new markets. For example, we wished to further market our food supplements in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “We seized the opportunity of these expansion plans to make a step towards sustainability,” Willem Koster continues.

Biobased containers and boxes from agricultural waste

When choosing packaging, Vitals faced an important consideration: what is the most sustainable solution? “We opted for new, recyclable, biobased plastic containers,” Willem Koster explains. “They are packaged in boxes made of PaperWise cardboard. It is a CO2-neutral product made from plant residues left over after harvesting. Using agricultural waste as a raw material for paper and cardboard is environmentally friendly, and it gives farmers an extra source of income.”


we opt for optimally recyclable packaging and we strive for a lower CO2 footprint

Expectations fulfilled

Vitals inquired at PaperWise which printer was suitable for printing this sustainable cardboard packaging. A referral brought the company into contact with De Budelse. Willem Koster is very pleased with the collaboration. “De Budelse already had experience with PaperWise cardboard and seemed to have advanced collaboration possibilities. That was the deciding factor for us in choosing them. And let’s be honest: De Budelse has more than lived up to the high expectations as an innovative and sustainable printer. Not only do they print the boxes in two languages, but they also arrange for the printing of the associated labels. And they took us on board from the very first design. It is really great for Vitals to have a single point of contact for all printed matter.”

Self-sufficiency

Willem Koster notices that the collaboration with De Budelse has made further progress in the possibilities of managing files, ordering, storing and delivering printed matter. “In the long run, we will certainly make use of these opportunities,” he reflects on the future. “We would like to be more self-sufficient. For example, it works much more effectively if we adjust the designs, prepare them for production and place the orders via the automated system, without intervention from third parties. Once we have control by ourselves, it will be child’s play to make small adjustments and place orders.”

Ambition

Vitals is pleased that De Budelse also attaches great importance to the unique combination of ambition and sustainability. “We are not a marketing company that sells hot air,” concludes Willem Koster. “Ambition is our starting point. We want to develop progressive food supplements that meet a need. The information we provide is crucial. A product will not be included in our range without a solid scientific basis. In addition, we want to take care of people’s health and the health of our planet. It’s great that those values are also shared by De Budelse.”

Braille on healthcare packaging

Braille on packaging: down to the last detail at De Budelse

Manufacturers of medicines are legally obliged to have the name of the medicine printed in Braille on the packaging. De Budelse is increasingly producing packaging for healthcare customers, so we are constantly working internally to improve this part of the process. With the investment of two new machines, we dare to say: De Budelse has mastered the application of Braille on packaging for medicines down to the last detail.  

Processes with risks 

How De Budelse applies Braille to packaging has evolved considerably in recent years. A few years ago, we used a combination of a punching machine and a set of dies.

Traditionally, we provided a multitude of packaging with the correct Braille script at the same time. This process was not without risks. There was a chance of error with every package.


We are continuously working internally to improve the process.

New machines

As a successor, we use a folding/glueing machine that can also apply Braille. With this machine, two rollers – with a Braille tape in between – are interlocked. We store the used Braille tapes in the warehouse. Wear and tear or incorrectly stored Braille tape increases the risk of errors, and we obviously don’t want that.

We recently acquired a machine to produce the Braille tapes ourselves. We now use a new tape for every print run, and we recycle the old ones.

Error reduction down to zero

De Budelse has also invested in a new folding/glueing machine that can apply Braille to a box in two places simultaneously. With one machine, we reduce the chance of error; with the other, we increase efficiency. Whichever machine we use: we always check whether the Braille is correct with Eye-C. This way, we reduce the risk of incorrect Braille writing to zero.  

PaperWise; cardboard from agricultural waste

?? De Budelse and sustainability: a successful one-two punch

Sustainability is high on the social agenda. A growing number of companies are introducing more nuance to this important theme. De Budelse also aims to take into account the environment and future generations. Sustainability is therefore not only firmly embedded in our business processes. We also have an eye for people and the environment when choosing raw materials and suppliers.

The question is: how sustainable is De Budelse? High time to take a closer look at sustainability from 3 perspectives. 

Wise with waste 

In terms of packaging, De Budelse uses various environmentally friendly types of cardboard. A good example of such a sustainable choice is PaperWise. The motto of this cardboard is ‘wise with waste’. In the eyes of the producer, nature has no waste. Certainly not in the agricultural cycle. After harvesting, stalks and leaves remain. PaperWise breathes second life into this agricultural waste. This is how the company manages to make printing and packaging more sustainable. After all, the production of this wood-free paper prevents unnecessary CO² emissions. 

Low environmental impact

With this approach, PaperWise actively contributes to greater social awareness in companies. De Budelse is drawn to the PaperWise mission and vision. Using these environmentally friendly types of paper and cardboard means we can substantiate our environmental objectives and contribute to a positive corporate image. The environmental impact of Paperwise is much lower than traditional paper from trees (47%) and recycled paper (29%). In short, we contribute to a more pleasant, cleaner world together with PaperWise.  

More sustainability

Sustainable entrepreneurship

?? De Budelse and sustainability: a successful one-two punch

Sustainability is high on the social agenda. A growing number of companies are introducing more nuance to this important theme. De Budelse also aims to take into account the environment and future generations. Sustainability is therefore not only firmly embedded in our business processes. We also have an eye for people and the environment when choosing raw materials and suppliers.

The question is: how sustainable is De Budelse? High time to take a closer look at sustainability from 3 perspectives.. 

Waste minimisation

How does De Budelse shape and define its commitment to sustainable business processes. In the past, waste was just a necessary evil in the printing industry. However, we are much more conscious of this these days. Our production capacity is set to ‘high volume, short runs’. This means we do not produce more than is strictly necessary. In combination with the smallest possible intervals, we succeed in keeping waste to a minimum.

FSC®-certified cardboard

The packaging cardboard that De Budelse uses is FSC® certified. The FSC® certificate guarantees that paper and cardboard come from responsibly managed forests. So, we can print and offer this cardboard to our customers in good conscience. We also consider the environment when recycling cardboard. For instance, we separate printed cardboard from non-printed cardboard.

Water-based ink

Ink is indispensable for printing. In the past, these inks contained harmful chemicals, alcohol and solvents. De Budelse has banned these hazardous raw materials from the production process. Instead, we have consciously chosen water-based ink. Furthermore, the raw materials and ancillary products (including lubricants and adhesives) that we use are food-grade. This means they contain a special certification for the food industry.  

Energy use

Finally, sustainability also plays a prominent role in energy use. First of all, the lighting of the work and manufacturing areas is based on the most economical LED technology. We use the heat released by the running machines to heat the production areas.

More sustainability

Vial packaging

Tailor-made packaging and inserts for vials 

The use of vials is increasing significantly. Vials are small glass or plastic containers that could contain biological medicines. These vials are particularly vulnerable during internal or external transport.

This is why they require solid packaging and practical inserts to protect them and make the production process even more efficient. 

Product development

As a company, De Budelse has built up an excellent reputation as a packaging specialist for the pharmaceutical and medical industries. We have been producing packaging and leaflets in our print shop for both sectors for many years. Our “Product Development” department continuously focuses on tailor-made solutions for the packaging and protection of vials. In this creative process we collaborate closely with our customers.

Providing protection

This fruitful collaboration has led to a basic range of cardboard packaging to provide optimal protection for the vials. The size of the packaging is obviously determined by the number of vials it must contain. With regards to the inserts, customers can choose between 2 variants; a loose insert or a machine-glued insert that automatically opens when unfolded.

The “Product Development” department is constantly thinking about tailor-made solutions

All disciplines under one roof

Thanks to its packaging and inserts for vials, De Budelse again demonstrates its strength as a specialist for the pharmaceutical and medical industries. In Budel, all the required disciplines are gathered under one roof; developing, printing, punching and gluing. The production process complies with strict GMP guidelines that are firmly embedded in the fully comprehensive quality system.   

Personalised customisation

The technical draughtsman of De Budelse would like to join forces and work on tailoring the cardboard basic box and insert to your personal wishes. In doing so, we will definitely take corporate branding and your company’s production process into account.