Discover What’s Possible in Packaging & Processing, Oct. 18-21 in Chicago
See solutions from 2,600 exhibitors and gain insights from 150+ free educational sessions at North America’s largest packaging & processing event.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Tube delivers differentiation, moisture barrier for RB's Strepsils

Reckitt Benckiser recently launched a portable “Handy Tube” version of its Strepsils line of sore throat lozenges to give customers a more convenient way to carry them. The product has been traditionally available in blister packaging, after being marketed in a tin box.

“Outside of blister packaging, we could not package Strepsils in just any plastic container,” says Sarah Divanbeigi, RB’s R&D manager for healthcare innovative packaging. “We had to have a package that is protective, while at the same time provides convenience of use and strong shelf appeal.”

Because Strepsils is a moisture-sensitive product it was important for RB to choose a packaging configuration that would provide adequate humidity protection to the product during its shelf life. RB worked closely with Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging to adopt its tube and desiccant stopper package design. Ten lozenges are tightly packed in each rigid high-density polypropylene tube to provide physical protection of the tablets during transport, as well as during storage in a pocket or purse. Since the HDPP tube and low-density polyethylene stopper are made with different thermoplastic materials, the package creates a perfect seal to maintain a dry environment for sensitive pharmaceutical tablets. The ergonomic stopper is soft and pliable, making for easy opening and closing for the consumer. It features a chamber that is filled with a silica gel desiccant to keep the lozenges free from moisture, maintaining shelf life and ensuring a high-quality product. The stopper is also embossed with the signature Strepsils “S” logo to enhance brand equity.

Strepsils are made at RB’s Nottingham, U.K., manufacturing facilities and packaged on its fully automated packaging lines. Specific details on packaging equipment and material suppliers were considered proprietary.

“The launch of Strepsils in the Handy Tube package format is our effort to make a great product even better for our customers, and the market is already embracing the new packaging,” says Divanbeigi. RB identifies Strepsils as the number one brand worldwide for medicated sore throat relief, although it is not sold in the U.S.

Need help with your packaging project?
We’ve done the legwork to identify and vet experienced packaging and processing consultants you can contact directly for your next project. Decades of combined experience in packaging line engineering, machinery selection, package and materials development, and food processing operations.
See your advisor options now.
Need help with your packaging project?
Discover How to Stay Ahead of the Competition at PACK EXPO International
See new solutions from 2,600 exhibitors. Gain insights from 150+ free educational sessions. From automation & robotics to real-time data insights, find the tech for your company’s future at North America’s largest packaging & processing event.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE
Discover How to Stay Ahead of the Competition at PACK EXPO International