Definition of Rubber Packaging

• Rubber is used mainly for the construction of closure meant for vials, transfusion fluid bottles, dropping bottles and as washers in many other types of product.
• The main types of rubber used for pharmaceutical products include natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, butyl Chlorobutyl, Bromobutyl and silicone.
• Silicone is the most expensive and although the most inert, is readily permeable to moisture, gases and absorbent to certain preservatives.

Advantages of rubber packaging

• Water absorption is very low, so it provides the better resistance against the moisture and humidity.
• Due to stretchable nature, it is easy to handling and transport.
• It is the cheaper materials than metal and glass. It shows good economical value.
• Most of the rubber materials are used for the closing apparatus and provide the addition protection against any contamination.
• Nitrile rubber is heat resistant and oil resistant due to presence of nitrile group.

Disadvantage of rubber packaging

• Absorption of bactericide and leaching of extractives are considerable.
• It does not perform well when exposed to the chemicals substances.
• It is very expensive.
• Some time rubber materials also reacts the products material and alters the products physical and chemical properties.