Nowadays, more and more pharmaceutical companies are using stick pack machines to produce single-dose powders and oral liquids, such as common vitamins, oral rehydration salts, probiotics, and cold medications. This individual stick packaging is lightweight, hygienic, and convenient for patients, making it particularly suitable for hospitals and pharmacies.
With the growth of the global pharmaceutical packaging market, companies are seeking stick pack machines that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), offer high precision, and can run multiple lanes simultaneously. The goal is to handle powders, granules, and liquid medications on a single production line.
This guide explains everything about pharmaceutical stick pack machines and how LTPM CHINA can provide you with fully compliant solutions.
A pharmaceutical stick pack machine is a GMP-compliant multi-lane production system capable of accurately filling and sealing single-dose powders or oral liquids. Its advantages include high speed, precise dosing, excellent hygiene, and traceability, making it ideal for over-the-counter (OTC) drug packaging.
1. Why Stick Packs Are Transforming the Pharmaceutical Industry
Stick packs are rapidly replacing traditional bottles and pouches due to several clear advantages:
- Accurate single doses: Prevents patients from making dosing errors.
- Hygienic sealing: Suitable for medical environments, reducing contamination.
- Lightweight: Reduces shipping and logistics costs.
- High efficiency: Multiple lanes can produce simultaneously, increasing output.
- Stability: Better protection for moisture- and light-sensitive medications.
As a result, OTC brands, hospitals, and nutraceutical companies increasingly use stick packs for powders and liquid medications.
2. Structure and Workflow of Pharmaceutical Stick Pack Machines
2.1 Multi-lane stick pack system
Pharmaceutical machines typically feature 4–12 lanes, allowing multiple packs to be formed and sealed simultaneously.
2.2 Core components
- Film unwinding and forming
- Servo-driven dosing module (powder or liquid)
- Heat sealing and cutting
- Coding and serialization
- Weighing and metal detection
- Cartoning (optional)
2.3 GMP-compliant machine design
- 316L stainless steel contact parts (easy to clean and corrosion-resistant)
- Designed for easy cleaning and disinfection; some parts are tool-free to disassemble
- Structure allows easy validation (ensures stable and reliable operation)
- Optional HEPA filtration for high-efficiency air protection
3. Types of Pharmaceutical Stick Pack Machines
3.1 Powder stick pack machine
Applicable for: Antibiotics, vitamin powders, probiotics, oral rehydration salts, electrolyte powders, digestive health powders, etc.
Machine features: Servo-controlled auger for precise dosing; hopper with agitator to prevent clumping; dust collection system.
3.2 Oral liquid stick pack machine
Applicable for: Cough syrups, herbal extracts, probiotic liquids, vitamin solutions, electrolyte solutions, etc.
Machine features: Peristaltic or piston pump for precise filling; anti-drip design; nozzle with shut-off valve; pumps adaptable to different viscosities.
3.3 Single-dose OTC stick packs
Applicable for: Travel medications, pediatric medicines, fast-consumption medical supplies, emergency medications, etc.
4. Key Considerations for Powder and Liquid Pharmaceutical Packaging
4.1 Powdered medications
- Humidity control: Prevent degradation due to moisture
- Dust-proof design: Avoid cross-contamination
- Precise dosing: Ensure micro-doses are accurate
- Clean sealing: Prevent powder from contaminating the sealing area
4.2 Oral liquids
- Sterile/hygienic filling: Prevent contamination
- Appropriate pumps: Choose according to liquid viscosity
- Anti-drip nozzles: Keep machine and packaging clean
- Temperature control: Important for sensitive herbal extracts
4.3 Regulatory considerations
- FDA 21 CFR Part 111 (dietary supplements)
- EU GMP Annex 1 (for sterile pharmaceuticals)
- ISO 15378 (pharmaceutical packaging materials)
- Batch traceability requirements
5. Packaging Material Requirements for Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical-grade packaging films must have:
- High barrier (moisture-proof): Essential for electrolyte powders, probiotics, and antibiotics
- UV protection: Critical for light-sensitive vitamins and herbal extracts
- Chemical compatibility: Must withstand alcohol or acidic oral solutions
- Easy-tear feature: Convenient for children or elderly patients
6. Powder vs. Liquid Stick Pack Machines
7. Common Issues and Modern Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a single stick pack machine handle both powders and liquids?
Yes, but you need to replace the dosing module (auger → pump) to achieve this. Different dosing modules are designed for different materials, and only after switching modules can you ensure precise filling. - Which film is best for pharmaceutical stick packs?
High-barrier composite films, such as PET/aluminum foil/PE or metallized films, effectively prevent moisture and light exposure. - How can cross-contamination be avoided?
Use dust collection devices, enclosed filling nozzles, and 316L stainless steel surfaces. - How fast can a stick pack machine run?
Typically, 200–600 sticks per minute, depending on the number of lanes. - What cleanroom grade is required?
Powders: ISO 7–8
Liquids: ISO 5–7
LTPM CHINA Pharmaceutical Stick Pack Machines
LTPM CHINA produces high-performance, GMP-compliant stick pack machines, specially designed for powders and oral liquids. Our machines are renowned for the following features:
1. High precision and stability
- Servo auger for powders, servo pump/peristaltic pump for liquids
- Dosing accuracy up to ±0.5–1%
2. GMP-certified versions
- 316L stainless steel contact parts
- Fully compliant with FDA and EU GMP standards
- Easy to clean and disinfect
3. Customizable turnkey solutions
We provide complete single-dose pharmaceutical packaging lines, including: stick pack machines, checkweighers, metal detectors, cartoning machines, coding systems, and cleanroom conveyors.
4. Multi-product compatibility
A single machine can package powders, granules, oral liquids, herbal extracts, vitamin blends, and various OTC formulations.
5. Global export experience
Our machines are popular in Europe and America, and we provide:
- 5-year warranty
- Custom engineering services
- Factory-direct pricing
Summary
Stick pack machines offer a fast, hygienic, and precise packaging solution for pharmaceutical powders and oral liquids. They are especially suitable for OTC drugs, vitamins, probiotics, oral rehydration salts, and herbal extracts. Modern multi-lane stick pack machines support high-speed production while complying with strict GMP regulations.
LTPM CHINA provides fully compliant, customizable pharmaceutical stick pack machines and complete turnkey production lines.
If you are looking for single-dose stick pack machines or complete production lines for powders or oral liquids, contact LTPM CHINA today to receive free consultation and factory layout design!
