October 31, 2014

2 Min Read
How a Prevalidated Rigid Packaging System May Cut Costs, Save Time


The BargerVPAK is a prevalidated, off-the-shelf packaging solution.

After kicking around the notion of launching an off-the-shelf rigid packaging system for some time, Elkhart, IN-based Barger, which specializes in custom medical packaging solutions, finally pulled the trigger. Upon custom-designing the sterile packaging system for a client, Barger realized its broader potential as a prevalidated stock system for spinal and extremities implants. And the BargerVPAK was born.

"In our market, the fact that it's a rigid system that's ready to go is uncommon," Mike Nielsen, national sales manager for Barger, said during an interview at MD&M Minneapolis this week. 

Validated to ISO 11607 standards, the double sterile barrier stock packaging system consists of inner and outer rigid thermoformed PETG trays. The system also features inner and outer die-cut lids, a primary carton, and the company's BargerGard-branded protective liner. BargerGard is a puncture- and abrasion-resistant polyurethane material that is die-cut into a liner to protect the sterile barrier and medical devices contained in the packaging system.

Ultimately, the sterile, rigid, off-the-shelf packaging system is designed to reduce the time, money, and risk associated with getting new medical products to market, according to Nielsen. He noted that between getting validated and building tooling, developing a custom packaging solution in six months is not uncommon; the BargerVPAK can dramatically reduce that burden, however.

"In Europe, because of regulations, more product is being sold sterile than ever before," Nielsen said. "There are also a lot of startups that don't have the know-how in terms of packaging engineering talent or the capital to buy six different tools that this project required. So, with this product, they can get to market without a lot of help or capital."

Shana Leonard is group editorial director, medical content, at UBM Canon.

For additional information on and conversation about novel packaging solutions, visit the Medical Packaging Community.

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