Packaging
MWVs Healthcare Packaging Solution Named Top Finalist in Wal-Marts International Sustainability Supplier of the Year Award
Thursday 05. March 2009 - MeadWestvaco Corp. (NYSE: MWV) was nominated as a top-four finalist at Wal-Marts recent Supplier of The Year Conference in the category of Sustainability.
MWV was recognized out of more than 2,000 suppliers for its Shellpak compliance packaging solution, which delivers environmental, social and financial sustainability benefits throughout the supply chain. Shellpak is one of the packaging solutions used in Wal-Marts $4 generic drug and branded drug programs, and its design is based on the premise that better adherence to a medication regimen can ultimately result in longer term improved health outcomes.
Wal-Mart recognized MWV for the wide reaching benefits of Shellpak which supports the retail leaders commitment to sustainability goals. The pre-filled Shellpak is commercially recyclable and is ready to dispense at the pharmacy, thus eliminating bulky manufacturers bottles that require further sorting and counting. The durable structure and design allows for minimal or no additional shipping material, and is easily stacked during transport, ensuring optimization of transportation loads.
“We are proud and privileged to be recognized by Wal-Mart as a top sustainability solutions supplier, and share their commitment to sustainability,” said Dr. Ted Lithgow, president, MWV Healthcare. “Adherence packaging solutions offer several short- and long-term social and environmental advantages: at the pharmacy, pharmacists have more time to consult with consumers rather than count pills; an efficient and streamlined supply chain leads to a lighter carbon footprint; and improved patient outcomes from better adherence can ultimately drive down health care costs.”
MWVs Shellpak solution features a thin, molded, rigid outer plastic shell to protect pills, and a push-button system that is adult-friendly and child safe. The flat surface allows for critical drug information and patient education to always remain with the actual drug throughout the prescription period. On the inside, the drugs are pre-filled in a calendarized blister card which helps to remind patients to take their medication correctly and on time, and also helps patients better manage refills.
MWV Healthcares other steps in making adherence solutions more available and streamlining the supply chain include its joint venture with Bilcare, one of the premier healthcare packaging companies in India, to jointly acquire contract packer International Labs of St. Petersburg, Fla. The joint acquisition, which closed in July 2008, leverages best-in-class capabilities for adherence-promoting pharmaceutical packaging and streamlines the supply chain by eliminating several steps in the distribution channel, helping to make adherence packaging more widely available to consumers throughout the global marketplace, especially through growing low-cost generic and branded drug programs.