INTERPHEX 2025: How Functional Labeling Can Protect Parentals in Vials and Syringes

Sitting down with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, William Wainwright, business development manager at Iwata Label USA, a division of Japan-based IL Group, highlights the need for improved protection of pharmaceutical vials and syringes, particularly through functional labels. Previously, vials were not sufficiently protected due to cost considerations, but after conducting recent studies, the company began to understand the financial and human costs of breakage. Instead of overhauling packaging, however, Wainwright asserts that functional labels can reinforce existing vial infrastructure by preventing breakage, cracks, and leaks.

“We traditionally have not protected the vials as stringently as we should and could, just simply for cost reasons. It's just now that we've done more studies on the costs associated with broken vials, or even the human cost of negative effects to healthcare workers, [that] the need for heightened protection on vials has increased,” Wainwright says in the interview. “And then with functional labels, what they can do is, instead of reimagining the whole packaging system, you can use existing packaging infrastructure, [such as] the traditional vials, but then add on a specialty label that helps protect the vial from breakage, cracks, or seepage of the internal contents.”

He goes on to explain that, for syringes, the primary concern is material-induced drug migration, which can alter the chemical composition of highly potent medications. Preventing migration is critical to maintaining drug integrity. Another key function of these labels is shielding vial and syringe contents from light exposure, which can degrade pharmaceutical compounds. Functional labels, therefore, serve a dual purpose: physical protection and preservation of drug stability.

Wainwright also expresses enthusiasm for engaging with industry leaders at INTERPHEX 2025 to encourage broader adoption of these specialized labeling solutions within the pharmaceutical sector.

Attendees can visit Iwata Label USA at Booth #1362 at INTERPHEX, which is being held on April 1–3 in New York City.

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About the speaker

William Wainwright, Business Development Manager, Iwata Label USA, a division of IL Group

William Wainwright is business development manager for Iwata Label USA, a division of IL Group, and a provider of precision labeling solutions for global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The company’s portfolio includes good manufacturing practice-compliant roll-on and shrink-tack labels featuring value-added benefits, such as tamper evidence, protection against breakage, and light-shielding properties, as well as specialty constructions whose functions range from reliable adhesion in cryogenic applications to detachable elements for ease of medical recordkeeping.