The digital transformation is in full swing also in the pharmaceutical industry. Smart and interactive solutions for process optimization, digital tracing, authentication, and patient support are becoming increasingly important. But it takes more than a chip in a label for truly reliable performance of applications in the healthcare sector—it takes in-depth expertise and that’s exactly where Schreiner MediPharm displays its fortes.

Drawing on more than twenty years of experience in RFID technology specifically for pharmaceutical applications, Schreiner MediPharm is a leading supplier of smart label solutions for the pharmaceutical industry committed to the maxim: Pharma-RFID that outperforms—in other words, RFID that absolutely reliably performs under the special conditions of the pharmaceutical sector. “Many suppliers talk about smart applications—we make them a reality. Our claim is to achieve smooth RFID imple­mentation from the first test to final use,” says Sebastian Münscher, Senior Product Manager RFID/NFC Solutions at Schreiner MediPharm.

Tailored Technology for Complex Requirements

Whereas standard RFID-Labels are often stretched to the limits as early as in high-speed processing—for instance, due to chip breakage or antenna issues—Schreiner MediPharm has developed unique robust label designs that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. Whether for vials, syringes, pens, or secondary packaging, the solutions are designed to combine top quality, scalabil­ity, and process reliability. Thanks to extensive research and development capacities, Schreiner MediPharm offers a wide range of customized RFID solutions: from application-specific chip selection to specifically developed antenna geometries to extensive testing opportunities.

Technology Leader with Industry Knowledge

Schreiner MediPharm excels particularly in terms of combining technological know-how and in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical requirements. As a long-standing A-level supplier to leading global pharmaceutical corporations, the company draws on detailed knowledge of the regulatory hurdles, production processes, and security requirements of its customers. “An RFID project is no standard solution. We support our customers from the initial idea to series production—including intensive testing, integration into pharma packaging lines, and validation,” Münscher explains. State-of-the-art production systems and flexible scaling options enable us to produce even large volumes at consistently high levels of quality. At the same time, stringent quality management ensures that the RFID functionality is reliably retained up until it reaches the final user—be it in bulk reading processes in hospital settings or tapping with a smartphone. That not only optimizes logistics processes along the supply chain but also enables interactions with patients and healthcare staff—for instance, by means of NFC solutions for authentication or digital first-opening indications.

Smart Solution, True Added Value

The benefits for pharmaceutical manufacturers are obvious: Reliable RFID solutions from Schreiner MediPharm minimize failure rates, prevent production downtimes due to faulty labels, and avoid higher costs. At the same time, they increase patient safety and contribute to differentiation in the market. With every successfully implemented solution, Schreiner MediPharm underscores its role as a pioneer in the field of pharmaceutical RFID-Labels—not only technologically but also strategically. “Our customers expect technology that works—we deliver solutions that stand the test of real-world settings. That makes us the leading partner for pharma RFID worldwide,” concludes Münscher.

Innovative active ingredients such as mRNA, biologics, or cell and gene therapies not only bring progress—they also place the highest demands on their packaging. The situation becomes particularly critical when drugs are stored and transported at high sub-zero temperatures. In those cases, reliable tamper evidence truly poses a challenge. Schreiner MediPharm has developed a new solution exactly for that purpose: a transparent deep-freeze seal that reliably works even at temperatures down to -196 °C (-320 °F).

The special feature of the seal is that it will destroy itself when trying to remove it due to a dual security mechanism: the multi-tear effect. It means that not only the seal itself tears due to integrated security cuts that irreversibly destroy it (film tear) but that the cardboard surface of the folding box comes off as well (fiber tear). Any tampering attempt thus becomes immediately visible. In addition, the deep-freeze seal offers a guilloche as an integrated authentication feature. Further overt, semi-covert, and covert authenticity features can be added on request, resulting in a multi-level security solution tailored to the customer’s specific needs.

The transparent deep-freeze seal is suitable for storage temperatures down to -196 °C (-320 °F). Two variants of the seal are available: one for dispensing at 10 °C (50 °F) and a second one for application at temperatures down to as much as -50 °C (-58 °F). Both variants reliably adhere to the folding box across the entire supply chain—from production to final use.

With its many years of expertise in the development of security seals for the pharmaceutical industry, Schreiner MediPharm not only offers technical excellence but also comprehensive consulting support along the entire process chain. Every seal project is customized to suit the specific use case and threat scenario—naturally in compliance with the EU’s Falsified Medicines Directive and ISO 21976.

Safety for the user, cost efficiency for the manufacturer, and a clear gain for the environment: With Needle-Trap, Schreiner MediPharm offers a unique system for protection against needlestick injuries combining economy and sustainability in a single product—while setting standards.

Unlike conventional systems, the needle protection of Schreiner MediPharm’s Needle-Trap is not an additional device but an integral component of the label. Delivered on rolls, it can be applied to syringes on dispensing systems at high speed and without additional process steps. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, that means less logistical effort, less material, less costs.

But Needle-Trap impresses not only in terms of processing and process optimization. Regarding sustainability, the system shows its strengths as well: Compact design, no need for metallic springs, and clearly reduced plastics content have effects along the entire supply chain—from reduced space requirements during storage, transportation, and cooling to more eco-friendly disposal.

The newest version, Needle-Trap Secu, even takes these benefits a step further. It enables blister-free packaging thanks to an integrated first-opening indication—as another contribution to the reduction of packaging materials, CO₂ emissions, and costs.

Calculation examples for 10 million units of Needle-Trap in terms of total cost of own­ership and sustainability show: double production capacity per year, up to 50% less costs, more than 80% less CO₂ emissions, and reductions of up to 53 tons of plastics—all without compromising safety.

In other words, it’s a system that demonstrates that progress is created where smart solutions solve several challenges at the same time—to the satisfaction of customers and users, and benefit to the environment.

Kratos Industries from Colorado manufactures large-format control cabinets, among other things, and has grown rapidly over the past five years. But as output increased, so did the requirements for accurate labeling—an issue that was a real challenge for a while. Thanks to a paint protection label solution from Schreiner ProTech, this bottleneck has now been solved.

With its VentingXperience, Schreiner ProTech opened a new chapter for direct customer dialog at the Oberschleissheim location. For a whole day, professional visitors from Automotive, Mobility, and General Industry had the opportunity to experience an event centered on the topic of Pressure Compensation Seals (PCS), showing how modern membrane technology and intelligent fastening solutions enhance safety and performance in challenging applications.

The VentingXperience program offered a wide variety of topics. In compact technical presentations, the specialists from Schreiner ProTech provided information about the basics and functionalities of membrane technology, the diversity of self-adhesive PCS solutions, high-protection variants such as PCS HighProtect, or combined nameplate solutions. The method of ultrasonic welding met with keen interest as well—especially for applications that must do completely without adhesives. Product stations and discussion rounds gave the participants opportunities to discuss specific use cases and to engage in exchanges about project experiences.

The discussions and exchanges showed that the requirements to be met by pressure compensation technology keep growing—not only due to the electrification in vehicle engineering but also due to increasing miniaturization and the demand for longer lifecycles.

The exclusive plant tour was one of the highlights of the event. At several stations, the participants had the opportunity to directly observe how Schreiner ProTech develops and produces various PCS solutions. A particularly impressive showcase was the demonstration of how high-tech membranes reliably protect sensitive electronics and what quality assurance actions are taking place in the background.

Adrian Marggraf, Product Manager for Pressure Compensation Seals, was the expert on hand to answer the guests’ questions. Many conversations revealed that exchanges between development partners and customers are particularly important to realize products that are fit for the future.

The positive response to the first VentingXperience event reinforces Schreiner ProTech’s motivation to continue offering professional events focused on PCS technologies. In terms of trends like the combination of pressure compensation and functional labels the demand for tailored solutions will keep growing. Consequently, Schreiner ProTech is planning to expand its role as a development partner and to support customers early in the concept stage.

With seven inspection lanes and a daily capacity of 650 vehicles, the facility performs tasks that are comparable with an official vehicle inspection in Germany. The inspection center sets new standards in traffic safety and vehicle management and meets stringent standards according to ARS 1355, the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

Four Partners, One Solution

The project resulted from a collaboration between MAHA, Applus, DKT Deutsche Kennzeichen Technik GmbH (DKT), and Schreiner PrinTrust (SPR). MAHA supplied the inspection technology, Applus was responsible for quality assurance and inspection processes, and DKT provided the digital platform including app solutions. The basis for reliable vehicle identification is also provided by the RFID/NFC label known as the “third license plate” from Schreiner PrinTrust. Bernhard Gött, CEO of DKT, explained, “With the labels from Schreiner PrinTrust, we securely identify vehicles, thus creating the basis for a smart inspection and tracking system.” Dr. Kai Schnapauff, Director of Schreiner PrinTrust, added, “Our technology with UHF and NFC enables flexible RFID reading on both short and long ranges and can easily be expanded with additional functions in the future.” The label can thus not only be read when entering the inspection facility but also serve additional purposes such as future issuing of driver’s licenses or the administration of taxi permits.

A Project with a Signal Effect

The inspection facility in Zanzibar shows how smart technology and international partnerships can substantially advance traffic safety and digital vehicle management. For Schreiner PrinTrust, it is further proof of how versatile and robust the third license plate can be applied worldwide and what potential it may still be able to tap.

United by an ambitious goal: The members of the Alliance to Zero are committed to sustainably reducing CO₂ emissions along the pharmaceutical supply chain—with a view toward compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement. Halfway into the year, the network got together for an onsite meeting at Schreiner MediPharm in Oberschleissheim—engaged in an intensive exchange with a vision.

The Alliance has existed since June 2021. In addition to the founding members—Datwyler, Harro Höfliger, Körber Pharma, SCHOTT Pharma, Sharp, Ypsomed, and Schreiner MediPharm—Resourcify, a specialist in recycling solutions, has now also joined the initiative. All members share a common goal: Only through close collab­oration can changes be achieved that will transform the entire sector toward net-zero emissions. A specific example of successful collaboration is a Secure Blister-Free Packaging Concept for prefilled syringes that considerably reduces CO₂ emissions, optimizes processes, and reduces costs at the same time.

The most recent meeting in Oberschleissheim offered the Alliance an opportunity to continue driving important topics. In addition to technical presentations—for instance, on the pending Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)—specific actions were developed in strategic discussions and special working groups.

Company Tour as a Highlight

The company tour at Schreiner Group’s headquarters in Oberschleissheim was a highlight of the gathering. It provided the guests with deep insights into the high-tech production of innovative pharma labels and enabled them to obtain an on-site idea of Schreiner Group’s sustainability measures. A joint evening event rounded off the day and provided room for further informal exchange—all in the spirit of trusting col­laboration on which the Alliance to Zero is based.

The Schreiner Group has reached another milestone in the USA: since autumn, the number of employees has reached triple digits. Site Manager Ken Forlenza and his team welcomed the 100^th employee, who will now work together with his colleagues, dedicatedly operating the state-of-the-art high-tech machines to produce innovative labels for the pharmaceutical and automo­tive industries.

Since 2008, the Schreiner Group has operated a site in Blauvelt, NY — a bold step for a medium-sized family business that has proven to be pioneering in hindsight. “Having a location directly on-site was crucial for long-term success in the US market. Proximity to our customers makes a significant difference,” emphasizes Managing Director Roland Schreiner. In times of increasing trade barriers and global uncertainties, the value of this decision has become even more apparent. The presence in the USA enables flexible and independent responses to market demands — to the benefit of customers and the company’s long-term stability.

Continuous Expansion

What initially began with innovative labels and smart solutions for the pharmaceutical industry has steadily evolved: Today, 100 employees work in Blauvelt, and the Schreiner ProTech business unit is also active there with growing success — particularly for customers in the mobility and general industry sectors. Production facilities, the product portfolio, and the modern high-tech machinery have been continuously expanded in recent years.

International Orientation

The Blauvelt site exemplifies the Schreiner Group’s international focus and sustainable growth strategy. With high quality, innovation, and reliability, the team in the USA has established itself as an important partner for customers in the North American market — thereby making a significant contribution to the company’s global success.

Schreiner Group continues to grow internationally – and one key pillar of this success lies in China. The Jinshan site in the Greater Shanghai area is developing steadily and making an important contribution to the company’s global strength. President and CEO Roland Schreiner is pleased with the positive progress and the strong performance of the local team.

“I am impressed by the dedication and expertise of our team in China. The development of the site shows that our international strategy is exactly right,” says Roland Schreiner. The production facilities meet the same high standards of quality, cleanliness, and high-tech equipment as those in Germany. The plant in Jinshan supplies innovative marking and pressure compensation solutions for batteries, sensors, or electronic components primarily to international automotive suppliers—and a growing number of local Chinese manufacturers. Concurrently, the site for some time has been intensively manufacturing products for the pharmaceu­tical industry as well: specialty labels—for syringes or vials for example.

The strong demand in both market segments underscores the importance of the Chinese location for Schreiner Group’s growth. The local employees possess high expertise. One of the reasons for that is an outstanding nearby talent factory. Jamie Long, General Manager of the Chinese location, enthuses about the longstanding collaboration with the Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, “Our partnership with the college is a true gain. We’ve been able to recruit many outstanding employees directly from there in recent years—superbly educated, engaged, and motivated.” The education at the prestigious college with a hands-on approach is an ideal fit for Schreiner Group’s high claim to quality. Especially in terms of printing technology and quality assurance both parties benefit from the close collaboration.

Overall, the plant in Jinshan has seen a dynamic development in recent years. Innovative technologies, modern production facilities, and a close connection to local markets make the location a central component of Schreiner Group’s global value creation—especially for customers in the Healthcare and Mobility markets.

Schreiner Group visibly and noticeably keeps investing in its second German location in Dorfen. The successful completion of the extension of the plant and rollout of the Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) starts a new chapter for the production location. More space, more efficiency—and an important step toward a Lean Factory. “We’re proud of having reached our goal despite all the challenges in recent years,” said Martin Moser, Schreiner Group’s Operations Manager. “The extension was necessary to accommodate our growth—and the AGV is the next logical step in our automation strategy.”

More Room for Growth

As early as when the new factory building was purchased and opened in 2019, the future extension of the location was included in the conceptualization and planning process. Now it has been completed: The new building has been finished since fall, making clearly larger areas available for logistics functions such as the receiving department, raw materials warehouse, and shipping department. The additional space creates new prospects on the factory floor for additional high-tech machines and thus more production volume. But the true star of the new concept is silently moving through the halls: the Automated Guided Vehicle. The employees have affectionately christened their “new colleague” Toni and integrated him in the team.

Next-Level Smart Logistics

Since summer, the AGV has been in operation in a first version that’s successively becoming even smarter, for instance, due to the pending full integration with a link to the warehouse management system.

The objective is to automate material flows in real time, avoid empty runs, and to further shorten throughput times. “The rollout of the AGV clearly moves us closer toward our goal of even leaner, connected production operations,” said Moser. “It significantly enhances the efficiency of our internal logistics—and as a side effect eases the employees’ workload.”

Dorfen as Factory of the Future

With the combination of a building extension and digitalization, the Dorfen location is an example that shows what modern industrial production can look like today. Flexible scalability, high delivery performance and automated workflow create value—for customers and employees alike.