Glass Technology Services Ltd is hosting a series of free-to-attend workshops for manufacturers and users of pharmaceutical glassware. The workshops cover a range of factors to consider when specifying or verifying primary glass packaging for pharmaceutical applications, including an understanding of glass manufacture and processing, glass properties, performance and quality control, as well as both current and emerging regulatory requirements.

The first of the workshops is scheduled for 6 March 2019 at the GTS laboratories and offices in Sheffield, UK. The day will provide delegates with an introduction to glass, including an understanding of the manufacture and processing of both tubular and moulded glass primary packaging. Fundamental glass topics include glass durability and the differences between types I, II and III glasses, parenteral formats, quality control, glass performance, common defects and types of glass failure.

Key regulatory and due diligence topics will cover pharmacopoeial verification, performance, dimensional specifications and the importance of appropriate selection in terms of both specifications and durability. Emerging requirements, including glass delamination and elemental migration will also be discussed.

The day will include a tour of the laboratory facilities, including demonstrations of key analyses and services provided in this sector. The team will also discuss and demonstrate some of the cutting edge research and developments underway. These include ‘dissolvable’ glasses designed for controlled release of ions, phosphate fibres for integration within the human body, 3D printing and additive manufacture and anti-bacterial glasses, all currently under development for use in the biomedical sector.