Beyond the Vial Innovations and Insights from the 15th PDA Parenteral Packaging Conference

The 2025 PDA Parenteral Packaging Conference, held this March in Malaga, Spain, brought together leading voices from the pharmaceutical and regulatory landscape. As co-chair of the event with Coralie Richard, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the depth of the discussions, enlightened exchange of insights and shared commitment to innovation and quality.

I moderated the opening plenary session, which featured voices from patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, scientific researchers and regulatory authorities, and it truly reflected PDA’s mission of “Connecting People, Science and Regulation®.”

With a diverse program that covered regulatory updates, technical advancements and sustainable practices, the two-day conference reaffirmed its place as a critical forum for shaping the future of parenteral packaging.

Key Topics Throughout the Conference

Regulatory Evolution & Global Alignment

Speakers from both industry and regulatory groups shared updates on evolving industry technical developments, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl restrictions, extractables and leachables, and greater scrutiny on container closure integrity (CCI). There was a strong emphasis on the need for harmonized global standards, particularly between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA and European Medicine Agency.

Advancements in Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT)

Deterministic container closure integrity CCIT methods were a hot topic, focusing on integrating them into routine quality control. Techniques including laser-based headspace analysis, high voltage leak detection and microcurrent testing were spotlighted for their roles in ensuring real-time sterility assurance.

Sustainability in Focus

The transition to more sustainable materials and processes continues to gain traction and support. A notable example included a circular recycling initiative by Schott and Sanofi: Unused glass vials are returned, melted and repurposed into new glass containers — demonstrating a real-world example of sustainability and the circular economy in action.

Device-Container Integration

A dynamic discussion on how primary containers interface with autoinjectors, on-body delivery systems (OBDS) and needle safety devices focused professionals on holistic systems thinking. Key applications included material compatibility, mechanical stress simulation using digital twins and the critical role of component matching in successful combination products.

Collaboration and Networking

Amplifying the technical sessions, the conference provided rich opportunities for collaboration. Conference attendees engaged with industry peers, suppliers, customers, and regulators during breaks, lunches, and the popular, well-attended networking reception. New partnerships and strengthening existing relationships were forged within a trusted professional community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

This year’s 15^th anniversary conference crystalized the importance of parenteral packaging evolving with broader industry shifts toward tighter regulatory alignment, greater sustainability and more integrated delivery systems.

The open exchange of ideas, case studies and technical advances reflected how much progress we could make through collaboration and shared expertise. On behalf of the PDA and the scientific planning committee, Coralie Richard and I would like to thank all the speakers, attendees and partners for making the Malaga event a success.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building momentum toward next year’s meeting. Mark your calendars: The 2026 PDA Parenteral Packaging Conference will take place in Munich on 14-15 April 2026.