#SEROscience Materials Matters

Why Primary Packaging Shapes Product Integrity

When we think about product quality, our minds often go straight to formulation, testing, and manufacturing standards. But one factor is often overlooked: packaging.

What is Primary Packaging?

Primary packaging is the material that comes into direct contact with a product. Think of the glass vial holding a solution, the rubber stopper sealing it, or the plastic cap keeping everything in place.

For everyday products, primary packaging protects against spoilage and damage. But in the world of trace elements products, packaging does much more, it protects the very integrity of the sample.

Why Packaging Matters in Trace Element Analysis

Trace element testing is used in critical areas such as:

• Monitoring exposure in occupational health (e.g., agriculture, electronics, mining).
• Assessing the environmental impact of industrial activity.
• Ensuring accurate diagnostics in clinical settings.

Hidden Risks: When Packaging Becomes a Contaminant

Materials like glass, rubber, and plastic can release (or “leach”) trace elements into a product over time. This leaching may be minimal but for ultra-trace applications, minimal is enough to matter.

• A rubber stopper might introduce unwanted elements.
• Different batches of glass can show variability.
• Even surface treatments can alter contamination levels.

The result? Potentially compromised test results that affect clinical or industrial decisions, with consequences for patients, workers, or the environment.

What Can Be Done?

The solution is careful selection and validation of packaging materials:

• Rigorously test every component in contact with QC products.
• Qualify suppliers and monitor batch-to-batch consistency.
• Prioritize packaging that demonstrates the lowest risk of contamination.

The Takeaway

Primary packaging isn’t just a container, it’s an active part of ensuring product quality. For industries relying on accurate trace element analysis, choosing the right packaging can mean the difference between reliable results and compromised safety.

At SERO, we prioritize the integrity of our QC materials by continuously testing and qualifying packaging components, ensuring that what surrounds the product is as reliable as what’s inside.

Read the full whitepaper to learn more about the hidden risks and best practises here.