POWTECH 2016: Pharmaceutical sector focuses on expert knowhow and the latest processes

From 19 to 21 April 2016, trade visitors to POWTECH in Nuremberg will get to experience the latest trends and technologies in mechanical processing technology, when around 900 exhibitors showcase their developments for manufacturing, processing and handling powders, granules and bulk solids. At POWTECH, experts from the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries in particular will gain valuable insights for optimising their production processes. One hot topic on the agenda is the use of sterile technology and the need for production to satisfy the most stringent standards of hygiene. In addition, the cumulative knowhow of the pharmaceutical sector will be highlighted in the expert forum hosted by the APV (international association for pharmaceutical technology).

Nowadays, a large number of production processes in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics sectors have to meet the most stringent requirements in respect of hygiene and sterile technology. From the raw material to the packaging stage, products ranging from instant soups to sunscreen and medicines all have to be handled and produced in accordance with the strictest hygiene regulations. As the trend barometer for life science process technologies and Europe’s largest gathering place for pharmaceutical producers, POWTECH brings together a wide range of vendors and solutions with expertise in this area.

The challenge of sterile production

Advanced innovations in medicines, for example for use in cancer treatment, are increasingly relying on highly active ingredients that necessitate sterile
production environments. But what is more, there must be absolutely no contact between personnel and the product. This can be achieved using containment solutions that completely shield and isolate production processes.  At POWTECH 2016, Leistritz Extrusionstechnik GmbH, for example, will demonstrate how a production facility can be built to satisfy the most stringent protection requirements according to Operator Exposure Level (OEL) 5. “A complete plant like this consists not just of dosing system and extruder but also an isolator with special design elements for cleaning and sluicing process components,” explains Albrecht Huber, Head of Business Unit Pharma Extrusion at Leistritz. “Pharmaceutical extrusion is a highly versatile process for manufacturing solid dosage forms and includes downstream technologies for cooling and shaping.”

The meeting place for the pharmaceutical community

At POWTECH 2016, a total of more than 375 exhibitors will showcase solutions for the entire pharmaceutical production chain. As a result of integrating the TechnoPharm fair, which used to be held parallel to POWTECH, trade visitors get to experience a wealth of pharmaceutical highlights in all six exhibition halls. The Pharma.Manufacturing.Excellence Forum in Hall 3A, organised by the APV (international association for pharmaceutical technology), offers scope for a lively exchange of knowhow with experts and peers. Visitors can expect a wide-ranging programme covering the production of solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms and the latest research in this area. The agenda includes presentations and workshops exploring the theory and practice of such topics as sterile technology, analysis, validation and GMP. A current list of exhibitors and further information about POWTECH is available from: www.powtech.de

The latest developments in particle technology

Parallel to the fair, the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre will also be welcoming PARTEC, the international congress for particle technology. PARTEC brings together leading particle engineers and scientists to share knowledge about the latest developments in particle formation, agglomeration and coating processes as well as measuring techniques and various industrial applications for particles.