Are there substantial reasons to prefer tubing glass vials over “Delta” moulded glass vials? According to the results of a new experimental investigation launched by Bormioli Pharma entrusted to external laboratories and validated by Massimo Guglielmi, Professor and Coordinator of the Technical Committee "Pharma Packaging" of the International Commission on Glass (ICG), the answer is no.

The aim of the investigation was to compare the properties and performance of vials obtained from tube processing from Delta processing, the result of Bormioli Pharma's advanced proprietary moulding technology. The scientific work included numerous tests including dimensional, mechanical, thermal, aesthetic and chemical tests, carried out according to the indications of the European Pharmacopoeia and conducted at the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro (SSV), and examined 10ml and 30ml vials, both produced by Bormioli Pharma.

On the one hand, tubing vials are generally considered better by pharmaceutical manufacturers due to their better dimensional consistency, reduced weight and excellent aesthetic appearance.

On the other hand, Delta moulded glass vials - the production of which has considerably improved over the past decade - have better mechanical strength, due to their thicker walls, and better chemical behaviour, especially in relation to extractables and delamination.

In the pressure range relevant for pharmaceutical freeze-drying, the differences between tubes and Delta vials are negligible. Similarly, when considering thermal shock resistance, the two types of vials have, in fact, the same behaviour, at least up to 90°C.

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