IPI: Why do pharmaceutical glass containers break

This whitepaper explores the causes of breakage in pharmaceutical glass containers, emphasizing the critical role of strength testing and fractography in identifying and mitigating these failures. It delves into the unique properties of glass as a packaging material and the challenges associated with its perceived fragility. The document outlines the science of fractography—analyzing fracture patterns at both macroscopic and microscopic levels—to determine the root causes of breakage events and their contributing factors. Key highlights include case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these techniques in identifying and resolving manufacturing and processing flaws, reducing breakage risks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, the paper advocates for regular strength testing as a proactive measure to maintain the integrity of glass containers and minimize costly disruptions.