Bandall success story: GTE – Banding in high-end pharmaceutical packaging lines

Labeling and sealing vial trays in one step

In the pharmaceutical industry, precision, compliance, and traceability aren’t just goals; they’re absolute requirements. Yet when it comes to packaging complex items like glass vials in plastic tubs, many companies face a familiar challenge: how can they secure the product, present critical information, and maintain efficiency all at once?

Traditionally, this has meant multiple materials, extra steps, and room for error. Separate seals and labels complicate automation, increase waste, and slow down production. In an industry where sterility, packaging integrity, and regulatory compliance are critical, having an efficient and reliable packaging solution is essential.

Enter GTE Engineering

GTE specializes in designing and building custom packaging lines for the pharmaceutical and medical industries. So when one client needed a more efficient way to package vials in plastic tubs and the lids intact, GTE had the answer.

They turned to Bandall. And together, they found the solution: banding.

One simple motion. Two big wins

The chosen Bandall banding machine offers exactly what GTE's customers wanted. In a single motion, the machine wraps banding material around the plastic tray with glass vials, forming a band-like seal around the product. This band keeps the lid steady on the plastic tub, and thanks to the integrated printer, variable data like batch codes or barcodes are printed directly onto the band during packaging.

No stickers. No extra materials. No added steps.

The results speak for themselves:

• Clear, accurate labeling
• Enhanced operational efficiency
• A minimalistic packaging solution
• Flawless machine integration
• Reliable performance

Bandall's modular banding machine: Built to fit, easy to trust

For GTE, one of the key reasons for choosing Bandall was its modular banding machine. As a company that builds customized packaging lines, GTE needs a banding solution that can slot seamlessly into existing or new setups, without requiring major redesigns or compromises. For them, it was also essential that the banding technology could easily communicate with their own machinery.

Because all modular machines are custom-built, they can be easily tailored to the specific layout and process of the packaging line. Furthermore, another benefit of the modular machine is that it can be designed as an inline system, fully integrated within the packaging line, or as standalone units that function independently. This flexibility makes it easier for GTE to incorporate banding into the packaging lines they design or optimize.

Direct support, quick communication

From day one, GTE appreciated Bandall’s responsive technical support and straightforward communication. Direct support and quick communication proved especially valuable during system control via the Siemens PLC. While loading label layouts and variable data required some initial exploration, this was quickly resolved. As GTE explains: “We would have preferred to have access to the correct documentation earlier, but once we asked for it, we received the right support.”

Why banding makes sense for pharma

To GTE, the verdict is clear: banding isn’t just a packaging choice, it’s a smarter way forward.

It simplifies processes, reduces errors, and offers a unique sealing solution. Especially for products like tub-packed vials, where sealing and communication need to work together, banding offers an efficient alternative to traditional stickers or labels.

Even better? When used with reusable trays, the band becomes a low-waste, tamper-evident seal; a powerful combination for pharma companies focused on both sustainability and safety.

Bandall’s technology empowers GTE to serve its clients with even greater precision, intelligence, and adaptability. And the ability to seal and label in a single step is a perfect match for an industry where time, control, and compliance are everything.

This story was originally posted by Bandall.