Articles and Interviews published by Glatt

As an experienced plant manufacturer with unique technological expertise, as a contract manufacturer of solids and as a process and engineering service provider, Glatt has regularly published articles in international specialist media for several years. The publications deal with topics relating to the trends and challenges in the production and processing of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients and final products like OSD, sterile and non-sterlie liquid dosage forms, biotechnological API, chemical API, blood plasma products and special products. You will also find out how we can support you in solving these tasks with all our Glatt engineering expertise.

The design and modularisation of API synthesis plants

Glatt_FA_138_The design and modularisation of API synthesis plant_ManufacturingChemist_2023-12_2s

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly developing new and more efficient active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). To make these available to patients, new production facilities or the expansion of existing ones are often necessary, explains Dirk Steinhäuser from Glatt Process & Plant Engineering

author: Dirk Steinhäuser, Sales Manager & Deputy Head of the Glatt Ingenieurtechnik branch in Dresden
originally published in the magazine ‘Manufacturing CHEMIST’, issue 12/2023, HPCi Media Limited

Cleanroom engineering – From the idea to industrial production (German article)

Glatt_FA_134_Pharma-Engineering_Von der Idee zur industriellen Produktion_Reinraumtechnik_2023-02

Whether new construction, modernization, expansion or relocation – Glatt has all the technical expertise for the production and handling of a wide range of products under cleanroom conditions as well as for the planning, construction and operation of the corresponding systems. Visitors to Lounges 2023 in Karlsruhe will be able to gain a detailed insight into this challenging subject matter in a presentation by the engineering experts, which will include a case study on the design and implementation of a new flexible ATMP (advanced therapy medicinal product) production facility. This shows how central organization can be used to efficiently develop tailor-made customer solutions. (Article in German language)

author: Dirk Steinhäuser, Sales Manager & Deputy Head of the Glatt Ingenieurtechnik branch in Dresden
originally published in the magazine ‘Reinraumtechnik’, issue 02/2023, Wiley Verlag

Exploring new ways to produce cosmetic pigments – Interview with Merck and Glatt about the cooperation and the project

''Exploring new ways to produce cosmetic pigments.'', an interview with Merck and Glatt about the cooperation and the project. Originally published in the magazine Euro Cosmetics, issue 9-10/2023, Inter-Euro Medien GmbH

Copyright: Inter-Euro Medien

Using completely new technology, pigment specialists at Merck and Glatt Ingenieurtechnik’s technology and production experts have worked closely together to produce an innovative range of cosmetic pigments. The Darmstadt-based Merck Group placed an order for the development and construction of a plant based on chemical vapour deposition (CVD) after successful joint trials at Glatt’s location in Weimar. We interview the partner companies about the cooperation and the project.

interview partners:
Dr Katarzyna Sztuka currently serves as the Head of EMEA Regional Marketing for Merck Electronics, Surface Solutions with experience and interest in cosmetics, automotive and industrial decorative & functional materials. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Biotechnology specialization) and an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, she possesses a strong foundation in both academia and practical application.
With a special interest in fluidisation technology and particle formulation processes, Dipl.-Ing. Arne Teiwes specialises in solids process engineering and particle technology. He worked as a project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik (Weimar, Germany). Now focusing on process development and high temperature solids processing, he is currently focusing on New Technologies and Technology Development at Glatt.
originally published in the magazine Euro Cosmetics, issue 9-10/2023, Inter-Euro Medien GmbH

Glatt and Merck start up novel plant for the production of effect pigments (German article)

Published article on ''Glatt and Merck start up novel plant for the production of effect pigments", originally published in the Thüringer Landeszeitung, FUNKE Thüringen Verlag GmbH, 01.07.2023

Copyright: Jens Lehnert, Thüringer Landeszeitung

Weimar’s teint goes around the world

Once again, a piece of Weimar – or rather a touch – is going around the world. In the future, anyone applying lipstick, nail polish or eye liner from well-known international brands will have a good chance of defining their complexion with pigments from the city of culture. On Friday, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik and the Merck Group commissioned a completely new type of plant for the production of effect pigments for the cosmetics industry at the Glatt Technology Center in the north of Weimar. (Article in German language)

author: Jens Lehnert, Thüringer Landeszeitung
originally published in the Thüringer Landeszeitung, FUNKE Thüringen Verlag GmbH, 01.07.2023

Cleanroom design – Correctly planning and structurally implementing ceilings and their installations (German article)

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Clear requirements in the current GMP regulations and other applicable specifications define how a cleanroom must be designed. In practical implementation, they meet the needs of the client and must be taken into account when selecting the system and during implementation on site. Ronny Töpfer, project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik, Weimar, explains one approach to the realization of cleanroom ceilings. (Article in German language)

author: Ronny Töpfer, senior project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik
originally published at process.vogel.de, Vogel Communications Group, May 2023
Reinraumdesign: Decken und deren Einbauten richtig planen und baulich umsetzen (vogel.de)

With short time-to-market from process development directly to contract manufacturing (English Reprint)

Glatt advertorial on the topic ''With short time-to-market from process development directly to contract manufacturing", originally published in the Pharma+Food-Kompendium 'Produzieren im Kundenauftrag', Edition 2023, Hüthig GmbH, Glatt reprint

Copyright: Glatt

Particle and functional design from the fluid bed market leader

The Glatt Group’s customers benefit from bundled expertise in particle design – from the initial feasibility test, through scale-up, to validation of the production process. Glatt offers suitable solutions for every variant and, if required, also implements customer-specific processes.(Article in German language)

author: Gudrun Ding, Head of Business Development Process Technology, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH, Weimar, Germany
originally published in the magazine ‘Pharma+Food’, Kompendium Lohnherstellung 2023, Hüthig GmbH
keywords: contract manufacturing, particle design, fluid bed

Drying liquids – Selecting the best technology for nutraceuticals

Copyright: HPCi Media Limited

The desired end product properties can make a difference when choosing between spray drying or spray granulation

Both spray drying and fluid bed spray granulation can be used to convert liquid products into bulk materials. The most effective process will often be dictated by the desired properties of the final particles and the specific application. Glatt Ingenieurtechnik has a thorough understanding of both techniques and has a long history of designing fluid bed systems that are tailored to individual customer products.

author: Gudrun Ding, Head of Business Development Process Technology, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH, Weimar, Germany
originally published in the magazine ‘Nutraceutical Business Review’, issue 05/2022, HPCi Media Limited

Cleanroom design – What to look out for in doors, glazing, walls and fixtures (German article)

Glatt_FA_129_Reinraum-Design_Worauf bei Türen, Verglasungen, Wänden und Einbauten zu achten ist_process.vogel.de_2022-08

Clear requirements in the current GMP regulations and other applicable specifications define how a cleanroom must be designed. In practical implementation, they meet the needs of the client and must be taken into account when selecting the system and during implementation on site. Ronny Töpfer, project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik, Weimar, explains one approach to the realization of cleanroom ceilings. (Article in German language)

author: Ronny Töpfer, senior project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik
originally published at process.vogel.de, Vogel Communications Group, August 2022
Reinraumdesign: Decken und deren Einbauten richtig planen und baulich umsetzen (vogel.de)

Outsourcing of the production – Trust in competent partners (German article)

Preview image of Glatt advertorial on the topic "Outsourcing - Trust in competent partners", Re-Print

Copyright: Glatt

How the Glatt Group implements contract manufacturing with expertise and innovative solutions.

There are many reasons for outsourcing production – minimizing one’s own risks or a lack of expertise in alternative technologies are just two of them. But what to look for when looking for a contract manufacturing partner? Experience and special expertise in various industries form the basis, while a spirit of innovation and a wealth of ideas are factors for sustainable success. This is precisely the combination that customers find at the Glatt Group of Companies. (Article in German language)

originally published in the Pharma+Food compendium ‘Producing on behalf of customers’ (Produzieren im Kundenauftrag), Edition 2022, Hüthig GmbH

Planning is everything. Avoiding mistakes in cleanroom construction

Glatt_FA_125_It's all in the Details. Planning cleanrooms, but doing it right_process-worldwide.com_2022-02

How to clarify project details and safeguard supplier relationships in advance

It’s hard to imagine a pharmaceutical industry without cleanrooms, which have to meet increasingly stringent requirements. From the very beginning of a project, companies should involve an experienced planner to build or redesign a cleanroom. Coordinated communication between the various suppliers then ensures both efficient implementation and regulatory compliance.

author: Ronny Töpfer, senior project engineer at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik
originally published at process-worldwide.com, Vogel Communications Group
It’s All in the Details: Planning Cleanrooms, But Doing it Right! (process-worldwide.com)

How to Tame Recalcitrant Ingredients with Technological Processes

Copyright: HPCi Media Limited

Plant-based functional ingredients behave differently than manufacturers of nutraceuticals and cosmetic products would like. Innovative processes such as double microencapsulation can help them to overcome bioavailability and solubility challenges.

authors:
Gudrun Ding, Head of Business Development Process Technology, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
Francesca Zanoni, Research and Development Manager, Sphera Encapsulation
Isabel Gómez, Global Marketing Manager, Nutraceutical Ingredients Lubrizol Life Science, Health
originally published in the magazine ‘Nutraceutical Business Review’, issue August/2021, HPCi Media Limited

Implementing containment requirements in solids manufacturing

“As little as possible, as much as necessary”

The need for economical containment solutions for processing and packaging pharmaceuticals is increasing. Containment should be considered in pharmaceutical industry projects from the very beginning.

When highly active ingredients are processed into tablets or capsules, the question immediately arises as to which strategy is best to avoid cross-contamination or risks to personnel. With individualized solutions and coordinated process chains, the member companies of Excellence United have set themselves the goal of achieving containment economically.

author: Armin Scheuermann, Editor-in-Chief of Pharma+Food
originally published in the magazine ‘Pharma+Food’, issue November/2021, Hüthig GmbH

A spirit of optimism between batch and continuous production (German article)

Glatt article on ''A spirit of optimism between batch and continuous production'', published in the magazine ChemieXtra, issue 07-08/2021, SIGWERB GmbH

Copyright: SIGWERB GmbH

The concept of continuous production is captivating. No longer batch by batch – instead, for example, a liquid product can simply be tapped at any time. It is therefore surprising that “continuous manufacturing” did not already triumphantly conquer chemical and pharmaceutical production five or ten years ago. In the meantime, however, there are a whole series of forward-looking examples. (Article in German language)

originally published in the magazine ChemieXtra, issue 07-08/2021, SIGWERB GmbH

Fluid bed systems: continuous, batch or a hybrid? (German Article)

Glatt technical article on 'Fluid bed systems: continuous, batch or a hybrid?', published in the magazine 'P&A', issue June/2021, publish-industry Verlag GmbH, Germany

Copyright: publish-industry Verlag GmbH

The discussion pro and contra continuous versus batch production is conducted as if there were only these two alternatives. However, with the Glatt series, plant solutions have long been available that enable both types of process control. A look at the requirements of two customers shows which issues are really decisive. (German article)

author: Dr. Michael Jacob, Head of Process Technology Food, Feed & Fine Chemicals, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH.
originally published in P&A Prozessdigitalisierung – Automation: issue June/2021, publish industry Verlag, Germany

Outsourcing to the fluid bed technology leader (German Article)

Glatt technical article on 'Outsourcing an den Wirbelschicht-Technologieführer', published in the trade magazine 'Pharma+Food', Compendium Contract Manufacturing 2020/2021, Hüthig GmbH

Copyright: Hüthig GmbH

In addition to contract manufacturing of granules, pellets and powders in the fluid bed and spouted bed, the plant manufacturer and process expert Glatt offers access to technologies, product and process development as well as special know-how for open innovation projects. (article in German language)

author: Gudrun Ding, Head of Business Development Process Technology, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published in the trade magazine ‘Pharma+Food’, Compendium Contract Manufacturing 2020/2021, Hüthig GmbH

Flexibly expandable: Production modules for pharmaceutical solids (German article)

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Multiflexibility is the trump card

In the modern production of pharmaceutical solids, process-oriented, modular systems are becoming increasingly necessary. New technological approaches make it possible to shorten the time from the development of the dosage form to the market-ready product. Production modules represent a flexibly expandable solution here. (Article in German language)

author: Anke Mothes, Head of Pharmaceutical Projects, Design & Project Management at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH, Weimar
originally published in the magazine ‘Pharmatechnik’, issue 03/2020, Fachwelt Verlag

The Gentle Processing of Highly Volatile Oils by Fluid Bed and Spouted Bed Technology

Glatt's technical article on 'Fluid bed and spouted bed technology-The gentle processing of highly volatile oils', published in the trade magazine 'NutraCos InCosmetics', issue 05.2020, B5 S.r.l., Italy

Copyright: B5 S.r.l., Italy

Sensitive raw materials, especially those that are volatile or of natural origin, require particularly gentle process conditions. Spray granulation, spray coating and (micro)encapsulation procedures have proven to be methods of choice, as they enable high yields, low temperatures and bespoke properties.

When it comes to cosmetics, product development often focuses on proven, multifunctional ingredients. This is in addition to the ongoing demand for natural ingredients, as consumers increasingly look for effective cosmetic products that neither harm their health nor the environment. Glatt Ingenieurtechnik, the German expert in particle design, process development and plant engineering, offers unique particle processing solutions based on fluidised bed and spouted bed technologies for essential oils, collagens, active substances, stabilizers, enzymes, fragrances, aromas, vitamins and controlled release products, all of which can be optimally produced, protected and refined.

originally published in NutraCos InCosmetics, May/August 2020 issue (B5 S.r.l., Italy)

New Challenges for Material Handling in Pharmaceutical Production

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A holistic look at the supply chain

Production units are high on the list of priorities that need to be considered when designing pharmaceutical systems. With demands on flexibility and automation growing, material flow and production handling are becoming increasingly important factors in improving efficiency. Only through integrated material handling can flexible and automatable systems be created.

There is potential for optimization when transferring products between process steps. The trend in favor of flexible systems for highly potent active ingredients requires sophisticated solutions. New technologies make it possible to virtually eliminate handling errors.

author: Erich Nussbaumer is material handling expert at the pharmaceutical technology specialist Glatt GmbH, Binzen, Germany
English Re-Print of the german article, originally published in the magazine ‘Pharma+Food’, issue September/2019, Hüthig GmbH

The modularisation of chemical API synthesis

Increased efficiency in the planning of API production systems through modularization and function typicals. Improve overall plant efficiency and reduce planning time.

The modularisation of chemical synthesis pathways in pharmaceutical production can improve overall plant efficiency and reduce planning time. Glatt Ingenieurtechnik has optimised the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis process and developed bespoke plant designs for several international customers.

author: Dr. Petra Rehak, Senior project engineer and chemist, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published in the magazine ‘manufacturing CHEMIST’, issue 12/2018, HPCi Media Limited

How to move biopharmaceuticals productions smoothly and quickly into Asian markets

Planning ahead

Biopharmaceutical companies looking to manufacture in the Middle East or India may find they can’t simply transfer the plant they’ve been using successfully in Europe, for logistic as well as regulatory reasons. An expert in integrated process technology and engineering, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH outlines the potential pitfalls and solutions

author: Dirk Steinhäuser, Sales Manager & Deputy Head of the Glatt Ingenieurtechnik branch in Dresden
originally published in the magazine ‘PROCESS worldwide’, issue 01/2018, Vogel Communications Group

From core to shell: How modular planning brings flexibility to pharmaceutical production (German article)

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The principle of modular pharmaceutical production facilities requires a process-oriented, far-sighted approach right from the early planning phase. The experts from Glatt’s Process & Plant Engineering division know why this is essential for flexible pharmaceutical solids production. (Article in German language)

authors: Anke Mothes, Head of Department Pharmaceutical Projects, Design & Project Management and Aileen Rominger, former Sales Engineer Process & Plant Engineering at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH, Weimar.
originally published in the magazine ‘PharmaTEC’, issue 03/2018, Vogel Communications Group

Regulation and control systems for fluid bed spray agglomeration – control models for every granule (German Article)

Preview image of Glatt technical article on the topic ''Regulation and control systems for fluid bed spray agglomeration'', published in the trade magazine 'P&A Prozessdigitalisierung Automation', issue 10/2018, publish-industry Verlag Gmb

Copyright: publish-industry Verlag GmbH

Fully automated processes require reliable process data. These are determined with methods of statistical experimental design and the application of artificial neural networks.

The presented case study has shown the potential as well as the general feasibility of a model-based control of a fluidized bed spray agglomeration process. In addition to the actual control task, the systematic approach allows a deeper insight into details of concrete industrial granulation processes. The process understanding gained in this way helps the respective users to gain insights into which additional possibilities exist for optimizing their granulation application. Nevertheless, close cooperation between the plant operator and the plant manufacturer is essential when designing a granulation plant. Only in this way can the full potential of the granulation process be exploited and the optimum solution developed for the user. Decades of experience in fluid bed granulation coupled with innovative plant and control concepts as well as process engineering solutions provide the right basis for this. (article in German language)

author: Dr.-Ing. Michael Jacob, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published in the trade magazine ‘P&A Prozessdigitalisierung Automation’, issue 10/2018, publish-industry Verlag GmbH

Containment solutions only cost-effective when adapted

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XXL EFFECTIVENESS IN A SLIM-FIT SUIT

Containment comes at a price. Equipping plants completely for compliance with the highest containment level, OEB 5, is extremely expensive. Yet a crucial fact is often overlooked: the hazard level posed by an active ingredient to employees varies along its route through the plant. This insight can be exploited by adapting containment solutions to the respective requirements in each area.

author: Axel Friese, Head of Marketing, Glatt GmbH, Binzen, Germany
English Re-Print of the german article, originally published in the magazine ‘Pharma+Food’, issue 03/2016, Hüthig GmbH

Success Factor Containment – Safe contract manufacturing with zero contamination

Glatt_FA_043_Success Factor-Containment_en_PROCESS_WW_2017-06

Contract manufacturers are working with challenging customers and require highly sophisticated equipment. Corden-Pharma is now going the extra mile. With the construction of a new, fully-contained development lab for high potency compounds, covering all manufacturing process steps for the development and production of tablets, the company is able to achieve unequaled OEL (Operator Exposure Limit) levels of less than 1 μg/m³. This is the first step towards zero contamination.

author: Axel Friese, Head of Marketing, Glatt GmbH in Binzen, Germany
originally published in the magazine ‘PROCESS Worldwide’, issue 6 2017, Vogel Communications Group

Integrated System Solutions for High Containment Processes in the Solid Drugs Production

Glatt_FA_011_High Containment Processes in the Solid Drugs Production_en_process-worldwide.com_2013-05

Containment of a solid drugs production is incomplete where the production environment is neglected. Closed process equipment and the production environment need to be considered as an integral solution. There should however be a reasonable balance between protective effects and plant productivity. Glatt Process & Plant Engineering develops and provides integrated system solutions for high containment processes.

author: Torsten Hetzer, Senior Project Engineer, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published at process-worldwide.com, Vogel Communications Group, May 2013

Liquida processes are simply more complex (Interview)

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Engineering from Glatt – you would expect planning services for fluidized bed technology. But that would be too short-sighted: Our flagship projects include blood plasma and insulin production plants, but we also focus on the food and chemical industries. How does this work together? Volker Saalfeld, Head of Engineering at Glatt Ingenieurtechnik, answers this question in a P&A interview. (Interview in German language)

questions by Dr. Ulla Reutner
originally published at www.pua24.net, 2012, publish-industry Verlag GmbH

Qualification of pharmaceutical plants (German article)

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Practical aspects of reporting, master plan and risk analysis

For manufacturers of pharmaceutical products, the performance of equipment qualification is an elementary component of the quality management system and a prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining manufacturing authorization.
According to the definition of the EU GMP regulations, the manufacturer of pharmaceutical products proves with the qualification of his equipment that it is suitable for the intended purpose.(Article in German language)

authors: Jens Lehmann, Wolfgang Röper, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published in the magazine ‘CHEManager’, issue 3-4 2012, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Product safety for granulation and coating – Hygienic design for fluid bed and spouted bed systems (German article)

Glatt technical article on 'Produktsicherheit hat Vorrang - Hygienisch gestaltete Wirbel -und Strahlschichtanlagen', published in the trade magazine 'cav - chemie anlagen verfahren', issue 09/2012, Konradin-Verlag Robert Kohlhammer GmbH

Copyright: Konradin-Verlag Robert Kohlhammer GmbH

Fluid bed and spouted bed systems of various designs and sizes are used for granulation, agglomeration, coating and heat transfer processes in many branches of industry. Product safety is the top priority when establishing such processes. To ensure compliance with the relevant hygiene conditions, special planning and design principles are taken into account in the plant concept. These include steel construction, insulation, operating panels and wall penetrations. (article in German language)

author: Frank Ohlendorf, Head of Planning and Design, Process Technology Food, Feed & Fine Chemicals, Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
originally published in the trade magazine ‘cav – chemie anlagen verfahren’, issue 09/2012, Konradin-Verlag Robert Kohlhammer GmbH

International competence in planning – Glatt Ingenieurtechnik plans and builds complex plant lines and production facilities (German article)

Glatt technical article on '20 Jahre Glatt Ingenieurtechnik Weimar - Internationale Kompetenz', published in the trade magazine 'CHEManager', issue 17/2011, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

Copyright: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

In 1991 Glatt Ingenieurtechnik was founded in Weimar as a subsidiary of Glatt GmbH Process Technology. For 20 years the plant engineering company from Thuringia has been a competent partner for process, plant and turnkey factory planning employing innovative technologies. Dr. Michael Reubold has interviewed Volker Saalfeld, manager of the Engineering Division about the development of the division and its future plans. (article in German language)

originally published in the trade magazine ‘CHEManager’, issue 17/2011, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA