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Patient-centric innovation at Sharp Hamont
Sharp
Sharp is a global leader in packaging solutions. Originally focused on food, small technical components, and pharmaceutical packaging, the company has since evolved into a specialist in pharmaceutical packaging. Today, Sharp’s engineering team is dedicated to packaging complex and innovative medicines, requiring continuous investment in infrastructure and state-of-the-art production equipment.
Liesbeth Callaars (Engineering & Project Manager, Sharp) and Benny Linders (Engineer Building & Utilities) share their insights on Sharp’s ambitions and how their longstanding partnership with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs plays a crucial role in delivering safe and efficient solutions for every patient.
Revolutionizing pharmaceutical packaging with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs
Liesbeth: “At our facility in Hamont-Achel (Belgium), a team of 280 employees works daily to ensure high-quality packaging that safeguards patient health and safety. From assembling and labeling syringes, auto-injectors, and pens to packaging design and serialization, we provide pharmaceutical companies with a comprehensive, end-to-end solution—regardless of the ever-evolving market demands.
We are witnessing a growing demand for user-friendly solutions, with pre-filled syringes being a prime example. This trend pushes us to rethink our production processes to align with emerging needs.”
Benny: “Each packaging request requires a tailored approach. We design our spaces based on the specific requirements of the product and regulatory framework. Together with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs, we transform existing environments into customized cleanroom solutions. This can range from minor modifications, like new flooring or air treatment systems, to major overhauls—such as converting a 2,500 m² production hall into a high-tech cleanroom.”
Together with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs, we transform existing environments into customized cleanroom solutions. This can range from minor modifications, like new flooring or air treatment systems, to major overhauls—such as converting a 2,500 m² production hall into a high-tech cleanroom.
Driving sustainability and innovation for a better future
Liesbeth: “Sharp is committed to sustainability. We consistently explore sustainable solutions such as solar panels and heat pumps. We are also a founding member of the Alliance to Zero (A2Z), a supply chain initiative to bring a CO2-neutral auto-injector to market. Besides these innovative and sustainable paths, we also pursue technological innovation. Our test setups are the new ‘toys’ for our engineers. They experiment with new technologies, ensuring that any new solution is thoroughly tested before implementation—because in our industry, precision and reliability are non-negotiable.”
Benny: “Every production environment must comply with stringent regulations concerning air quality, environmental impact, and energy consumption. The pharmaceutical industry operates under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, ensuring patient safety while demanding continuous adaptation from us. The biggest challenge is that the rules often change. So, we always add the ‘C’ for current to GMP. Compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s a responsibility.”
A long-standing partnership built on trust and expertise
Liesbeth: “To address all these challenges, we believe in healthy collaborations, both within our team and with customers and partners. We have collaborated with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs for over 12 years.”
Benny: “And that collaboration runs very smoothly. For new projects, we draw up the pre-design in AUTOCAD, which Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs then evaluates critically. After a thorough functional analysis, they develop tailored solutions—often extending beyond cleanroom construction. As part of Group Jansen, they offer invaluable expertise.”
High quality over low costs
Benny: “Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs is a reliable partner—flexible, independent, and committed to delivering exceptional service and quality. They honor agreements and prioritize solutions over prolonged discussions. When problems arise, they look for a solution instead of starting a lengthy discussion. In the meantime, we know we can rely on them 100%.”
Liesbeth: “Even when we need to step up a gear! During the corona period, for example, we had to fast-track a critical packaging project. We had to get our production up to speed in three months. It was a race against time, but we succeeded, thanks to strong collaboration. When urgency calls, we rise to the challenge. If there’s more time, we grant it to each other. It’s a double-edged sword.”
It was a race against time, but we succeeded, thanks to strong collaboration. When urgency calls, we rise to the challenge. If there’s more time, we grant it to each other.
A dirty job in a clean place
Benny: “Our operations must continue even during cleanroom construction—a challenge that Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs handles with expertise. They adhere to our strict protocols, from wearing protective gear to maintaining sterile environments. Their familiarity with our standards ensures a smooth and compliant workflow.”
A fruitful and future-proof collaboration
Liesbeth: “We are extremely satisfied with our partnership with Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs. They uphold the highest quality standards, proactively seek solutions, are very strong in rethinking existing concepts, and pay attention to every detail. Whether optimizing energy efficiency, enhancing safety, or rethinking existing concepts, they are always committed to finding the best possible outcome.”
With a shared vision of quality, sustainability, and innovation, Sharp and Jansen Cleanrooms & Labs continue to set new benchmarks in pharmaceutical packaging. This is more than just a collaboration—it’s a commitment to excellence for the health and safety of patients worldwide.
Exploring innovation in sterile production
Interested in seeing the innovative projects we’ve completed with Sharp? Visit our Project Page to explore a gallery of our work.
From transforming production halls into state-of-the-art cleanrooms to implementing sustainable solutions, our projects showcase the cutting-edge advancements and meticulous planning that define our partnership with Sharp.
