Perlen introduces ultra-high PVDC barrier film for pharmaceutical packaging
Using a multi-layer polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) technology, Perlen Packaging is introducing the PERLALUX - Ultra, an ultra-high barrier film doubling the moisture and oxygen barrier over its predecessor, PERLALUX - Tristar ultra.
"With PERLALUX - Ultra protect we can now provide the world's first highly transparent PVDC film for the rapidly growing ultra-high barrier segment," said Johannes Giessler, Director Sales & Marketing at Perlen Packaging. "The advantage for pharmaceutical companies lies in higher product protection at improved processing and cost efficiency."
In 2006, Switzerland-based Perlen Packaging launched the PERLALUX - Tristar ultra, the first PVDC based high barrier film and cost-effective alternative to polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE).
The demands of the pharmaceutical industry on blister film barrier characteristics have increased substantially in recent years. The high barrier segment is growing at double digit percentages, driven by more complex molecular structures of new drugs, increased sales into tropical climate zones and the trend towards global distribution, according to Perlen Packaging.
As introduced, PERLALUX - Ultra protect films provide high transparency and can be processed on all standard blister lines with the same parameters as standard PVDC films, without the need of additional forming aids.
The symmetrical structure can be sealed on both sides to the aluminum lid foil. The barrier layers in the middle provide optimal product protection. In comparison with PCTFE films, PERLALUX - Ultra has a much higher oxygen barrier at equivalent moisture barrier and is more cost-effective.
The PVDC-based Ultra protect films are superior to alu/alu blisters in terms of the use of resources, Perlen Packaging noted. The more compact arrangement of tablets means up to 50% smaller packs, resulting in cost savings in material, packaging, transport and storage.
"The trend in tablet packaging is going towards 'one fits all', as an efficient global distribution and logistics network can only be achieved through standardization of the transparent blister packs, now favored by consumers," said Wolfgang Grimm, CEO of Perlen Packaging.
