Südpack Medica presents PP films as an alternative to PVC/PVdC

Südpack Medica is extending its portfolio of thermoforming films with a polypropylene-based film which is free of halogenic substances for the manufacture of blister packaging and other pharmaceutical solid product applications. In this way, the pharmaceuticals industry can be provided with a sustainable alternative, featuring an outstanding barrier profile, to the PVC/PVdC blister materials otherwise frequently used.

The PVC/PVdC blister materials used today set high standards in terms of thermoformability. For this reason, Südpack Medica focused their attention on this issue during development. The high level of product protection provided by PP films and their excellent, material-specific barrier properties are of great significance, in particular for humidity-sensitive medications and in demanding climate zones. As Michael Hermann, Head of Research and Development at Südpack Medica explains: “PP as a raw substance basis naturally provides an outstanding steam barrier. With the aid of coextrusion technology, however, even higher barrier standards will in future be possible”. The unique Südpack coextrusion procedure adapts the typical features of PP films extremely well to blister packaging machine requirements, meaning that processing of this material on existing packaging lines is therefore “highly possible with only minor modifications being required”.

The PP-based Südpack film, which is free of halogenic substances, is thus a particularly sustainable alternative to PVC/PVdC blister materials – and for Südpack an expedient extension to their portfolio, in particular with reference to sustainability.
Currently, a PP-based lid system is already being developed. This will allow the packaging system, as a single-substance solution, to fulfil the requirements on recycling and closed-loop substance management.

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