Contents

Abstract

Today's blister packs are dual systems consisting of a plastic film and an aluminum foil. Due to the difficult separability of the individual components, a sustainable system of blister packaging made of a singular, recyclable (polymeric) material is to be developed that meets all relevant requirements in scientific and regulatory terms.

Description

In Europe, tablets are often packaged in blister packs consisting of a thermoformed plastic film that is heat-sealed with an aluminum foil [1]. In addition to the lack of recyclability of commonly used plastic materials (e.g. PVC), the challenging separability of thermoforming foil and lidding foil also makes the recycling of current blister packaging difficult [2].

The aim of the project is to develop a sustainable blister packaging made of a singular, recyclable (polymeric) material. In this context, it is important that all relevant requirements in terms of regulatory requirements, product safety and consumer acceptance are met. In particular, the protection of the tablet against moisture plays an outstanding role.

Areas of work within this project therefore include the diffusion of water through the packaging material and the effect of the thermoforming process on the water permeability of blister packs. In addition, the water barrier requirements of pharmaceutical products are also an area of research that is crucial for the development of sustainable blister packaging.

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible by the funding of Invite GmbH in Leverkusen. As a joint venture between Bayer AG and the Technical University of Dortmund, INVITE is an open research and development platform.

References

1. Pilchik, R. Pharmaceutical Blister Packaging: Rationale and Materials. Pharmaceutical Technology, 2000.
2. İrem Yaren Çapkın; Mertol Gökelma. A review on characterization and recyclability of pharmaceutical blisters. Cleaner Waste Systems, 2023, 4.

Curriculum Vitae