TekniPlex Plans to Unveil Pharmaceutical-Grade PET Blister Film

Wayne, Pennsylvania-based TekniPlex Healthcare has joined forces with Alpek Polyester to introduce a groundbreaking pharmaceutical-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blister film, incorporating 30 percent postconsumer recycled (PCR) monomers. This innovative collaboration aims to provide pharmaceutical companies with a fully recyclable blister pack option that aligns with stringent quality standards for product protection and consumer safety, while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

The key feature of this newly launched blister film is its incorporation of 30 percent PCR monomers, obtained from postconsumer recycled plastic scrap. The PCR plastic undergoes a meticulous depolymerization process through chemical recycling, breaking down the material into its constituent monomers. Following this, the repolymerization process transforms the recycled monomers back into PET, resulting in a recycled resin that essentially mirrors virgin material in quality.

Crucially, TekniPlex emphasizes that achieving monomer-level deconstruction and repolymerization, as seen in this process, is unattainable through traditional mechanical recycling methods. The end product from Alpek's polymer reactor is a sheet in a master reel, crafted using the melt-to-sheet process.

Melissa Green, the Head of Global Marketing for TekniPlex Healthcare, emphasized the importance of the development by expressing that it represented a milestone for pharmaceutical companies. She noted that, for the first time, these companies now had the choice to integrate a fully recyclable blister pack, which also included a substantial amount of recycled material. Importantly, this option allowed them to meet the demanding pharmaceutical quality standards for both product protection and consumer safety.

One of the notable advantages of adopting TekniPlex's PET blister film with PCR content is its ability to position pharmaceutical companies ahead of impending sustainability legislation. As global calls for increased eco-friendliness in packaging continue to grow, this sustainable film is poised to meet the rising demand for environmentally conscious solutions across various sectors, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.

The film, when combined with TekniPlex's Teknilid Push polyester lidding, forms a blister system that is fully recyclable in the polyester recycling stream where appropriate infrastructure exists. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to sustainability throughout the lifecycle of the packaging materials.

Furthermore, the pharmaceutical-grade PET blister film meets the stringent requirements outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia Section 3.1.15 and U.S. Pharmacopoeia Section 661.1. This adherence to regulatory standards ensures that the film is well-suited for pharmaceutical applications, where product quality and safety are of utmost importance.

To showcase this groundbreaking PET blister film, TekniPlex plans to unveil it at Pharmapack Paris on January 24-25, underscoring the company's dedication to advancing sustainable solutions within the pharmaceutical packaging landscape. The introduction of this innovative film not only addresses the immediate need for environmentally friendly packaging but also positions TekniPlex Healthcare as a frontrunner in delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.