Newer materials for the medical and pharmaceutical sector have been introduced at K 2010. These materials developed need to meet all the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry and its increasing focus on self-administered medications, enhance the functionality of highly-specialized medical and pharmaceutical applications, taking safety and regulatory compliance into account, and offer phthalate-free proven alternatives to PVC.
Borealis’ focus on advances for the pharmaceutical packaging sector was one of the highlights of the company’s presence at K 2010. With its Bormed range of high performance polyolefins, Borealis is one of the few polymer companies in the world capable of meeting all the stringent requirements of the healthcare industry. Two of its latest developments were highlighted at K: Bormed LE6601PH for flexible ampoules and Bormed SC820CF for IV pouches. Bormed LE6601PH was developed to meet the healthcare market’s increasing focus on self-administered medications. Simple to squeeze ampoules based on Bormed LE6601PH allow users of all ages to dispense treatments such as eye, ear and nose drops without professional assistance. The material has been introduced in response to market demand and in line with the company's commitment to broaden its offering with a special focus on BFS (blow, fill, seal) applications. Bormed LE6601PH is a low density polyethylene (LDPE) with good transparency that brings assured end-user performance as well as manufacturing benefits to flexible, single-use ampoules for self-administered medications which do not require post steam sterilisation. The ampoules can be sterilised using ethylene oxide (EtO) or gamma radiation up to 50 kGy. Converters can take advantage of the flexibility offered by Bormed LE6601PH. The grade allows trouble-free conversion on standard blow moulding machines as well as BFS machines. Wall thickness and ampoule weight are easy to control thanks to its optimised molecular weight distribution that produces material with low swell. The balanced properties of Bormed LE6601PH make it suitable for use in dip-tubes in pharmaceutical sprays in addition to flexible ampoules. Bormed SC820CF - a random heterophasic polypropylene copolymer for cast and blown film applications combines softness with toughness, is steam sterilisable and maintains good optical and mechanical properties after retorting. It is intended as blending component or coextrusion layer for primary pouches, as IV solutions, nutrition and dialysis fluids. Further, it is used as part of the solution for secondary wrap films for dust and vapor barrier and protection. This new material is contributing to all PP solutions pouch solutions, which serve as a viable alternative to commonly used glass bottles and PVC pouches.
Clariant’s MEVOPUR color and performance masterbatches and compounds offer vibrant colors and new opportunities to enhance the functionality of highly-specialized medical and pharmaceutical applications, taking safety and regulatory compliance into account. This is particularly relevant in light of tightening regulatory controls governing end-product ingredients, and the increasing responsibility of pharmaceutical companies, packaging converters and device manufacturers to communicate their requirements regarding traceability, consistency and safety to suppliers throughout the value chain. The range offers solutions to the latest surface engineering developments, providing advanced functions such as laser marking, friction-reducing solutions and radiopacity used for the manufacture of components that can be visualized using X-ray for procedures requiring fluoroscopic evaluation. The range includes masterbatches and compounds whose ingredients have been biologically evaluated against USP parts 87 and 88 (Class VI devices) and/or the international standard ISO10993. These product solutions cover a wide range of polymers and thermoplastic elastomers including PE, PP, ABS, SAN, PC/ABS, PC, PA6, 66 and 12, high performance polymers, and elastomers such as EVA, SEBS, TPU, Polyester Elastomers and PEBA.
Kraton G1645®, a polymer product, creates new opportunities to replace PVC in medical and other applications including IV bag film and medical tubing. The polymers are phthalate-free and provide high-performance, non-allergenic, and proven alternatives to PVC.