Flexicon laminate protects asthma drugs
foil-based structure for pharmaceutical and medical device
applications.
The new foil is designed for moisture- and oxygen-sensitive applications that require a foil lamination to meet or exceed shelf-life expectations, such as metered dose inhalation devices and sensitive pharmaceuticals, and other products in the drug delivery/medical device arena.
Flexi 6611 is already being used as a barrier for metered-dose inhalers used by asthma sufferers.
The foil is available both as rollstock and pre-made pouches and consists of a polyester external layer with aluminium foil in the centre and clear polyethylene on the interior surface. This results in good moisture vapour and oxygen permeability characteristics, according to the company.
There is a trend towards the development of larger, more complex molecules in the pharmaceutical sector, and these sensitive molecules are increasing the demands on pharmaceutical packaging. Companies supplying the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are increasingly having to supply containers that keep moisture penetration to a minimum and guard against exposure to oxygen, changes in temperature and light.
The moisture vapour transition rate (MVTR) for Flexi 6611 is less than 001 grams/100 square inches/24 hours, while oxygen permeability is less than 001 cc/100 square inches/90 per cent relative humidity.
Additionally, the structure also features Flexicon's Flexi-Free solvent-free technology, made possible by in-house laminating expertise coupled with new developments in adhesive formulation.
High-end graphics for customers requiring visually competitive products can also be applied via Flexicon's newly installed Infiniti II 10-colour flexographic press, said the company, which was bought by Ampac Packaging in January.
