New child-proof blisters

Three new products, part of the firm's Safety-Pak Plus line of blister pack lidding, have been developed by the company to extend the range of the existing blister pack products and include more specialised packaging solutions. The first new product, Safety-Pak Plus PP, incorporates a peel-push feature into the traditional child-resistant opening process, but according to the company also offers a full-panel peel without the risk of tearing, making the pack easier for adult consumers to open. Safety-Pak Plus PL, the second new product, has been developed specifically for fragile pharmaceutical products or unique drug delivery medication systems. It also provides a child-resistant, peel-able opening mechanism. The final new introduction is the company's Safety-Pak Plus LT, which "provides the ultimate in child-resistant lidding,"​ according to Alcoa. This 'lock-tight' lidding design requires a tool, such as a pair of scissors, to open the pack and is intended for drugs that require an F-1 rating (an industry rating to demonstrate the highest levels of child-resistance of a blister pack, while still remaining accessible to the elderly.) The Safety-Pak Plus range of blister lidding was initially developed to serve the multi-purposes of child-resistance, peel-ability and enhanced printing surfaces. The new products use the same exterior film, which provides a higher quality printing surface than paper and can therefore offer improved brand graphics. The polyester film used in the packaging products is compatible with water- and solvent-based and CSAT inks, and in-line printing processes. The broad sealing window on the products in the range also allows secure sealing at lower temperatures, particularly useful for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical drug products. The new products are available in unprinted trial quantities from the company, and are being show-cased at the Interphex 2007 trade show in New York next month.