Packaging technology round-up
Stora Enso rolls out conductive ink adherence monitoring tech
Paper packaging firm Stora Enso Pharma has launched a new adherence control technology that it says helps physicians keep track of patients, one pill at a time.
The DDSi Wireless technology, premiered at Pharmapack 2011 in Paris, uses conductive ink to record each time a tablet is removed from its blister and transmit this data to a central database using GSM or GPRS cellular networks.
in-Pharmatechnologist.com spoke with project manager Juha Maijala, who explained that adherence monitoring is a growing concern for the pharmaceutical sector, healthcare professionals and insurers.
Gerresehiemer combines twist off caps and foil seal closures
German packaging maker Gerresheimer has unveiled a new closure technology for tablet containers that it says eliminates the need to use different filling process for the US and European markets.
The Smart Duma technology is a twist-off cap for tablet bottles that can be fitted with an inner foil seal, which is a requirement for all pill containers sold in the US.
The idea is that when closed the foil seal hidden inside the cap presses against the rim of the filled container and is fixed in place by means of induction. When the cap is opened the foil divides into two layers with the aluminium part staying in place to seal the container.
This combination will streamline filling operations for drugmakers targeting markets on both sides of the Atlantic according to spokesman Burkhard Lingenberg, who said: “With this new development we fulfill a widespread customer wish.”
”For international pharma markets there should as far as possible be uniform packaging it's simply a question of efficiency.”
MWV expands preservative-free pump range
MeadWestVaco has expanded its preservative-free topical pump (PFTP) range with a new product intended for the topical delivery of drugs.
The product combines a pump system that prevents air for re-entering the system when it has dispensed and an actuator that stops bacteria getting into the dispenser, removing the need to add preservative to the formulation.
The units will be produced at MWV facility in Hemer, Germany, which was recently awarded DIN ISO 15378:2007 certification for the manufacture of distribution spray systems for pharmaceuticals.
Chris Hall MWV VP of medical plastics said: “Our proprietary research study of patients, physicians and pharmacists showed that when offered a choice, patients and healthcare professionals prefer a preservative free formulation.”
Sabic launches PP random copolymer grades
Plastics firm Sabic has released two high-purity polypropylene (PP) random copolymers specifically developed for healthcare applications.
PP PCGR02 is designed for the production of pharmaceutical bottles and ampoules, while PP PCGR25 is intended for the production of injection moulded housings of disposable syringes.
In addition, PP PCGR25 allows the use of lower melt temperatures than are normally the case for conventional random copolymers which could be a distinct advantage for the manufacturing process according to Sabic technical marketing engineer Ben Raven.
"Converters may operate with significantly shorter cycle times and achieve energy savings of up to 15 per cent. The use of this material also supports sustainability initiatives."
