Blister packaging is widely being used in pharmaceutical and food industry. Blister packs protect medicines and food from external environmental factors such as humidity, heat and UV rays. Manufacturers are producing innovative solutions for pharmaceutical industry.
For instance, CPS Technologies has introduced Activ-Blister using molecular sieve technology and silica gel. This new packaging solution helps to control the internal atmosphere of individual blister cavities by absorbing water vapour and oxygen. This new solution can be incorporated in blister packaging with help of heat-staking and without the need to use adhesives. Hence, more such new blister packaging is being developed to keep the product safe.
According to the latest report by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global blister packaging market is expected to exceed $18 billion by the end of 2027, registering 6.3% CAGR during 2017-2027. Moreover, North America blister packaging market is estimated to register 6.6% CAGR between 2017 and 2027. While APEJ blister packaging market is projected to increase to 6.2% CAGR during 2017-2027.
Manufacturers are also focusing on blister packaging with the feature that can help a disabled or blind person to check details of the particular medicine. However, different types of packaging solutions being produced can hamper the growth of blister packaging. Meanwhile, blister packaging is also not considered a feasible option for big and bulky products; this can also restrict the use of blister packaging for certain products.
Smart blister packaging solutions to ensure product protection
Medication adherence is becoming an important part of the pharmaceutical packaging, hence new and innovative packages are being introduced. For example, in order to know if the patient is using medication, Information Mediary Corp. (IMC) has introduced technology to monitor use of the medications. Med-ic smart blister packs and syringe packs designed by IMC help patients and healthcare providers.
Med-ic smart blister pack is developed using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), printed electronics and traditional electronics. This smart packaging solution can help release pharmaceutical product faster and get accurate data. IMC has recently received CPES2017 Product Innovation Award for Med-ic Syringe Pack. This smart syringe pack uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to connect package with printed electronic traces, recording real-time information for each and every syringe. While RFID sensor tags can easily connect with printed traces and can also detect whenever the dose is removed.
Other packaging companies are also developing smart blister packs with the microchip to record information about medication use and to collect adherence data.
New technology for Blister Package Testing
With the development of new and smart blister packs. Manufacturers are introducing technologies to test blister pack and ensure its safety to use. One such technology is VeriPac UBV Leak Detection System. This new system uses volumetric imaging under vacuum to detect if there is any leak. The location of blister cavity can also be identified in no time. It can even detect very small blister defect such as 10 microns.
Many manufacturers are still using conventional materials to produce blister packs. Owing to the chemical causing serious health issues, some manufacturers have started using eco-friendly materials for packaging.
