Promising Results in Improving Recyclability of PVC Pharma Blister Packaging

The pharmaceutical industry depends heavily on reliable packaging to maintain medication quality, prolong shelf life, and ensure safe delivery. In Europe, PVC is the standard base material for pharmaceutical blister packs, typically used in combination with aluminium (PVC/Alu) or with both aluminium and PVDC (PVC/PVDC/Alu). These combinations offer robust barrier protection against moisture, physical damage, and, when PVDC is included, enhanced protection against oxygen and gases.

Recognising the critical role of environmental sustainability, VinylPlus® has partnered with leading PVC film manufacturers and recyclers in the VinylPlus® PharmPack initiative to enhance the recyclability of these blisters under the European Packaging Directive 94/62/EG and various national regulations. Partners are Perlen Packaging, Liveo Research, Hundhausen Kunststofftechnik and Neidhardt Rohstoff.

The project’s early-phase tests by Fraunhofer IVV show successful separation of PVC from PVDC and aluminium using dissolution technology. Further lab tests by Perlen Packaging and Liveo Research on recyclates have yielded promising results, setting the stage for large-scale trials later in 2024. The dedicated pilot plant at Fraunhofer IVV will produce rPVC for further quality testing by Perlen and Liveo, marking a crucial step toward producing new products from recycled pharma blister materials.

Discover more about the project.

Discover more about PVC's role in pharmaceutical packaging.