Huhtamaki and Syntegon have today announced a paper-based tablet packaging solution for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Push Tab paper is made from renewable FSC-certified paper and has been designed with the aim of meeting the stringent safety requirements of regulated pharmaceutical packaging.
The solution also aims to provide customers with a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through packaging made of thermoformed PVC and aluminium, while helping to reduce environmental impact throughout the value chain.
Push Tab paper tablet contains more than 75% paper-based material sourced from FSC-certified suppliers in Europe. Combining it with advanced barrier coating technology, Huhtamaki says that it makes the pack sealable without compromising its safety, functionality, or protective properties compared to traditional mono PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) blisters.
A special mechanical treatment reportedly allows consumers to push the tablet through easily without damaging the product inside. The material is further processed and formed with Syntegon's unique paper shaping technology and machinery.
"We are proud to introduce a new, more sustainable packaging solution for the tablet for the healthcare sector that has high growth potential," says Fabio Daidone, sales manager for flexible packaging at Huhtamaki.
"European sales of flexible packaging in the Pharmaceuticals category had an estimated value of €1.1 billion in 2020, of which approximately 80% are in blister packaging. We are happy to help our customers respond to opportunities with Push Tab paper, designed for circularity, which presents the first sustainable alternative for this packaging type."
The German Packaging Institute recognized Push Tab Paper with a 2021 German Packaging Award for sustainability on 27th July 2021.
