Amcor unveils healthcare lidding technology for combination products

12 Aug 2021 --- Amcor is launching a proprietary lidding technology in healthcare packaging, targeting combination products – those consisting of two or more regulated components (device, drug or biologic).

The new technology is suitable for devices with an active pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) that forms the basis of a medicine, for example contact lense packaging. 

Amcor’s chief commercial officer Peter Konieczny says this new healthcare technology opens “a world of possibilities” for products using AP and the company aims to extend it to additional combination products in the future.

Years in the making
The lidding solutions are based on patented inert film development and laminate design. They can withstand heat sterilization, the process of preserving and sterilizing items, while preventing drug uptake into the packaging. 

The packaging solution also ensures machinability, integrity after sterilization, as well as a convenient peel opening for patients. The features of the new product complement Amcor’s existing healthcare portfolio, which range from lidding for demanding sterilization environments to high barrier overwraps protecting eye droppers and medications for the eye.

Amcor collaborated with Johnson & Johnson Vision over several years to develop the lidding technology for use with contact lenses. 

Each company contributed specific skills and perspective, notably Amcor’s expertise with film extrusion, lamination and conversion for healthcare, and Johnson & Johnson Vision’s expertise on ophthalmic device packaging requirements.

Healthcare packaging experience
Amcor’s healthcare packaging markets range from dermal to pulmonary and medical devices. For example, the company launched a specialty multi-chamber pouch for drug-device combination products in Europe. Its key features include multi-layer foil laminates to provide transit resistance and barrier to gas, light and moisture. 

In June, Amcor also launched an enhanced heat seal coating for medical-grade DuPont Tyvek 2 and paper applications in healthcare packaging. A few months before, the company unveiled its customer trials for its new mono-material, recyclable polyethylene (PE) blister packs in what it claims is a “breakthrough” for pharmaceutical packaging. 

Edited by Anni Schleicher