API China: Airnov Healthcare Packaging showcases rimless desiccant packets for pharma bottles

28 May 2021 --- Airnov Healthcare Packaging is unveiling rimless moisture absorbing packets for pharmaceutical and diagnostics product bottles at API China this week.

Welded with uncoated Tyvek, the desiccants can also lie flat in medical devices and food packaging applications.

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance used to induce or sustain a state of dryness in its vicinity.

The packets can be produced in single units at extremely small sizes – up to 19x25 mm and 0.5 g, carrying high vertical and horizontal tear strength properties. Airnov cuts raw materials usage by 25 percent compared to standard desiccant packs.

“These packets using new desiccant sealing techniques have been developed by our team at Airnov’s Dongguan plant [in China], and are the result of close consultation with our customers in these sectors,” says Albert Zhao, head of APAC sales at Airnov.

“A key demand was to create a solution that can drop into bottles and lie flat, as opposed to lining the side of the packaging. This saves space before the bottle is filled with our customer’s product.”

Due to their ultra-small size, the rimless moisture absorbing packets can also be inserted into medicine bottles post-production. They are small enough to insert through the bottleneck, helping to reduce complexity and add speed to the manufacturing and assembly process.

Airnov’s packets offer greater moisture absorbing capacity while cutting raw materials by 25%.Eco-moves in China
Airnov is exhibiting this range of packets at API China this week, a leading pharmaceuticals and chemicals trade show.

“We welcome visitors to see how our rimless moisture absorbing packets can streamline their packaging solutions while also boosting their commitments to sustainability,” says Zhao.

In a landmark announcement that rippled across the globe, China’s National Development and Reform Commission began phasing out the production and use of single-use plastic products in 2020.

The ban is being gradually implemented across the world’s most populous country by 2025, while non-degradable plastic bags, straws and cutlery were due to be phased out of all major Chinese cities by the end of 2020.

Desiccants innovation
Desiccants are used to induce or sustain a state of dryness in their vicinity and are commonly encountered in foods to retain crispness. Industrially, they are widely used to control the level of water in gas streams.

Other players in this field include Amcor and Clariant. In 2019, Amcor teamed up with British multinational pharmaceutical company GSK to develop an enhanced moisture barrier blister pack that protects antibiotics in hot climates.

The global packaging giant also worked with machine manufacturer CAM-Partena on the Formpack Dessiflex Ultra, a desiccated blister system with a special lidding foil.

Meanwhile, Clariant Healthcare Packaging introduced a line of flat desiccant options for medical and diagnostic devices, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical powders, and other ingredients that require an arid package environment, such as sports nutrition powders.

Edited by Anni Schleicher

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