Medical plastic packaging films have shown great potential in the pharmaceutical industry. These films are widely used for packaging tablets, powders, granules, as well as for lining pastes, liquids, and pharmaceutical cartons. They also play a key role in medical equipment packaging. As traditional glass and plastic bottles are gradually replaced by more flexible options, medical liquid packaging such as IV bags and plasma bags have become increasingly popular.
According to a report by Freedonia Group, global pharmaceutical packaging demand grew at an average annual rate of 4.3% between 1997 and 2007. In Europe, the market for medical packaging films and bags accounts for 28% of total sales, which reached $3.246 billion annually. China’s pharmaceutical packaging industry has seen rapid growth, with an output value of about 15 billion yuan and an average annual growth rate exceeding 10%. The use of plastic products in medical packaging has increased significantly over the years, with the proportion of aluminum and plastic packaging for tablets rising from 10% in 1990 to 40% today.
Medical plastic films include a wide range of materials such as PE, PP, PET, PEN, PA, PVA, PVC, PVDC, PC, and newly developed cyclic olefin copolymers (COC). Among these, polyolefins like PE and PP dominate the market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.
PE is one of the fastest-growing types of medical packaging film. It is expected to see a 7% annual increase in global demand. LLDPE, in particular, has been gaining traction, accounting for 52% of the PE medical film market in 2003 and projected to reach 54% by 2006. This is because LLDPE offers higher strength at the same thickness, allowing for thinner, more cost-effective films.
PP has also seen significant development, especially in the packaging of liquid medications. Through modifications, PP can now offer better flexibility and heat resistance, making it suitable for medical devices and infusion bags. However, challenges remain in terms of cost and performance compared to traditional materials like PVC.
PVC has long been used in medical applications due to its good chemical resistance and mechanical properties. However, concerns over its environmental impact and toxicity have led to a decline in its usage, especially in Europe.
PA films are known for their toughness and puncture resistance, making them ideal for protecting sterilized medical devices during transport and storage. CTFE films, made from ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, are valued for their excellent barrier properties and thermal stability.
PET films are widely used for tablet packaging due to their high mechanical strength, transparency, and chemical resistance. They are often used as a direct contact material with pharmaceuticals, ensuring product integrity.
In recent years, multi-layer composite films and coated films have become the preferred choice in pharmaceutical packaging. These films combine the advantages of different materials to meet various requirements such as moisture resistance, gas barrier, and heat sealing. Products like LDPE, BOPP, CPP, and PVDC-coated films are commonly used to enhance performance and reduce costs.
With ongoing technological advancements, the future of medical plastic packaging looks promising, driven by the need for safer, more sustainable, and efficient packaging solutions.
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