Vincot newest certification for bioplastics : OK biobased
Vinçotte announces proudly the first OK biobased certificates of a whole range of raw materials. The first licensee holders are each located in a different continent: Asia, America and Europe. List of certified products >>
RENEWABLE RESOURCES
As active drivers for sustainable development, multiple companies are proactively searching for alternatives to fossil-based raw materials. Several manufacturers are making synthetic materials using as their base starch, cellulose, lactic acid, “bacterial fat”, etc. By so doing, these companies contribute in an innovative manner to resolving the economic and environmental problem of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases.
OK biobased – NEW AS OF SEPTEMBER 2009!
As a result of the increased environmental awareness among customers, there is a growing market for products on a basis of renewable raw materials. And that environmentally conscious motivation on the part of customers is exactly the reason why there is a need for an independent, high-quality guarantee of the renewability of raw materials. The “OK biobased” certification meets that need perfectly.
In contrast to LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), the investigation method behind the OK biobased certification is very simple and the exact value can be precisely and scientifically measured and calculated. This renders checks and re-checks very transparent and also allows “apples to be compared with apples” with the greatest ease.
On a basis of the determined percentage of renewable raw materials (% Bio-based), your product can be certified as one-star-bio-based, two-star-bio-based, three-star-bio-based or four-star-bio-based.
1 star stands for 20-40% biobased; 2 stars stand for 40-60% biobased; 3 stars stand for 60-80% biobased; 4 stars stand for more than 80% biobased
For Frequently Asked Questions about biobased certification, please visit the website of Vincot
Biotechnology could cut C02 sharply, help build green economy
Industrial biotechnology has the potential to save the planet up to 2.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions per year and support building a sustainable future, a WWF report found.
As the world is debating how to cut dangerous emissions and come together in an international agreement treaty which will help protect the planet from potentially devastating effects of climate change, innovative ideas how to reduce our CO2 are very valuable.
A recent report published by WWF Denmark identifies the potential to be between 1 billion and 2.5 billion tons CO2 per year by 2030, more than Germany’s total reported emissions in 1990.
Industrial biotechnology could help create a true 21st century green economy, the report states. Industrial biotechnology applications are already widely used in everyday life. They help reduce the amount of time needed to bake fresh bread, increase the yield in wine, cheese and vegetable oil production and save heat in laundry washing.
“Low carbon biotech solutions are a good example of hidden or invisible climate solutions that are all around us already today but are easy to overlook for policymakers, investors and companies.” says John Kornerup Bang, Head of Globalization Program at WWF Denmark and coauthor of the report.
A newer example on how biotechnology solutions could help reduce carbon emissions is the harvesting of biogas from waste digesters and wastewater streams.
The report emphasizes the potential of taking that existing technology even one step further and creating fully closed loop systems.
Biorefineries are able to transform any biobased waste material into a valuable feedstock for the production of other biobased materials. The possible emission reductions for such processes are estimated to be as high as 633 million tons of CO2.
The report indentifies four fundamental dimensions of industrial biotechnology: Improved efficiency, the substitution of fossil fuels, the substitution of oil-based materials and the creation of a closed loop system with the potential to eliminate waste.
But as with most technologies, the potential to achieve sustainability objectives does not automatically translate into such goals being realized.
“Politicians need to set the path toward a green economy. This will not be easy, and we must look for new solutions, which can help us reduce emissions very quickly. It is clear that there is no alternative to explore these innovative pathways,” John Kornerup Bang said.
Downloads: Biotech Technical Report Biotech Policy Report
Indiapack 2010 held from September 30th until October 3th 2010
Bombay Exhibition Centre – Mumbai, India
After the successes of previous three edition of Indiapack it has grown as a brand name in Indian Packaging industry and world over. Recognizing that the new trends and development are essential to the industry’s bright future, the Indian Institute of Packaging, through Indiapack, seeks to provide a perfect platform to bring the packaging industry under one roof. With this the industry has opportunity to connect at this highly specialized event where the issues of meeting the soaring demand for more sophisticated packaging together with the ever present need for increased productivity are addressed.
With the support from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India and many Trade Association, from India and abroad including World Packaging Organization and Asian Packaging Federation, Indiapack is all set to continue the success story in 2010 edition.
Indian Packaging industry with a growth of more than 15% p.a. accounts for USD 14 Billion. This shows the immense potential in the industry. This growth is expected to be doubled in next two years and figures indicate towards a change in the industrial and consumer set up. Packaging today, has grown in importance and is regarded as vital marketing tool. It enhances product value and helps expand market within and outside country. The packaging industry can be characterized as global and fast growing industry.
With a rapid growth in markets like Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and textile has provided momentum for the need of packaging as all these sectors need specialized packaging. Availability of most of the raw material in abundance that is required in packaging industry such as paper, plastic, board, glass, metal adds to the further growth of industry
International FoodTec 2010- International exhibition on food processing & packaging technology, equipments and supplies. At the same time the other concurrent events viz. a high level International Packaging Conference & the National Awards for Excellence in Packaging will be organized by Indian Institute of Packaging.
Ecobliss and Starview extend their succesfull cooperation to Asia
After having established a succesful cooperation in Europe, Ecobliss Blistermachines and Starview have decided to also join forces in Asia. Ecobliss already was the exclusive distributor of Starview products for the European market and that is now being extended into the Asian region. With Ecobliss branches in countries like Turkey, India and Indonesia and their broad experience in the field of blisterpackaging, this seems to be a logical step forward!
The strength of Ecobliss lies in developing and manufacturing high quality packaging materials and providing turn-key packaging solutions along with that. Starview manufactures (among other types) equipment for assembling and sealing heat seal and clam shell types of blister packaging.
The equipment manufactured by Starview is of the highest standard and can be offered at very competitive prices which you will find on the website www.blistermachines.com
From 2010 onwards Ecobliss will also be your supplier of Starview machinery in Asia!
Ecostrong, Natralock and Blisterguard, the next generation of theft secure blister packaging
Theft secure heat seal and cold seal blister cards
Recently a few new variants of the traditional double/folding blister card made of cardboard have been introduced to the market under the name Natralock and Blisterguard. The new packaging focuses on tear resistance, with the purpose of making the packaging difficult to open in the store. Consumers should only be able to open the package, by using scissors or a knife, after the product has left the shopping floor.
In theft secure blister cards the back of the cardboard, used to make the blister cards, is laminated with a thin plastic film. This plastic film layer is coated with a heat seal adhesive that can be activated using heat and pressure. Once the front and back card are joined and sealed, the plastic layers become invisible to the eye, and from the outside the consumer will only notice cardboard. Buying cardboard in stead of plastic is considered to be more environmentally friendly, and this should reflect positively on the corporate image. At the same time good theft resistance is achieved. From a sustainability point of view this kind of packaging is mostly compared to traditional clam shell packaging. If compared to a full plastic packaging, the manufacturers of this new type of blister cardboard ( Natralock from MeadWestvaco and Blisterguard from International paper ) claim environmental burden reductions that are quit substantial.
Ecobliss Blister packaging in the Netherlands has also added a similar double card, tear resistant technology to their extensive range of blister products. The system of Ecobliss is introduced under the name ‘Ecostrong’. The carded theft resistant packaging of Ecobliss is based on a laminated front card combined with a heat seal back card. Theft resistance in Ecobliss’s Ecostrong technology is achieved by applying a single layer of PET film to the front card of the packaging. The laminated front card does not require any additional heat seal adhesive. The PET film used by Ecobliss is specially developed for the purpose of creating tear strength in the blister card.
In stead of using a double layer of plastic laminate ( as in the Natralock or Blisterguard technology ) the tear strength of any Ecostrong packaging can be exactly determined by choosing the right thickness of the tear resistant laminate. In Ecobliss’s Ecostrong system the tear resistant laminate can also be used in combination with their cold seal technology. Large customers of Ecobliss such as Dane Elec are using Ecobliss’s Ecostrong blister card technology since a few years. Soon the website of Ecobliss will also display the Ecostrong technology.
The future of the past is called compassion
The future of the past is called compassion
The time that entrepreneurs only had one vision – profit making – is passed tense, due the current economical crisis we are facing. In most European countries economical growth scenario’s of three to 5 percent are unrealistic for at least the next 3-5 years. In the current knowledge-economy there is no space for private-ownership and obtaining more wealth for the existing economical elite. ITC, bio- and nano technologies make the world into one big en totally transparent place in which politicians, companies and organizations are accountable more and more for their social responsibilities. Our world is changing so rapidly that in the future profit-making is only a in-between target. The main objective will be to attribute to the society and mother earth itself.
The system of continuously digging, burning, en converting resources and dumping waste in our environment is no longer tolerated. Quality of life, and sustainability are the leading motives for the future. If you think well about it, we have no other choice… The problems we’re facing globally are huge and far stretching: financial crisis, multi-cultural society, terrorism, less social security, ecological misuse of water, forests, flora and fauna, exhausting energy resources, shortage of food. All of that with a ever growing population towards nine billion earthlings.
We do not realize that we are in the middle of a revolution. We can and should never go back to the past. On a global scale we should find a different way of living, enterprising and producing. Politicians have to realize that they should not be fighting each other with battle-field truths, and companies should not compete each other for the highest turnover and profit margins. To make the world a livable place, together we have to invest in Technology, Talent and Tolerance. Maybe that last one is the most challenging “T” , the morale awareness that a economical environment is not sustainable without humanity…
“vision of global thinkers, mr. Marc Eysens, former prime minister of Belgium and mr. Herman Wijffels, former CEO of Rabobank”
Tickner in Ecobliss Cold Seal
Blister packaging is the ultimate ‘self selling’ packaging. With the introduction of Tickner in Ecobliss cold seal blister packaging the strength of blister packaging is proven again.
A nice summer’s day in the woods or in the garden can bring not only a healthy and pleasant pass time. It can also confront humans and pets a potentially dangerous and possibly even lethal tick bite. Removing a tick correctly is not easy, yet it is of utmost importance to prevent serious diseases. Incorrect removal of ticks often leads to additional professional medical assistance from a general practitioner or a veterinarian. Tickner offers both the easiest as well as the safest way of tick removal. The tick is first killed instantly with a shot of gas (harmless to humans or pets) and can subsequently be removed with a very easy to operate extraction system.
Tickner is a rather ingenious device and doesn’t look like any other tick removal proposition. So how to get the message across? It starts by showing the actual product. By showing the actual product in a blister packaging in combination with the instruction for use printed on the blister card, Tickner’s functionality will be understood at the point of sale. An Ecobliss cold seal blister packaging solution was chosen as this was the perfect balance for esthetics, packing convenience, integral packing cost, maximum reduction of the plastic component and recyclability.
The packaging has tamper evidence, ensuring hygiene as well as a proof to have a full product that wasn’t ‘tested’ by other consumers. The chosen design has a self-standing function so it can be used for all shop situations, either hanging or standing. With a convenience opening on the backside the full instruction for use must be taken out before accessing the Tickner so any user is encouraged to ready the instructions.
A very useful product in a perfectly suitable packaging. Now it is time for summer!
Philips Lighting packes Power LED in innovative plastic thermoformed box
Traditionally Philips Lighting designs two types of packaging for most of their products.
The Western European market place typically prefers carton boxes and Southern European counties are demanding the products to be packed in blister packaging. In competition with other suppliers Philips also challenged Ecobliss to come up with a packaging design that could serve both, ‘blister’ and ‘box’ countries. The packaging should look “high tech” and protect their beautiful new Power LED lamp range. The packaging should be “free standing” for standing shelf presentation but it should also be “hang able” on a pin. For shelf space saving and transport volume reduction the packaging should preferably not be bigger than the size of the lamps and the packaging should pass stringent drop testing without any problems. The price of the package should obviously be kept as low as possible, and investments in new packaging equipment for this project should be avoided.
Now that’s what we call a challenge!
Ecobliss came up with a truly innovative, and as you may have seen in the stores, the winning design, The Ecobliss Blister Box. The Blister Box is a clear plastic folding box that is partially thermoformed to accommodate a perfect fit for the lamp. The lamp inside the box is completely visible, and the crisp, clear plastic is beautifully printed with the Philips brand and all required details. For the Philips project the front of the packaging perfectly follows the shape of the lamp (partially thermoformed). Also the bottom is thermoformed with the purpose of achieving maximum “free-standing” stability.
The new packaging consists of only a single piece of foldable, pre-thermoformed PET plastic. Even the piece of material that holds the lamp in place inside the Blister Box is part of that single piece of material
Production
Printing is done directly on the plastic in UV offset and no additional insert pieces of plastic and/or paperboard are required. After die-cutting the flat, printed folding cards are thermoformed on the Ecobliss ESP T4, a high volume thermoforming machine especially designed to thermoform flat pieces of plastic in perfect registration with the printed area. (contrary to thermoforming from a roll.
The thermoformed, fold over cards are supplied to Philips where the packing operation of the Power LED lamps takes place. No machines are required for the packaging operation. The Blister Box passed the stringent drop testing procedures of Philips in the first test with flying colours.
Sustainability:
The Blister Box for Power LED’s is designed to use as little as possible material. Because of its shape and design, the packaging is hardly bigger than the lamps. This saves costly shelf space as compared to normal blister packaging, but also transport cost (less volume). The clear PET material can be recycled after use and there’s absolutely no need for separation of packaging materials by the consumer since it’s made of only one material. The amount of energy used for packing is zero.
Emballage 2010, Paris 22-25 November
THE EXHIBITION showcasing packaging innovation. A unique event to boost your new products!
In 2010, Paris: The place to be!
EMBALLAGE 2010 will prioritize innovation and sustainable development, and give you clues to packing “smart”!
EMBALLAGE 2010 will be staged in 3 halls at Paris Nord Villepinte from Monday 22 to Thursday 25 November 2010 and gathers all the industry players for several days of exchanges, demonstrations, presentations… 
Created in 1947, EMBALLAGE, the international Packaging Exhibition, has established itself as the key event of the pac
kaging-related industries in the EMEA area (Europe – Middle East – Africa).
All Pack Indonesia packaging exhibition in Jakarta, Nov 11-14, 2009
The All Pack Indonesia packaging exhibition is celebrating its 10th anniversary. As a visitor you will find Packaging Machinery, Materials System and Supplies, Food & Beverage Processing & Packaging, Pharma Processing & Packaging, Bottling, Plastics, Refrigeration, Automation, Material Handling, Quality Control and Testing systems
Place : Jakarta International Expo; Hall A,B and C
Ecobliss will introduce its cold seal packaging technology to the Indonesian market. Do not miss the opportunity to visit us at booth number K110
Istanbul October 22-25 th. What a packaging Exhibition!
The 2009 (15th) İstanbul Packaging Industry Fair counted around 1200 companies that participated and company representatives from more than 40 countries at 60.000 square meters indoor area in 9 halls. More than 35.000 visitors where welcomed at Istanbul Packaging 2009.
For the first time since the first Introduction of Ecobliss in Turkey, Ecobliss Embalaj introduced their blisterpackaging program in a big way. Many customers where attracted to the booth of Ecobliss by invitations, handed out in the aisles of the exhibition floor, to collect at the booth of Ecobliss a small gift, a Nazar Boncuğu.
Nazar Boncuğu: Many Turkish people believe that with the evil eye amulet you will be protected and all the bad energy will be directed to the amulet and it will brake. No bad energy will reach you since you are protected with the amulet of nazar boncuk. Have you just had a new child? Bought a new car? Built a new office building? Worried that your “friends” and others are filled with envy about your good fortune? The protection of the Nazar is used for anything new or likely to attract praise. The belief is that even well-intentioned compliments include a conscious or unconscious dose of envy and resentment. The bead reflects the evil intent back to the onlooker. It somewhat resembles an eye and it is said the typical blue color is a factor in protecting the user.
A great team of people, showed with endless enthousiasm to many, many people could convince themselves of how simple it actually is to pack products like the Nazar Boncuğu amulet in a cold sealing blisterpackage. The Ecobliss jiggle roller was used to show the cold sealing packaging technology. The blistercard and blisters to pack the amulet where especially designed for the 2009 packaging exhibition. Approximately 15.000 Nazar Boncuğu amulets where packed and handed out at the exhibition…That’s a lot of protection against evil eyes!!!
Besides cold seal blisterpackaging, Ecobliss also introduced the programm of Starview heatsealing equipment, combined with perfectly sealing heat-seal blistercards. three different Starview machines where displayed at the show, and a lot of interest was shown by the Turkish audience, and a number of machines where sold at the show.
Smells good, Smells like Vanesica
Your nose may know a company that you have never heard of. Vanesica Plast is probably not a company you think to be familiar with, but it is very likely that you are familiar with
its high quality fragrances it produces.
Recently Ecobliss produced the first batch of cold seal cards for Vanesica. These cards are not just packaging, they form an integral part of the product, as the card stays around the container that holds the fragrance.
The smell is as good as it was before, but now the product looks better. The cold sealing technique allows Vanesica to pack quicker with less running spoils, thus optimizing chain of production.
You can see for yourself in the pictures of the new products. If you want to smell it; don’t forget to buy some the next time you are doing groceries!
Blistex dressed-up in Ecobliss Cold Seal
The new blistex packaging line
Blistex is one of the world’s best known brands for lip care products. For the Benelux countries the Blistex products were packed two types of closed retail packages. The first variant is a small box, just fitting the product with an additional flap containing some additional product information: an ideal packaging for counter display. The other packaging is a larger closed cardboard packaging, unfortunately lacking product visibility and tamper evidence, which are important features of this kind of category products. Intec, the European distributor for Blistex (and many other products) has contacted Ecobliss to evaluate the packaging and to propose a new packaging range. The small box packaging was left untouched. The replacement of the larger closed packaging was created in a matter of weeks: a new packaging range in Ecobliss cold seal was created having perfect product presentation and optimal tamper evidence combined with an easy opening. In September 2009 you will see these new packages will arrive in all stores where Blistex products are sold. Even some of the products have been upgraded and are waiting in the store to help you through the upcoming seasons. So if you still have sore lips this autumn and winter time, you are the only one to blame….
Ecobliss Cold seal blister packaging, in total compliance with the objective of sustainability
“People, planet and profit” succinctly describes the triple bottom lines and the goal of sustainability.
“People” (human capital) pertains to fair and beneficial business practices towards the community and region in which a corporation conducts its business.
A TBL (triple bottom line) company or product conceives a reciprocal social structure in which the well being of corporate, labour and other stakeholder interests are interdependent.
“Planet“ (natural capital) refers to sustainable environmental practices. A TBL company endeavours to benefit the natural order as much as possible or at the least do no harm and curtail environmental impact. A TBL endeavour reduces its ecological footprint by, among other things, carefully managing its consumption of energy and non-renewables and reducing manufacturing waste as well as rendering waste less toxic before disposing of it in a safe and legal manner.
“Profit“ is the economic value created by the organisation after deducting the cost of all inputs, including the cost of the capital tied up. It therefore differs from traditional accounting definitions of profit. In the original concept, within a sustainability framework, the “profit” aspect needs to be seen as the real economic benefit enjoyed by the host society. It is the real economic impact the organization has on its economic environment. This is often confused to be limited to the internal profit made by a company or organization (which nevertheless remains an essential starting point for the computation).
Ecobliss cold seal blister packaging, in total compliance with the objective of sustainability
People:
- Simple, clean, safe and convenient packing operation
- Pleasant and safe unpacking experience
- Easy, simple and communicative
- Most attractive product presentation
- Many creative structural designs possible, offering wonderful, attractive sales features
Planet:
- Maximum use of renewable, recyclable plastics
- Minimum plastic weight
- Maximum use of recycled cardboard
- No heat (energy) required for sealing
- 100% separation of plastic and board after opening
Profit:
- Enhanced sales by attractive presentation
- Self selling
- Beautiful, sustainable packaging builds positive Brand awareness
- Reduced cost by simple, effective packaging solutions
PEOPLE
Simple, clean, safe and convenient packing operation
Ecobliss Cold seal packaging is the one of the most easy and simple packaging methods available in the market today. Only instant pressure is required to get a perfectly sealed blister pack. The people who execute packaging labour will not in any way be exposed to hazardous or uncomfortable radiation, heat, smell or noise.
Pleasant and safe unpacking experience
Unpacking your product, should be trouble free, and preferably even generate a smile on the consumers face. A pleasant unpacking experience is the first opportunity for you to show how well you’re thinking about consumer care. Do not miss this opportunity and use Ecobliss’s easy opening methods to build on a stronger corporate image.
Easy, simple and communicative
Without any help or interference from others, your packaging should communicate, sell the product and at the same time inform your customer on how to use the product. Ecobliss cold seal packaging lends itself perfectly to fulfil your requirements.
Most attractive product presentation
High quality printed board, is used for your product and brand presentation. The transparent plastic that is required to protect and show your product is kept to an absolute minimum. Board and plastic joined in an Ecobliss packaging form a very attractive presentation. By using Ecobliss cold seal packaging you will enjoy the absence of undesirable (cheap looking) plastic reflections in your shelf space. Ecobliss will make your product(s) stand out in the shelf!!
Many creative structural designs possible, offering wonderful, attractive sales features
By using the combination of double cardboard, provided with cutting, creasing, slitting lines and the use of a plastic blister many features can be given to a particular packaging for your product. On the cold seal section of the Ecobliss.com website you’ll find many product examples that have already been made. Please challenge us with your requirements and we’ll design a packaging around your product that meets all your marketing and packaging criteria.
PLANET
Maximum use of renewable, recyclable plastics
A sustainable Ecobliss cold seal packaging always contains plastic that can easily be recycled. Usually a clear PET film is used to produce the blister, and obviously recycled PET is always recommended. Whenever possible from a technical point of view, renewable PLA will be offered as an option to our customers.
Minimum plastic weight
The plastic part of a sustainable Ecobliss cold seal packaging will always be kept to a minimum size and thickness, with the purpose of reducing plastic weight as much as possible.
Maximum use of recycled cardboard
A sustainable Ecobliss cold seal package always consists of recyclable. One of the USP’s of Ecobliss cold seal packaging is that the cardboard is only printed on one side, and that after packing, the printing is visible on the front and back, and even behind the plastic blister. (see www.ecobliss.com/ learn about …)
No heat (energy) required for sealing
Ecobliss cold seal blister packaging is the only blister packaging system that needs no heat or dwelling time to get a perfect seal. Only pressure is required. This makes packaging in Ecobliss extremely energy, and thus environmentally friendly.
100% separation of plastic and board after opening
There are many different ways of opening Ecobliss packaging, depending on the structural design. Whatever opening method is chosen, plastic and board are always 100% being separated after opening. The cold seal adhesive, applied to the blister board only adheres to itself and not to the plastic blister. Therefore no cardboard fibres will remain on the clear plastic, making recycling possible.
PROFIT
Enhanced sales by attractive presentation
Ecobliss cold seal packaging is a proven solution in capturing that “first moment of truth”. It only takes seconds for a consumer to notice a product on the store shelf. That moment presents an incredible marketing and selling opportunity. Nearly 70 percent of all purchase decisions are made at the shelf. Nearly half of all packaged goods are sold without any additional marketing support.
Self selling
A well designed blister packaging will sell your products without the additional assistance of sales people. While the transparent blister protects and shows your product clearly visible, the cardboard enhances the total presentation.
Beautiful, sustainable packaging builds positive brand awareness
Not only your product,… not only the structural packaging design,… not the artwork on the card, and certainly not only your sustainability philosophy but the total mix of your presentation is what impresses customers. Attractiveness in the shelf, a good unpack experience, good disposability of the packaging materials at home and of course a good product in hand is the total mix that build brand awareness. Except for your product, we have all the ingredients to make your brand stronger!
Reduced cost by simple, effective packaging solutions
From simple, manual, no energy consuming devices to high speed, low energy consuming Ecobliss cold seal packaging machines, different options are available to support an efficient packaging process. It’s possible to outsource your packaging work to one of our global operations but obviously you can also do the packaging in your own premises. In that case Ecobliss offers a variety of packaging equipment for sale or rent. It is also possible to choose a third party contract packer to pack your products. In those cases Ecobliss will support a smooth packaging operation.
Child resistant packaging, Definitely not child’s play!
Child resistant packaging, Definitely not child’s play!
Children are naturally attracted to brightly coloured medication and it only takes a second to pop a pill, but this innocent act could lead to tragedy. Child resistant packaging is one optimum solution to this situation. Usha Sharma traces a new trend in the industry.
Pharma industry needs reliable and speedy packaging solutions that can deliver a combination of product protection, quality, tamper evidence, patient comfort and security requirements. Meeting all these challenges child-resistant (CR) packaging, is designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open within a reasonable time but not difficult for normal adults. Such packaging is called child-resistant, rather than childproof, because some children will be able to open it. US and Korean regulatory bodies have already enforced CR packaging guidelines for all pharma products, while efforts are on in the European Union (EU) to develop unified standards across the EU countries .
Avinash Mandale, Global Chief Marketing Officer Bilcare
Avinash Mandale, Global Chief, Marketing Officer Bilcare explains CR packaging’s vital need saying, “CR packaging is essential from the children’s safety angle. Every pharma product needs to be CR packed because it can prevent a child from accidental consumption or misuse of the medicine. For example; if the patient is suffering from diabetes there are chances that his son/daughter may accidentally consume diabetes pills and their sugar level may go down which can lead to a fatal situation.”
In India few leading pharma companies like; Ranbaxy, Cipla, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Lupin, USV Wockhardt, Ipca Laboratories, Aurobindo, Strides Arcolab, Indoco Remedies etc, are already using CR packaging but it is mainly meant for generic export markets.
Giving the rationale for the increasing need for CR packaging, Ranjit Shahani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Novartis India, reasons that, “CR caps are mandatory for most products in US. Generic players in India, into export to US have to use CR caps with high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers and as US generic drugs markets have shown very good growth compared to other branded drugs, the potential is very vast.”
Debdeep Bhattacharya, Director Ess Dee Aluminium
CP packaging is often available in the form of Ecobliss wallet packs with dose guard labels, CR caps and closures, few customised and tailor-made packs and so on. Normally, the standard CR pill boxes remind the patient to take the medicine at right time. However, the usage of such pill boxes is limited as the medication is transferred from the primary pack to such pill boxes as per the requirement. While designing a CR pack to suit requirements, the challenge lies in commercial production of high volumes at high speeds. Presently, the most common CR packaging available is known as ‘push through’, which needs higher effort to take out the medicine and thus a child would most probably give up after a few attempts. Conventionally, foil available in the market is peelable foil. In a ‘peel and push packaging’ the tablets need to be pushed. However, these two foils are not senior friendly either.The lidding material has a peelable coating and is sealed to the blister using heat and pressure. The packaging and its contents can then be sterilised. Lidding material can be die- cut in any shape required. These materials are compatible with common sterilisation methods such as ethylene oxide (ETO), gamma ray sterilisation, beta ray sterilisation and steam sterilisation. Stressing on the uses of CR foils, Debdeep Bhattacharya, Director, Ess Dee Aluminium says, “CR lidding means safety, security and convenience in preventing children from gaining access to medication. As regulations come into effect, it is important to increase the barriers for children, while simultaneously allowing easy access for seniors.”
Regulation
In the USA, CR packaging is result of the Poison Prevention Act (PPA) passed by the US Congress in 1970. The purpose of the law is to decrease the opportunity of children to gain access to substances, resulting in accidental poisoning. In addition, the PPA extends to all states or localities in the USA and is the one standard applied for all applicable products. The European standard only covers packages containing paracetamol, aspirin and medicines which containing 24 mg of iron.
Commenting on CR packaging regulation Bhattacharya says, “US and European testing methodologies are not very different but there are substantial differences in the additional requirements and criteria. US drugs need to be labelled CR, including determination that if ingested by a child, the drug toxicity level would not cause harm or injury. This is not a consideration in determining the type of package used in Europe.”
He further highlights that, “In the US, protocol testing methods were developed primarily to address cap-and-vial closures as this was the preferred packaging format in the 1970s with unit dose formats being virtually non-existent. Today, there is a significant bias towards unit dose formats such a blister and strip packaging. During the protocol development era, it has been estimated that blister use and unit of use packaging formats represented less than 20 per cent of US drug packaging.”
Chakravarthi AVPS, Managing director Ecobliss India Pvt Ltd
Highlighting global CR packaging trends, AVPS Chakravarthi, Managing Director, Ecobliss India says, “Currently legislation exists for commercial products in Europe for UK, Germany and Italy and the Netherlands. The US is the biggest market with extensive legislation and potential litigation. On the clinical trial front all US trials have to use trial samples with CR packaging, but there is no requirement elsewhere in the world.”Commenting on mandatory guideline of CR packaging in India, Mandale says that, “The US and Korea regulatory body has already made it a compulsion and very soon other regions will follow. In India, I assume that it will take some more time to come in force. It would be better if pharma industry does follow the guideline; but I am assuming that it will take some more time to come as an Act and become a regulatory compulsion on each pharma company. Whereas, in the European market regulatory body’s discussions are on going.”
Bharat Mehta, Managing Director Super Label Manufacturing
”If Government is looking from safety point of view of child by preventing accidental use of tablets, then it must be mandatory. It should make it mandatory in India as well, for all formulations harmful for children,” says Bharat Mehta, Managing Director, Super Label Manufacturing.
Preferred solution
CR market is growing with more and more companies developing packaging solutions. As arthritic patients find bottles difficult to open, blister packs with thicker foil or paper/foil laminates are also very difficult for such adult patients to access. Also, these are cumbersome, size limiting and expensive. Ecobliss Pharmaceutical wallets 
supported by dose guard and dose guard labels applied directly onto the blisters provide the best cost effective compliance solution and it is for blisters which have the advantage of excellent CR and senior friendly access. The regular Alu-Alu or blister packs are the ones mostly in general use. Chakravarthi enlarges the usage of CR and its cost effective ways saying, “The CR packaging needs to be cost effective and should not add too much to the packaging cost while complying with requirement. And it should be feasible at high volumes and high productions speeds as well.”
Eric Souberiran, Business Managing Director Rexam Pharma Packaging
“Alu-Alu packaging would be confined to a smaller quantity of products and service a niche segment. The need of the hour is to facilitate bulk packaging to reduce costs in the generic market which is being achieved through the use of HDPE containers fitted with CRC caps, observes Eric Souberiran, Business Managing Director, Rexam Pharma Packaging India.
On the cost front, Mehta says, “To change from current mode of packaging to CR packaging, one needs to understand the advantage as against cost. Indian pharma industry is still quite driven by cost. Normally, the price difference between a product using CR packaging a product normal packaging is a reasonably big difference but depending on size and volume of the products.”
”It is a new trend seen in the industry and is emerging differentially. The key reason is to differentiate from other packaging, which is happening in the Indian pharma industry. Indian pharma players are realising that packaging differentiation will make them stand out in the competitive market. And CR packaging will be good for differentiating. I see big pharma giants protecting their brand concealing with CR packaging and these can help the pharma companies to differentiate themselves from their competitor,” analyses Mandale. “The price difference in CR packaging is minor compared to the safety gains.” adds Souberiran. Shahani opines that export oriented Indian pharma companies have implemented CR packaging, but the concept remains underdeveloped in the local markets.
Reaching globally
Many Indian pharma companies are currently exporting their generic drugs to the US or those planning will have to essentially look at bulk packaging, while, keeping in mind the US FDA regulations. “In the near future, Indian pharma companies are going to be strong contenders in the US generic market, which would necessitate use of CR caps. This coupled with the fact that the pharma consumer in India will also evolve over a period of time makes it necessary for them to pursue this packaging trend. HDPE containers with CRC caps are a perfect fit to meet the demands of this market. So the trend is very positive and we see more and more companies adopting this packing in future,” avers Souberiran.
Suggesting a user friendly point of view, Mandale comments that, “The existing leading foil should evolve into a new form of design solution, which can be provided as a CR pack. The future trend is that CR packaging should be senior friendly, eco friendly and cost effective as well.”
Chakravarthi sum up the potential when he predicts that, “We see this market (CR) expanding from the US across the world as soon as a cost effective solution is provided.”
Istanbul Packaging Fair 2009 held from 22-25 October 2009
Visit Ecobliss Blisterproducts Ambalaj – Hall 8 – stand # 812.
ISTANBUL; THE CENTER OF PACKAGING IN EURASIA Istanbul Packaging 2009, 15th Istanbul Packaging Industry Fairwill be organized by Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. between the dates October 22 – 25, 2009 at TÜYAP Istanbul Fair, Convention and Congress Center – Büyükçekmece.
Istanbul Packaging Industry Fairwill is an active member of Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and Confederation of Organisers of Packaging Exhibitions (COPE).
One of the major indicators of growth of the Turkish economy is the rapid development of the packaging industry during this process. Held on an area of a thousand square meters with the participation of 30 firms in 1994, the Packaging Industry Fair hosts this year 1227 firm and firm representatives from 40 countries, on an area of 60 thousand square meters, being the largest annual packaging fair of Europe.
Having grown nearly twenty-fold since 1994, the first year it was held and 34.782 visitors have visited the Packaging Industry Fair this year.
The Packaging Industry Fair also host the Packaging Design National Student Contest to held with the purpose of encouraging project development by Turkish design students in the area of packaging design and increasing the interest of designers and future designers in the packaging industry. The winning prizes of the Packaging Design National Student Contest, which held for the fifth time next year through the cooperation of TÜYAP, exhibit at TÜYAP throughout the fair.
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd, uses Ecobliss cold seal wallets for their clinical trials
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd – Ecobliss Website Case Study
Reckitt Benckiser, the largest pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the Netherlands, has adopted the Ecobliss cold-seal packaging system for a clinical trial of one of their market leading medicinal brands.
The healthcare facility, based in Hull, UK, has invested in a desktop Ecobliss Jiggle Roller (EJR) 350/500 machine to manually seal their blister packs into cold-seal wallet cards – which are also supplied by Ecobliss Pharma.
It is the first time Reckitt Benckiser have utilised Ecobliss cold-seal technology, which allows for improved efficiency, speed and flexibility in their product packing process.
Furthermore, the simplicity and the compact design of the finished wallet pack (pictured) offers the patient ease-of-use and portability – two vital factors in ensuring the stated dosage is taken and completed correctly.
This clinical study is to be sent to the USA, which means as a legal requirement, the packaging will need to be in certified child resistant packaging. To aid compliance, Ecobliss Pharma – supported by GP Solutions (UK) Ltd – will provide the wallet card with a Dose GuardTM Peel & Push child resistant senior friendly (CRSF) secondary barrier pre-applied on the back. Dose GuardTM is approved to an F4 CR rating; however, developments are currently in place in order for it to achieve F1 status.
To complete delivery of all the packaging components required for this study, GP Solutions will also supply Reckitt Benckiser with tamper evident labels and outer cartons.
July 20th 2009, Clamshell, a double blister with card inside
The best theft protection for retailers, but in many cases a nightmare for consumers to open.
Clamshell blisters, are extremely popular with retailers due to the fact that there is almost no packaging that gives better protection against in-store theft. To increase the theft protection of clamshell blisters even further, very often security labels such as HF or ultrasonic alarm tag labels are positioned inside the plastic packaging. Unless customers are equipped with scissors or a knife, this kind of packaging is extremely difficult to open in the store thus giving the best protection against pilferage.
The downside of extremely good theft protection is that, once at home, clamshell blisters are very hard to open, even when using a knife or scissors. Unfortunately many cases are known where customers get injured while opening clamshell blisters.
Clamshell blisters are widely used to pack up-value consumer goods, sold in a DIY, or self selling (warehouse) environments. Products such as electronics, computer hardware, sanitary accessories, automotive parts etc. are often packed in a clamshell blister.
Materials
Clamshell blisters usually consist of a thermoformed front blister and a back blister (or flat plastic sheet) with a piece of cardboard or paper trapped between the blisters.
Depending on the size of the blister and the desired strength, the thickness of the plastic can be adapted to the specific requirement. The plastic is usually a PVC, PET-A, PET-G or PET GAG. The insert piece that carries the communication and product information is made of printed paper or cardboard.
Sealing
Clamshell blisters can either be sealed, using high frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing or simple heat sealing. The choice of sealing depends on the type of plastic that is being used.
In case PVC, PET-G or PET-GAG (Glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate) is used, it is possible to use induction or radiant heat sealing. The best heat-sealing results can be achieved in case the patent pending hot-cold technology is used. The advantage of this hot-cold technology is that the sealed blister flanges will not become brittle and that they will become flat and strong after sealing. Conventional heat sealing is possible, but expect blister flanges to become a bit brittle and curled.
In case A-PET is used, high frequency sealing or ultrasonic sealing are the best sealing techniques.
Reclosable Clamshell blisters
It is also possible to choose a fold-over type of clamshell blister that can be closed, simply by clicking the front and back blister together. This type of clam shell blister is very popular as no machines are needed to close the pack. Also opening and re-closing for demonstrating a product is simple to do.
Recycling
A clamshell blister is very suitable for recycling. The two materials, card and blister are not bonded together. The paper part and plastic part of the package do not contaminate eachother and can be disposed separately in the according waste streams. Some consumers may dislike this kind of packaging, because of the large plastic part, but an alternative packaging with the same properties is often hard to find. The plastic part should have a material identification marking, 
indicating which type of plastic is used. This is done to enable consumers to choose the correct waste stream. In Germany and some other countries packaging taxes are very high when using plastic.
Gruener Punkt
FachPack 2009 held in Nuremberg Germany from 29th September – 1st October !
FachPack will be 30 in 2009!
One of Europe’s top events when it comes to the variety of innovative packaging supplies and highly specialized packaging machinery celebrates its birthday. And you are cordially invited. Present your products, solutions and services exactly where the demand is: to the good 34,000 experts from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Benelux countries, Italy, France and the growth markets of Central Eastern Europe. For the interest of decision-makers looking for solutions that save resources and improve efficiency is concentrated in Nuremberg, especially in the 30th anniversary year. A special show on these themes provides varied food for thought.
The strengths of the combined exhibition with LogIntern, the Trade Fair for In-Plant Logistics, and PrintPack, the Trade Fair for Package Printing and Packaging Supplies Production, take full effect in the 30th year of FachPack: intensive personal dialogue with excellently prepared trade visitors and the unique opportunity for cooperations or technology partnerships as part of the complete packaging process chain. So be there when FachPack celebrates its birthday! Profit from new contacts and productive talks on your stand. Solutions developed here lead to fi rm orders after the exhibition. Look forward to an inspiring atmosphere and promising business – at FachPack 2009.
The product package decisively influences the decision to buy. This is nothing new, but at times of rising competitive pressure and fluctuating economic forecasts it is even more important to adopt new approaches and show the way. So gather information about efficient, cost-effective solutions that help you present your products perfectly and make them stand out more from the competition – at FachPack 2009 in Nuremberg.
Rely on the experience of a good 1,300 exhibitors, who over the last three decades have made FachPack what it is today: one of Europe’s top events when it comes to innovative packaging solutions. Use the latest machinery to give your products that certain something – with unusual packaging and design materials that also provide the best possible protection. FachPack in combination with PrintPack and LogIntern offers you maximum information and opportunities for contact.
Find a well-packed solution for your company – at FachPack 2009 in Nuremberg!
Heat seal face blister – Blister directly bonded to card
Heat seal face blister pack ( blister-to-card )
Within the various options available in the range of blister packaging, heat seal blister packs are by far the most commonly used type worldwide. The reason for this is obvious. Heat seal blisters consist of only two pieces of material, a single piece of board and a blister. Heat seal blister packs are therefore very economically to produce. The board of which the blister card is produced is coated with a layer of heat seal coating. Generally there are two main types of coatings in use to produce heat seal cards. These are water-based heat seal coatings and solvent based heat seal coatings. With today’s advanced technologies most coatings are suitable to seal both, PET blisters or PVC blisters, using the same coating.
In average the bond strength of solvent based coatings is better that the strength of water based coatings, but if all the guidelines for the use and processing are being respected, both types of coatings give good sealing results. Please pay attention to the producers warranty on heat seal blister cards. Once the production of the cards is ready, heat seal cards should not be kept in stock for a period longer than 6-12 months. In high humidity countries it is advisable to have the cards packed in such a way that moisture can not penetrate into the blister cards (plastic wrap around the cards before putting them in a outer box). Heat seal coatings are hygroscopic, meaning that they attract moisture. The disadvantage of moisture in the coating is that in the sealing process. Moisture in heat sealing cards causes undesirable air enclosures/ bad bonding spots in the area where the blister is being sealed.
The variety in heat seal cards and blisters is endless. The cards can be of any shape and size and the same goes for the blisters. Depending on the desired quality feeling, the thickness of the two materials can vary from very thick and strong to extremely light weight and thin.
Packaging process:
First the blister is placed onto a bottom tray, than the product(s) are added to the blister. The blister card is placed between the spring loaded pins located in the bottom tray. Now the sealing cycle can start. During the heat seal cycle the blister is bonded (under heat and pressure) to the heat seal coating on the blister card.
Packaging is done on heat sealing machines. These machines apply heat and pressure during a prefixed period of time. A typical heating cycle seal takes approximately 2-5 seconds at a temperature of 130°-150° Celsius. Tooling is usually build up as following: The bottom tool is usually a aluminium or wooden tray with rubber and spring pins to position the blister and card. A typical top tool is a Teflon coated (or covered) aluminium heat sealing plate.
In case the blister pack is sealed through the back a generic top plate can be used for sealing. This is by far the most used option. (radiant heating). In case sealing takes place by applying heat directly on the flange of the blister a dedicated sealing tool is used. (impuls sealing). You can learn more about heat sealing radiant and impuls sealing machines by visiting http://www.blistermachines.com/
Availability: World wide many printing companies are producing heat seal cards. Please make your choice carefully and choose for quality suppliers. Numerous problems can occur in the heat sealing process, and worse, with packed products in the market. These problems are mostly the result of getting inconsistant quality of heat seal cards, but also from not having the right type or good quality heat sealing machines.