Medical Packaging

A wide variety of structures are used in the medical packaging area. The structure requirements include 

• sterilization capability, 

• microbial barrier, 

• linear tear properties, 

• puncture resistance. 

Sterilization methods used for medical packaging film include ethylene oxide gas or radiation. The package is typically a forming web and a nonwoven fabric (like TYVEKs) that lets the ethylene oxide in and out of the package. Medical packaging usually does not require oxygen barrier properties, so EVOH is normally not required in medical packaging structures. Coextrusion processes are growing in this market. Blown film, cast film, and extrusion coating processes are used in producing flexible packaging structures for medical packaging applications. Films ranging from three layers to eleven layers are now available. These markets are typically small and require many years to meet the required qualifications. The forming webs were historically three-layer EVA and ionomer films, as shown in the syringe package in. Heavy gauge films were sometimes produced by combining a three-layer film to form six layers. Newer film structures have seen more layers being used and incorporating PA to replace ionomer in film structures to address economic issues. Consumer and industrial heath care packaging includes the following: 

• medical disposables 

• surgical instruments—structures similar to disposables

• resterilization packaging 

• syringes and hypodermic needles 

• forming web

• nonforming web

• sutures 

• pharmaceutical 

• condoms and towelettes. 

Lidding stock is normally produced by extrusion coating and/or lamination processes and combines paper, polymers, and foil to form multilayer structures. Sachets for condom and towelette packaging typically use the structure OPET/print/LDPE/Al/ ION and variations, with ionomers used as the sealant for its chemical flex crack resistance.