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New Clariant MEVOPUR® additives boost pharmaceutical packaging process and performance
2/21/2012 |
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On-going expansion of dedicated portfolio for medical and pharmaceutical sector
Innovative solutions to differentiation and cost pressure issues in pharma packaging
Pre-testing of ingredients using extraction data supports customer development
Muttenz, February 15, 2012 - Clariant introduces Pharmapack 2012 visitors to a new range of ISO/USP pre-tested MEVOPUR® processing and functionality-enhancing additives designed to address the pharmaceutical packaging sector's drive for greater cost-efficiency and differentiation.
The range uses ingredients that have been evaluated using ISO10993 / USP23 parts 87 and 88 to help customers establish a basis for a clear extractable profile and simulation of potential leachables. The data supports quality assurance processes to help minimize risk in packaging development and lifecycle, as well as reducing customers' development costs.
Innovative functional benefits supporting product performance and design improvements in the pharmaceutical sector include:
Next generation clarifier for PP packaging: when compared to traditional clarifiers transparency is achieved at considerably lower concentrations of the active ingredient than previously possible. In addition improved thermal stability at PP processing temperatures reduces the risk of degradation products that could be more susceptible to migration. Reduced migration potential overcomes the leachable-related concerns with sorbitol-based clarifiers to offer an alternative for ophthalmic solutions. The clarifiers are suited to injection and injection compression-molded applications, such as blow molded pharma containers.
Reduced transmission of bacteria in packaging or medical devices: anti-microbial range based on MedX anti-microbial agents from SANITIZED® AG in PP, PE and PC. New data highlights performance of masterbatches with MedX agents in reduction of bacterial activity also for virulent antibiotic resistant strains, in addition to existing test data of the active ingredient against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
New permanent antistatics that add functionality while offering reduced migration potential.
Productivity-enhancing additives focused on processing and cost improvements, include:
Next generation nucleants and process aids: Clariant's new range of MEVOPUR nucleants for pharmaceutical packaging help reduce cycle times by up to 12% (polymer resin grade dependent) and create a potential increase in production rates., as shown in tests using injection and injection/compression molded caps compared to non-nucleated PP-H and conventional (benzoate-based) nucleants. Similar effects have been noted in HDPE, LLDPE and LLDPE/LDPE blends. By improving crystallization in these types of polyolefin polymers using these nucleants, the materials become more rigid. This enables converters to have the potential to achieve thinner-walled part sections and generate raw material savings. By using Clariant's experience in additives, a customized blend can be developed to optimize cycle-time and crystallinity.
In addition, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of the polyolefin is increased offering improved thermal properties such as heat distortion temperature. One potential benefit for polyethylene containers is improved resistance to post-fill steam sterilization, allowing faster cycles.
Laser marking additive: indelible, durable ink-free marking helps reduce concerns about solvent residues. It offers a permanent solution, attainable without contact with the marking tool, which survives repeated sterilization. Creates possibility for precise and small marking in inaccessible areas.
Protection during sterilization: range of stabilizers help protect PP and COC from yellowing and / or maintaining physical properties during gamma / e-beam sterilization. Although gamma-stabilized medical grades of PP are available on the market, the choice is limited, and for applications requiring repeat sterilization or high doses the usual level of stabilization may not be sufficient. The MEVOPUR additive masterbatch offers the possibility of overcoming these draw-backs.
The new MEVOPUR additives range forms part of Clariant's on-going commitment to provide Controlled, Consistent, Compliant product innovations to the medical and pharmaceutical industries. All MEVOPUR products are manufactured at its three ISO 13485:2003 registered dedicated medical and pharmaceutical centers of competence based in the USA, Europe and Asia.
"Clariant has extensive experience with additives across a wide range of industrial applications, which we have adapted to the requirements of the Medical and Pharmaceutical sectors. The MEVOPUR range of additives reflects our strategy to develop innovations that improve process and product at the same time as offering the quality compliance and pre-testing our customers need to minimize risk in product development and lifecycle," comments Steve Duckworth, Head of Global Segment Medical & Pharmaceutical, at Clariant.
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