From consumers to global brands to governments, the demand for recyclable packaging has never been higher. Yet, developing recyclable blister packaging has long remained been a challenge. Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has now announced that it has the answer.
The company, a global manufacturer of high barrier protective packaging solutions skilled at using recycled content material, has now launched kpNext, a new ‘drop-in’ recyclable PET blister film. It is the only PET recyclable blister on the market that is completely compatible - and hence dropped in for use - on pharmaceutical manufacturing form, fill and seal equipment.
kpNext is thus the only PET film designed to be a recyclable blister package, that requires no adjustments to be made to the manufacturing process. Pharmaceutical companies and converters can utilise kpNext on their existing form, fill and seal lines with no loss of line speed or a need to retool.
kp said it took three years of research and development at the kp i.centre, an application development lab located in Charlottesville, Virginia, to get to this point.
Current pharmaceutical blister packaging is classified as Resin Identification Code #7, is produced from a non-recyclable multi-material structure, and disposed of in a landfill or is incinerated, said Daniel Stagnaro, Head of Technology. “Major pharmaceutical companies have been challenging blister manufacturers for a solution that is responsible and recyclable.” The new film is produced from a globally recyclable material and is designed to be recycled in the RIC (resin identification code) #1 PET stream.
kpNext takes the ‘burden off our customers to adapt to the sustainable film’, said Jorg Schneewind, President of kp’s PHD Division. “Instead, the film adapted to the equipment. It’s a true milestone for the industry.”
“As a company, we’re committed to taking every opportunity to make packaging recyclable. A win-win for our long-term partners,” concluded Scott Tracey, CEO of Klöckner Pentaplast.