Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News
Magazine
PMPN Article Index
Originally Published February 2000
PRODUCT UPDATE
Desiccants Become Easier to Use
Desiccants have become easier to place into packaging and less obvious to the consumer.
Diagnostic and pharmaceutical manufacturers are offered a cost-effective option for moisture adsorption with desiccant inserts. The desiccant-filled plastic inserts are easily placed into standard screw-on bottle container caps, including the child-resistant and tamper-evident varieties. Snugly fitting beneath the threads of the cap, the desiccant quickly and thoroughly adsorbs ambient moisture within the container. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, Belen, NM.
A desiccant wheel not only provides dehumidification, but also meets stringent safety requirements. The HoneyCombe desiccant wheel contains silica gel, lithium chloride, or molecular sieve infused into an inorganic composite material. The lightweight, porous structure ensures optimum exposure to the airstream. Different kinds of desiccants, both adsorbent and absorbent, can be loaded into the structure. Munters Corp., Fort Myers, FL.
A line of desiccants provides high strength in a compact packet for absorbing moisture, odor, or gas. The PillowPak line is available with DuPont Tyvek, paper, clear film, and several custom substrates in packet weights ranging from 0.25 to 14 g. Small pharmaceutical-grade desiccants are included in the PillowPak line. Desiccare Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Desiccants can be integrated into product packaging. Vials and containers have desiccant linings that are airtight and leakproof, while desiccant sheets in various sizes, thicknesses, and formulations may be inserted into packaging. Desiccant film is available in a variety of widths to meet packaging specifications. Capitol Specialty Plastics Inc., Auburn, AL.
A closure incorporates a desiccant cell that holds as much as 2 g of desiccant material. The Hinge Guard closure with integrated desiccant cell can contain silica gel, molecular sieve, or a combination of desiccant materials. The closure ensures that the desiccant is in the package while eliminating the potential for accidental consumption by the customer and decreasing the number of packaging components in inventory. Sanner of America Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ.
Sorbent packets are available in spools and fan-folded strips. StripPax packets feature a compact design to protect products and preserve shelf life while using little space. StripPax packets are available in a variety of sizes and blends to meet specific requirements, including moisture protection and odor elimination. Multisorb Technologies Inc., Buffalo, NY.
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