Originally Published PMPN September 2001
PRODUCT UPDATE: Desiccants
Desiccants Protect Moisture-Sensitive ProductsDesiccants ensure quality during storage and transport.
Desiccant packets in strip form are offered in a variety of sizes and blends to provide moisture and odor protection in a space-saving package. StripPax sorbent packets are made with medical-grade, food-grade uncoated Tyvek. The tear-resistant material prevents dusting and spills. Also available from the supplier are automated high-speed dispensing systems for the packets; standard models dispense up to 180 packets per minute, and high-speed machines are capable of speeds to more than 300 packets per minute. The equipment, made by Active-Pak Automation, is constructed of Type 316 stainless steel, has NEMA 4 electrical enclosures, and is easy to integrate into diverse production lines. Multisorb Technologies Inc., Buffalo, NY.
Desiccant packs supplied as individual cut bags or in continuous-strip form not only remove moisture and odors from packages but at the same time protect against loss of high-value product through theft. DrySpy PillowPak desiccant pouches incorporate Sensormatic's UltraMax EAS system security tags in such a way that the presence of the sensor is not apparent; the system sounds an alarm when a package exits a retail store without prior deactivation. The desiccant pouches themselves consist of silica gel, clay, or molecular-sieve or activated carbon encased in Tyvek packets measuring 1 x 2.75 in. The manufacturer inserts the UltraMax source tag into the pouch before sealing it. The 0.25- to 4-g desiccant pouches feature a "Do Not Eat" warning in four languages printed with food-grade ink and can be further imprinted on a custom basis to enhance brand image. Desiccare Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Customizable desiccant inserts protect nutraceutical tablets and pills from moisture. These innovative desiccant-filled plastic inserts are placed into standard screw-on bottle caps, eliminating the cost and process of inserting desiccants into packaging. It allows manufacturers with multiple product lines to protect several different brands by simply placing a desiccant insert into the caps of each product. The desiccant inserts, which absorb ambient moisture within containers, fit snugly beneath the threads of the cap, helping extend shelf life and ensuring product integrity. Because the desiccant is completely contained within a plastic shell, the product also helps eliminate customer confusion, mistaken usage, or accidental ingestion. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, Belen, NM.
Copyright ©2001 Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News
