PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Oxygen Absorbers
An absorber reduces oxygen levels within packaged environments to decrease the rate of oxidative degradation while maintaining relative humidity at a specified level. StabilOx addresses moisture-mediated chemical degradation of drug formulations and diagnostic device malfunction. Available in a variety of delivery formats, including as packets, labels, canisters, or solid forms, StabilOx enables the incorporation of oxygen-absorbing technology into a variety of formats, including direct integration into injection-molded devices. Multisorb Technologies, Buffalo, NY; 888/767-2368; www.multisorb.com.
Indicator Silica Gel
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A silica gel serves as a moisture indicator that changes from cobalt blue (shown below) when completely dry to light blue and then to pink when it comes in contact with moisture. Approximately 1.4 oz of Indicating Type silica gel will absorb the moisture from 3 cu ft of air. Pink silica gel can be regenerated by heating it to purge moisture and return its blue color. The gel’s production processes are ISO 9001:2000 accredited. Sorbead India, Gujarat, India; +91 265 2761041; www.sorbeadindia.com.
Tubes and Desiccant Stoppers
A line of tubes and desiccant stoppers protect a variety of sensitive or delicate products, including diagnostic test strips, effervescent tablets, and pills, from moisture and breakage. The tubes and stoppers eliminate the need for foil pouching, carton packaging, or desiccant insertion. The tubes and stoppers can also be automated for high-speed filling lines. Desiccant stoppers are available in spiral and nonspiral form; standard fills are silica gel and molecular sieve, but other desiccant fills can be used upon request. Süd-Chemie AG, Munich; +49 89 51100; www.sud-chemie.com.
