NEWS

The high-clarity Optym DS film reduces shrinking and clouding from the autoclave process.

Flexible-packaging manufacturer Pliant Corp. (Wilmington, DE) officially announced at WestPack 2008 the release of a packaging film that maintains dimensional stability, clarity, and sterility through the autoclave process.

“The autoclave process tends to make transparent films wrinkle, which makes them appear cloudy,” says Rick Noller, Pliant director of marketing. “The Optym DS maintains its shape and clarity.”

The Optym DS films were designed especially for use with prefilled syringes, and in other markets that require high-clarity, sterile autoclaved packaging, says Ketan Shah, Pliant sales manager.

“If the film becomes cloudy, the package looks dirty or becomes hard to read,” Shah says. “Nurses will just throw it out, and potentially reject the entire case [of packages].”

The high-clarity Optym DS films allow product users to see the product clearly before opening it, and to read information printed directly on the product contained in the package.

The high-quality appearance of the film fits items with perceived value in packaging, says Noller.

“It can be a tougher sell, but it works best with companies that are focused on product quality and appearance in addition to overhead,” Noller says. “The Optym DS enhances the perceived quality of the product it holds.”

The films have different components to adapt autoclave sealing. It conveys air together with lidding to prevent shrinking or clouding, Noller says, while maintaining its sterility.