Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News Magazine
PMPN Article Index

Originally Published January 1998

SHOW COVERAGE: MD&M West 98

Pavilion Showcases:
The Latest In Packaging

MEDPAK Pavilion debuts at MD&M West 98 in Anaheim, CA.

Designed specifically for healthcare packaging engineers, the MEDPAK pavilion at MD&M West 98 January 20—22 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, will bring together key providers of packaging equipment, supplies, and services. In addition to viewing the latest innovations in packaging, attendees can listen as exhibitors showcase processes, packaging, and materials at "Medical Packaging Solutions," a special presentation area within the pavilion.

Also targeting attendees involved with the packaging of healthcare products is the daylong conference on Tuesday, January 20, "Validating Your Medical Package from A to Z," chaired by Donald Barcan, president of Donbar Industries, Inc. (Long Valley, NJ). Workshop speakers will discuss ISO 11607, accelerated aging in packaging validation, European labeling and packaging regulations, seal strength testing, and other issues pertinent to ensuring that packages meet regulatory requirements as well as end-user needs.

Outside the pavilion, attendees will find a number of exhibitors displaying other products and services for medical packagers, such as materials suppliers and converters, sterilizers, laser markers, and logistics service providers.

Below is a sampling of the products and services that will be displayed both in the MEDPAK pavilion and on the MD&M West 98 exposition floor.

ADC Technologies

A printing system designed for medical device manufacturers and distributors generates labels with universal product numbers. The system can be set up to produce UPC, VICS, ANSI, and MH-10.8 labels as well as labels for PCBs. The Quickstart kit includes a thermal transfer printer, Windows-based graphics software, ribbons, and a roll of labels. Using the BarTender software, operators can design labels quickly and easily.

Simco Co.

Heavy-duty electrostatic charging bars deliver safe electrostatic charges to help increase productivity in printing, binding, converting, and packaging operations. Containing heavy-duty resistors, the arc-resistant Pinner bars minimize the interruption of static charge. The bars are current limited and feature armored high-voltage cables to ensure operator and equipment safety. Rated for use in temperatures up to 200°F, they can operate at voltages up to ±30 kV.

Plastofilm Industries, Inc.

A developer and manufacturer of thermoformed packaging offers custom-designed diagnostic kits, procedural trays, and medical device packaging. A recent project included the design and thermoforming of a styrene tray within another styrene tray for holding disposable mixing wells for a dental bond adhesive system.

Kimal Manufacturing Ltd.

A contract manufacturer and packager offers its services to small- and medium-sized U.S. firms interested in marketing their products in Europe. The company manufactures, assembles, packages, and sterilizes products in England.

Comar, Inc.

A manufacturer of glass and plastic packaging components offers contract packaging and decorating. Products include specialty labware, dropper assemblies, and aluminum seal closures for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, medical device, and personal-care uses.

Phoenix Health Care Products, LLC

Heat-sealable film-to-film materials and cold-sealable paper-to-film materials are available to meet specific sterilization and barrier requirements. The heat-sealable film is a lamination of polyester poly that acts as a sterile barrier and opens easily. The cold-sealable paper-to-film package uses an adhesive that peels cleanly and cannot be resealed. The packaging manufacturer recently produced these materials for a supplier of surgical gloves.

Griffith Micro Science

EtO, steam, and gamma sterilization services are offered by an international company. Eighteen sterilization facilities around the world enable the company to meet the needs of international medical device manufacturers. Recent acquisitions include a gamma irradiation facility in Fleurus, Belgium, which will serve markets in northern France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Rexam Release

Release liners are available for medical pressure-sensitive adhesive uses, including transdermal drug-delivery systems, EKG/ECG electrodes and electromedical devices, and wound coverings and closures.

Doyen Medipharm, Inc.

A four-side-seal machine, designed for high-speed sterile pouching, features an on-line flexographic printing system. The fully automatic Model 4SS can print artwork on foils, films, paper, and Tyvek during packaging.