PVC EVOH PE Composite Film For Medicine Packaging

 

 

Quality Assurance – Composite Film Specifics

 

In-Process Controls:

Layer Thickness – Online XRF or NIR measurement of each layer (PVC, EVOH, PE)

Total Thickness – Beta gauge (±3%)

EVOH Content – FTIR verification of EVOH layer thickness and composition

Bond Strength – Peel test between layers (≥3.0 N/15mm)

Visual Inspection – 100% surface scan for gels, bubbles, and delamination

Finished Product Testing (Per Batch):

Test	Method	Specification
OTR (0% RH)	MOCON	≤1.5 cm³/m²·day
OTR (75% RH)	MOCON	≤6.0 cm³/m²·day
WVTR	MOCON	3–5 g/m²·day
Seal Strength	ASTM F88	≥22 N/15mm
Interlayer Bond Strength	Peel test	≥3.0 N/15mm
Formability	In-house (10mm draw)	No cracks, no delamination
Haze	ASTM D1003	<6%
Thickness	Micrometer	±3% of target

Certificate of Analysis Includes:

OTR at 0% and 75% RH (critical for EVOH films)

Individual layer thicknesses

Interlayer bond strength

Seal strength (with specified lidding)

Formability test result

Batch traceability

 

 

 

 

EVOH – The Oxygen Barrier Advantage for Medicines

 

Why Oxygen Barrier Matters for Medicine Packaging:
Many APIs are susceptible to oxidative degradation, which can reduce potency, change appearance, and shorten shelf life. PVC EVOH PE Composite Film For Medicine Packaging addresses this through its EVOH interlayer:

Medicine Category	Example APIs	Consequence of Oxygen Exposure	How EVOH Protects
Vitamins	Vitamin A, C, E, Beta-carotene	Oxidation → loss of potency, discoloration	OTR ≤1.5 keeps oxygen out
Omega-3 / Fish Oil	EPA, DHA	Rancidity → unpleasant odor, loss of efficacy	Oxygen barrier prevents lipid oxidation
Antibiotics	Tetracyclines, some penicillins	Oxidative degradation → reduced efficacy	Barrier maintains API integrity
Probiotics	Live bacteria strains	Oxygen kills viable organisms	Low OTR preserves CFU count
Antioxidants	CoQ10, Glutathione	These are oxygen-scavenging-they degrade when exposed	EVOH prevents them from "working" on oxygen
Biological Products	Peptides, proteins	Oxidation → denaturation	Ultra-low OTR protects complex molecules

Comparative Barrier Performance:

Material	OTR (cm³/m²·day)	Relative Barrier Rating
PVC EVOH PE (This Film)	≤1.5	Excellent
PVC/PVDC (Coated)	3–6	Good
PVC/PE/PVDC (Laminated)	3–5	Good
PVC (No Barrier)	15–25	Poor
Cold-form Foil	<0.5	Extreme

 

 

Key Features – Engineered for Medicine Packaging

 

Superior Oxygen Barrier – EVOH interlayer provides OTR ≤1.5 cm³/m²·day, extending shelf life for oxygen-sensitive medicines by 2–3× compared to PVC alone.

Deep-Draw Thermoformability – PVC outer layer supports cavity depths up to 12mm (standard) and 14mm (deep-draw grade)-accommodating large tablets, capsules, and suppositories.

Low-Temperature Sealing – PE inner layer seals at 110–120°C, reducing energy consumption and protecting heat-sensitive APIs from thermal degradation.

Reduced Halogen Content – Only PVC contains chlorine (EVOH and PE are halogen-free), making this film a lower-halogen alternative to PVC/PVDC with PVDC's additional chlorine content.

Excellent Clarity – Haze <6% ensures product visibility-critical for QA inspection and consumer confidence.

Phthalate-Free Formulation – No phthalate plasticizers in the PVC layer-compliant with global pharmaceutical regulations.

Compatible with High-Speed Lines – Rigid PVC outer layer provides stable web handling at 200–300 cycles/min on Bosch, Uhlmann, and IMA machines.

Print-Ready Surface – Corona-treated PVC outer surface accepts high-quality printing for branding, dosage instructions, and variable data (lot/expiry).

Color Customization – Available in clear, amber (UV-blocking), or white (opaque) to accommodate light-sensitive APIs.

 

 

 

Extended FAQ – Composite Film Focus

 

Q1: Why would I choose this composite film over PVC/PVDC?
PVC EVOH PE Composite Film For Medicine Packaging offers comparable or better oxygen barrier (OTR ≤1.5 vs. PVC/PVDC at 3–6) with lower halogen content (only PVC contains chlorine; EVOH and PE are halogen-free). The PE layer also seals at lower temperature (110–120°C vs. 130–160°C), reducing energy consumption.

 

Q2: Why would I choose this film over PET EVOH PE?
PVC offers better deep-draw formability than PET-up to 14mm cavity depth vs. PET's typical 10mm. PVC is also lower cost and more widely accepted on existing thermoforming tooling. For large tablets and suppositories, PVC-based EVOH films are preferred.

 

Q3: Is EVOH barrier affected by moisture?
Yes-EVOH is humidity-sensitive. This film uses a 32 mol% ethylene EVOH (higher humidity tolerance than standard 27 mol%). At 75% RH, OTR is ≤6.0-still better than PVC/PVDC. For extreme humidity, use our Tropical Grade with thicker EVOH.

 

Q4: How is the film manufactured?
The film is manufactured via co-extrusion or adhesive lamination. Co-extrusion provides a solvent-free, chemically bonded structure. Lamination (adhesive) can combine pre-made films. We offer both; co-extrusion is preferred for pharmaceutical applications due to lower extractables.

 

Q5: Can the film be sterilized?
EtO sterilization is compatible. Gamma sterilization may affect EVOH barrier; we recommend testing. Autoclave is not recommended (EVOH softens above 80°C).

 

Q6: Does the film contain any phthalates?
No-PVC layer uses non-phthalate plasticizers (e.g., ESBO, citrates) compliant with EU/FDA regulations.

 

Q7: What is the recommended sealing temperature?
110–120°C with standard dwell time. The PE layer provides reliable sealing at lower temperatures than PVC-based seals.

 

Q8: Can I get a version with UV barrier (amber)?
Yes-the PVC layer can be pigmented amber to provide UV block while maintaining EVOH oxygen barrier. Available on request.

 

Q9: What is the shelf life of the film itself?
18 months when stored at 15–25°C, <60% RH. EVOH is moisture-sensitive-keep in sealed packaging until use.

 

Q10: Is this film suitable for liquid-filled capsules?
Yes-when combined with PE seal layer and appropriate lidding, the structure provides good seal integrity. We recommend testing with your specific liquid formulation.