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Medical packaging film, though a
very conservative business, is definitely a safe business. Conservative,
since the clients in this sector are very slow to accept newer materials;
and safe because once accepted, stablility is ensured. Lengthy qualification
time and a strenuous procedure precede acceptance for medical packaging,
but once the product qualifies, production remains unchanged for
years, continuity is assured and it becomes a very safe business.
The medical sector demands long-term supply of packaging film manufactured
from the same raw material grade. Any change in the grade requires
revalidation.
The requirements of medical packaging film are not as stringent
and demanding as that of food packaging film. In fact, medical film
does not require barrier properties that are almost essential for
food packaging. Film for medical packaging requires microbial barrier,
puncture resistance and capability of withstanding sterilization.
Tyvek nonwoven fabric is often used to provide breathing against
Ethylene Oxide gas sterilization. Nylons are increasingly used in
place of Ionomer/EVA for better sterilization resistance. Typically,
three layer films are more common. In fact, the number of layers
has increased in the last few years. 5 or 7 multi-layer films for
medical packaging are quite common, particularly when Nylon is used.
Cast film, on account of more uniform thickness distribution is
preffered in Europe. Blown film on the other hand, provides some
advantages on tear strength because of better orientation.
All major suppliers of films to food packaging are now increasingly
participating in the medical packaging sector because of stability
of business. Besides, increased health care spending has led to
better growth of medical film packaging. In fact, medical film packaging
is growing at least 1.5 times higher than economic growth.
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