Cyclo Olefin Copolymers (COC), under the brand name of Topas, have come a long way in developing newer applications in the past few years. The characteristic features of Topas are :
Water vapor barrier effect
Air permeability/transparency
Rigidity
Dimensional stability
Thermoforming
Heat resistance, depending on product variant from 80 to 180 °C
Halogen-free

COC offers major advantages like:
* Excellent moisture resistance along with glass-like clarity
* Processability on conventional polyethylene equipment
* Better UV stability compared to the conventional polyolefinic material

COCs are therefore developed to suit medical applications and have approval of several pharmacopoeia globally. Focused development efforts have finally resulted in increased applications in the medical sector. Some of the well-developed applications are:
· Pre-filled syringes, vials and other medical devices
· Blister packaging for pharmaceuticals and personal care
· Diagnostic and laboratory equipment
· Flexible and rigid packaging for food, medical device and consumer items
· Precision optics

In addition the above medical applications, COC is used as a binder resin for laser printer ink.
However, higher costs still restrict wider usage, though efforts are underway to develop its commercial sales.
(Cyclo Olefin Copolymers (COC) was developed in the 1990s by Ticona under the brand name of Topas)