Packaging Dissolvable Strips

Single-use formats such as coated pads and dissolvable films hold promise for prescription and OTC sampling. Glenroy Inc. (Menomonee Falls, WI) converts films for overwrapping samples, and for pouch packaging.

“Packaging for dissolvable films has been a growing area for us,” says Tom Thompson, product development engineer.

For some sample applications, Glenroy manufactures rollstock for packages the user opens with a tear notch. These films typically employ linear low-density polyethylene with a nonpeelable sealant layer.

In film strip packaging, the opposing films have to peel from each other to allow access to the product. The same thin film is used on both sides of the pouch. The strip packaging needs to feature high barrier for preventing ingress of degrading elements and egress of the product. The sealant has to be designed so as not to absorb product flavor or interfere with the active ingredient, Thompson says.

The most common structure is a polyester film with a low-density polyethylene tie layer, foil, PE tie layer, and a 2-mil peelable film.

“If the customer wants to see the product, we can use a high-barrier clear film such as a saran (PVDC)-coated oriented polypropylene, or an oxide-coated polyester,” he adds.