IMA Group is announcing a presentation of a recyclable blister packaging concept for nutraceuticals developed by Südpack Medica. At booth 5F6 during Vitafoods, visitors will see the NutriGuard solution in the spotlight, based on PP and therefore intended for recycling within polypropylene streams. The presentation will include a live demonstration of producing the pack on a TR series machine, emphasizing the machinability of the high-performance films used in this structure. IMA Safe, the packaging division within IMA Pharma, is also set to attend the event and present technologies and sustainable packaging concepts for the VMS segment, covering vitamins, minerals, and supplements.
Among the solutions shown in Barcelona, a central role will be given to NutriGuard, described by the manufacturer as an innovative blister concept. It is a primary pack intended for products sold as tablets or capsules. The source text states that the solution meets PPWR requirements in terms of packaging design and recyclability. NutriGuard combines a low basis weight of 375 g/m² with a true mono-material design, which is intended to allow the material to be directed into existing PP recycling streams.
As stated, Südpack Medica also offers these films with a PIR share exceeding 10% (post-industrial recyclate), sourced from in-house mechanical recycling operations. The text also indicates that PP has a significantly better carbon footprint compared with conventional solutions based on PVC/PVdC plus aluminum or PET, according to analyses by the Pharma Manufacturing Forum.
Material parameters and regulatory compliance
Additional features listed include the absence of halogens and phthalates in both the bottom web and the lidding web. Compliance with EU Regulation 10/2011 is also highlighted, meaning approval for use in food packaging. For printing, good printability with GIO-compliant inks for food-contact applications is indicated. The lidding film is also said to offer very good push-through performance, relevant from the standpoint of consumer usability.
The source text notes that optimal packaging results and a high level of product protection are to be achieved through stable thermoforming and shrink properties, a wide sealing range, and the matching of the high-performance films forming the blister.
Südpack and IMA cooperation and the TR 135 demonstration
Südpack and IMA state that, through close cooperation, they ensure that these new mono-material structures can run on standard blister lines with efficiency, product safety, and process reliability comparable to conventional multilayer structures. At Vitafoods, this is to be demonstrated using the IMA TR 135 from the TR series.
According to the description, the TR 135 combines proven technology with a compact, user-friendly design. The manufacturer points to high efficiency in small-batch production and in situations with a diversified product portfolio. The design approach is described as focusing on high-level blister packaging performance within a compact footprint, with an emphasis on reliability and fast format changeovers. Precise control of forming and sealing parameters on the TR 135 is intended to minimize downtime and support consistently high product quality. It is also stated that the machine is designed for easy cleaning and meets the relevant GMP requirements.
