Development of Mono-material PTP Blister Packaging Technology

CKD Corporation (Headquarters: Komaki, Aichi; President: Katsuhito Okuoka) has developed Japan's first recyclable mono-material PTP (*1) compatible blister packaging technology as part of its efforts to reduce environmental impact in the pharmaceutical packaging sector.

Background of Development

Conventional PTP sheets consist of a plastic container for tablets combined with an aluminum lid, making them difficult to separate and recycle. In recent years, as the shift toward a resource-circulating society accelerates to achieve carbon neutrality, there is a growing demand for pharmaceutical packaging designed with post-use recycling in mind. Against this backdrop, interest in mono-material PTP, where both the container and lid are made of a single material, has increased, leading to the development of this technology.

Development Details and Features

Mono-material PTP sheets are a packaging form suitable for recycling, as the lid film is made of resin, making the entire package a single material. This enables future collection and recycling initiatives. This technology can be integrated into our 'FBP-600E series' and 'FBP-300E series' blister packaging machines.

1. Compatibility with Existing Blister Packaging Machines: The technology can be installed on our existing 'FBP-600E' and 'FBP-300E' series machines through modifications. By utilizing existing equipment, the capital investment burden associated with environmental compliance is reduced.

2. Balancing Productivity and Quality: Since plastic lid films have different material properties than traditional aluminum, new technical approaches were required. We have successfully maintained production capacity while ensuring stable quality.

3. Flexible Response to Diverse Packaging Material Properties: Plastic lids used for mono-material PTP vary in physical properties and specifications, requiring tailored solutions. We have developed equipment capable of flexibly adapting to these diverse material characteristics.

Contribution to Reducing Environmental Impact

By using a single material, this mono-material PTP technology facilitates recycling and contributes to resource circulation. We are actively working to reduce environmental impact in pharmaceutical packaging, having previously launched 'ClearE-Sheet®' to reduce plastic usage and 'Biomass PTP,' which uses over 50% plant-derived raw materials.

Future Outlook

We have established an environment for manufacturing tests and technical verification of mono-material PTP. Moving forward, we will strengthen collaboration with pharmaceutical and material manufacturers to aim for early practical application. Furthermore, we will promote cross-industry collaboration, including with recycling-related businesses, to advance the social implementation of resource circulation for pharmaceutical packaging.

*1) PTP: Stands for 'Press Through Pack,' a packaging form where tablets are pushed out with a finger. It is widely used for tablets and capsules due to its excellent safety and portability.