New Borealis polypropylene film grades for medical applications

Borealis has developed a range of new innovative polypropylene grades for extruded film applications such as medical pouches and monoblister packaging as an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glass, and other polymers. They offer low migration into medical products and liquids and provide high security and integrity during transportation and handling.

Medical applications are challenging with extensive validation requirements, and close control of formulation and production to ensure long-term safety and efficacy for purpose. Borealis has a track record in formulations of polypropylene for medical films, particularly in blister packs and flexible pouches, developed in close co-operation with converters and end-users.

Borealis’ long-term commitment to the pharmaceutical and medical industries has resulted in a unique service offering. In addition to the comprehensive grade range this includes long-term supply guarantees without changes in recipe, a commitment to the highest levels of quality consistency, on-line inspection and joint application development.

Borealis' portfolio of polypropylene for medical uses include:

• Borsoft™ SD233CF and SC220CF for transparent cast and blown film,

• Borsoft SA233CF for translucent blown film and tubing,

• RD204CF and RD208CF random copolymers for cast films,

• RB501BF for cast and blown technology,

• Special homopolymers, including HD601CF, Bormod™ HC905TF and DM 55 Pharm, all for cast, thermoformed, and blown film.

The transparent copolymers and homopolymers are especially well-suited for co-extrusion in combination with other Borealis grades for medical applications.

“Borealis sees that polypropylene is increasingly becoming the preferred material due to its balance of properties, and ecological and economical performance", stated Anton Wolfsberger, Marketing Manager for Borealis Film & Fibre. “We anticipate that enteral and parenteral nutrition and dialysis films in Europe will be based predominantly on polypropylene by the end of the decade. Further, China, with a booming market and a preference for polyolefin solutions, is especially promising for producers looking to expand there.”