Amcor Vented Rollstock Expands the Economies of Flow Wrap into EtO and Steam Sterilisation Applications

The introduction of the Amcor Flexibles vented films has meant that manufacturers can now specify flow wrapping for the packaging of items such as gowns and drapes, tubing sets, diagnostic devices, prefilled syringes, CSR wrapped surgical kits and dialysis filters

Dec 2 2011 --- Always alert to the challenges faced by the medical device industry, Amcor Flexibles is constantly developing its comprehensive range of films and specialist laminate structures to find innovative, new packaging solutions that meet the barrier, opening and sterilisation packaging requirements unique to this industry.

Medical device manufacturers continue to seek cost reductions that do not compromise the quality of the pack and, with this is mind, Amcor Flexibles was the first to introduce a range of Tyvek vented films for high speed flow wrap applications undergoing ethylene oxide (EtO) or steam sterilisation. Previously, medical device manufacturers could only consider the economies offered by flow wrapping systems for irradiation sterilisation or non-sterilised applications.

The introduction of the Amcor Flexibles vented films has meant that manufacturers can now specify flow wrapping for the packaging of items such as gowns and drapes, tubing sets, diagnostic devices, prefilled syringes, CSR wrapped surgical kits and dialysis filters. In addition to greater speed and process efficiency, flow wrap is a very flexible and economical system for both small and large pack sizes which offers further benefits of reduced material, tooling and capital investment costs. The film can also be flexo or gravure printed.

Jonathan Andrews, Medical Europe Product Manager at Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas, comments on the innovative product manufactured at Amcor Flexibles Sligo, Amcor’s ISO 11607 Part2-certified site in Ireland: “Our vented flow wrap has allowed medical device manufacturers to achieve increased productivity together with significant cost reductions in a wide range of applications. It is available in a variety of films and vent sizes to address a range of requirements. Films are available in web widths from 125 mm to 900 mm and vent materials include all grades of Tyvek which offers excellent strength and breathability. Amcor Flexibles has extensive experience in this industry sector and can assist in the material selection process, including determining the number and size of vents for a specific pack configuration and sterilisation process.”