High-Barrier PVC/PE/PVDC Film for Pharmaceutical Blister Packaging
Wallis supplies high-barrier PVC/PE/PVDC pharmaceutical packaging film and rigid sheet for thermoformed blister packs, tablets, capsules, soft gels, nutraceuticals and other moisture- or oxygen-sensitive solid-dose products. The multilayer structure combines PVC thermoforming support, a PE functional layer and a PVDC barrier coating to provide improved formability, sealing performance and protection against moisture and oxygen transmission.
Compared with standard PVC or conventional PVC/PVDC structures, the additional PE layer can improve flexibility and processing performance for selected deep or wide blister cavities while also providing a functional sealing interface in appropriately designed packaging systems.
Wallis currently offers total thicknesses of approximately 50–400 μm, PVDC coating weights of approximately 60–120 g/m², and typical widths of approximately 250–350 mm, with customized structures, widths, colors and roll configurations available subject to production confirmation.
For pharmaceutical use, the final structure should be selected according to the drug's moisture and oxygen sensitivity, target WVTR and OTR, blister cavity geometry, forming conditions, lidding material, sealing window, stability program and destination-market regulatory requirements.
What Is PVC/PE/PVDC Pharmaceutical Packaging Film?
PVC/PE/PVDC is a multilayer thermoformable pharmaceutical packaging structure designed to combine the processing advantages of three different polymer layers. Instead of requiring one polymer to provide rigidity, flexibility, sealing and barrier performance simultaneously, each layer performs a different function.
PVC Layer – Structural Support & Thermoforming
Rigid PVC provides dimensional stability and the primary thermoforming structure. It allows the web to be heated and formed into pharmaceutical blister cavities while providing the stiffness required for downstream packaging operations.
PE Layer – Flexibility, Processing & Sealing Function
The PE layer introduces additional flexibility and can improve processing characteristics in multilayer blister constructions. Depending on the specific structure, PE can also function as a sealing interface with compatible lidding materials.
PVDC Layer – Moisture & Oxygen Barrier
PVDC provides the principal high-barrier function by reducing water-vapor, oxygen and gas transmission. Coating weight can be adjusted according to the barrier target, but final performance also depends on PVDC formulation, coating uniformity, forming conditions and finished blister geometry.
PVC/PE/PVDC Technical Specifications
The following values represent the typical specifications currently associated with this Wallis product. Final dimensional tolerances, layer ratios, barrier performance and roll configuration should be confirmed for each pharmaceutical project.
| Parameter | Typical Specification / Notes |
| Product | PVC/PE/PVDC High-Barrier Pharmaceutical Blister Film |
| Material Structure | PVC / PE / PVDC multilayer composite |
| Total Thickness | Approximately 50–400 μm; customized according to project requirements |
| PVDC Coating Weight | Approximately 60–120 g/m²; final selection according to barrier target |
| Typical Width | Approximately 250–350 mm; customized widths subject to production confirmation |
| Supply Format | Rolls |
| Color | Transparent, tinted and customized colors |
| Thermoforming | Suitable structures can be evaluated for standard, deep and wide blister cavities |
| PE Functional Layer | Supports flexibility, processability and project-specific sealing requirements |
| Barrier Performance | High moisture and oxygen barrier; specify target WVTR and OTR with test conditions |
| Optical Appearance | Clear or tinted depending on material formulation |
| Applications | Tablets, capsules, soft gels, nutraceuticals and selected pharmaceutical blister applications |
| Customization | Layer ratio, total thickness, PVDC coating weight, roll width, color and roll configuration |
![PVC PE PVDC high barrier medicine packaging film]( "PVC / PE / PVDC Medicine Packaging")
PVC/PE/PVDC Medicine Packaging
![PVC PE PVDC pharmaceutical blister packaging film]( "PVC / PE / PVDC Pharmaceutical Packaging")
PVC/PE/PVDC Pharmaceutical Packaging
Why Add a PE Layer Between PVC & PVDC?
The key distinction between PVC/PVDC and PVC/PE/PVDC is the additional PE layer. This can change how the material behaves during thermoforming, impact and sealing operations.
Improved Flexibility
PE is more flexible than rigid PVC. Adding a controlled PE layer can improve the toughness of the multilayer structure and may be useful where the finished blister requires more deformation than a conventional rigid PVC/PVDC structure.
Deep & Wide Cavity Forming
PVC/PE/PVDC is commonly considered for blister designs with deeper or wider cavities where improved forming behavior is desirable. Actual cavity capability depends on total thickness, layer ratio, heating profile and tooling.
Functional Sealing Interface
In structures where the PE surface participates in sealing, the exact PE grade should be matched to the intended aluminum foil, polymer lidding film or other mating layer. Seal performance should be validated as a complete system.
Impact Resistance
The additional flexible layer can influence impact behavior and dimensional stability. Packaging engineers should evaluate the actual laminate rather than assuming performance from individual polymer properties alone.
How PVDC Coating Weight Affects Barrier Performance
PVDC coating weight is one of the main variables used when designing a PVC/PE/PVDC barrier structure. Increasing PVDC coating can generally reduce water-vapor and oxygen transmission, but coating weight alone should not be used as the final definition of barrier grade.
60 g/m² Class
A lower coating-weight specification may provide sufficient protection for formulations requiring a significant barrier improvement over standard PVC while maintaining an economical package structure.
90 g/m² Class
Intermediate coating weights can be evaluated for applications requiring stronger moisture and oxygen protection, subject to the customer's stability and barrier requirements.
120 g/m² Class
Higher coating weights can provide a stronger barrier within the PVC/PE/PVDC family. However, applications requiring exceptionally low WVTR may still need comparison with super-high-barrier PVDC, PCTFE-based or cold-form aluminum structures.
Barrier Grade Should Be Defined by WVTR & OTR
Two 90 g/m² or 120 g/m² materials can produce different barrier results because of differences in PVDC chemistry, coating uniformity, substrate, PE layer and thermoforming conditions. Pharmaceutical buyers should therefore request measurable barrier values rather than relying only on coating weight.
WVTR & OTR for High-Barrier Pharmaceutical Packaging
Water Vapor Transmission Rate – WVTR
WVTR measures the amount of water vapor transmitted through the packaging material under defined conditions. Pharmaceutical formulations that are hygroscopic or moisture sensitive generally require a lower WVTR.
Oxygen Transmission Rate – OTR
OTR measures oxygen transmission through the multilayer structure. Products susceptible to oxidation may require lower OTR values as part of their validated packaging specification.
Always State Test Conditions
WVTR and OTR values should be compared only when temperature, relative humidity, sample thickness and test method are known. Barrier values measured under different conditions are not directly comparable.
Flat Film vs Formed Blister
Thermoforming stretches the multilayer material, particularly at cavity corners and sidewalls. For highly sensitive products, barrier testing should consider the finished blister cavity because flat-film performance may not represent the thinnest formed areas.
Heat-Sealing Performance & Lidding Compatibility
Reliable pharmaceutical sealing depends on the complete bottom-web and lidding combination. It should not be assumed that one PVC/PE/PVDC structure seals equally well to every aluminum foil or medical lidding film.
Aluminum Blister Foil
Aluminum lidding foils use different heat-seal lacquer systems. Buyers should provide the exact foil specification so compatibility with the PE or other sealing surface can be evaluated.
Seal Temperature
Seal temperature depends on the material structure, lidding coating, dwell time, pressure and line speed. The objective should be to establish a stable production window rather than a single laboratory temperature.
Seal Strength
Peel or seal strength should be evaluated according to the customer's packaging specification after the material combination has been formed and sealed under representative production conditions.
Package Integrity
Finished blister qualification should evaluate channels, leakage, seal defects and package integrity under expected manufacturing, transport and storage conditions.
Thermoforming for Deep & Wide Blister Cavities
One reason pharmaceutical converters consider PVC/PE/PVDC instead of a simpler PVC/PVDC structure is the need for improved forming behavior in larger or deeper cavities.
Cavity Depth
Increasing cavity depth increases local stretch and reduces material thickness at the sidewalls and corners. Buyers should provide the actual cavity depth and geometry during material selection.
Cavity Width
Wide pharmaceutical products can require different heating and forming conditions from conventional tablet cavities. Product dimensions should therefore be included with the RFQ.
Forming Temperature
The heating window should allow adequate PVC/PE deformation without creating excessive shrinkage, delamination or damage to the barrier coating.
Formed-Barrier Retention
For moisture-sensitive products, the finished cavity should be evaluated because barrier performance depends on the PVDC layer remaining sufficiently uniform after forming.
Rotary vs Flat-Bed Blister Machine Compatibility
Rotary Thermoforming Lines
Rotary systems can require stable web feeding, controlled roll tension, uniform heating and consistent material thickness. Customized roll widths should be matched to the actual machine configuration.
Flat-Bed Thermoforming Lines
Flat-bed systems use different heating and forming cycles. Material qualification should therefore reproduce the customer's actual operating conditions.
High-Speed Packaging Lines
High line speed increases the importance of consistent roll winding, flatness, gauge, heating response, forming window and seal window. Suitability should be confirmed on the exact machine rather than assumed from the term “high-speed compatible.”
PVC/PE/PVDC vs Other Pharmaceutical Blister Structures
| Structure | Primary Advantage | Typical Selection Logic |
| Plain PVC | Economical thermoforming | For formulations where standard PVC barrier is sufficient |
| PVC/PE | Improved flexibility and sealing functionality | For forming and sealing projects without strong PVDC barrier requirements |
| PVC/PVDC | Moisture and oxygen barrier | For conventional high-barrier pharmaceutical blisters |
| PVC/PE/PVDC | Barrier plus enhanced multilayer forming flexibility | Useful where barrier and deeper or wider thermoforming requirements must be balanced |
| Super-High-Barrier PVDC | Stronger moisture and gas protection within transparent blister systems | Consider when standard PVDC coating does not meet the required WVTR / OTR |
| PCTFE-Based Film | Very high moisture barrier | For highly hygroscopic products requiring stronger water-vapor protection |
| Cold-Form Aluminum | Very high light, moisture and gas protection | Evaluate where transparency is unnecessary and maximum barrier is the priority |
The best material is not automatically the one with the highest barrier. Pharmaceutical packaging engineers should select the structure that satisfies stability requirements while maintaining suitable forming performance, machine efficiency, package size and total packaging cost.
Key Advantages of PVC/PE/PVDC High-Barrier Film
High Moisture Barrier
PVDC substantially improves moisture protection compared with plain PVC, making the multilayer film useful for pharmaceutical products where humidity exposure is an important stability concern.
High Oxygen & Gas Barrier
PVDC also reduces oxygen and gas transmission, allowing the material to be evaluated for formulations susceptible to oxidation.
Improved Formability
The PVC/PE base can offer additional flexibility compared with a conventional rigid PVC structure, which may help when producing deeper or wider cavities.
Transparent Product Visibility
Clear material allows tablets and capsules to remain visible for inspection while providing a stronger barrier than standard transparent PVC.
Customized Barrier & Processing Structure
Total thickness, PE layer, PVDC coating weight, width and color can be discussed according to the customer's existing blister design and packaging line.
![Advantages of PVC PE PVDC high barrier pharmaceutical film]( "Product Advantages")
Pharmaceutical Applications of PVC/PE/PVDC Film
Tablet Blister Packaging
PVC/PE/PVDC can be evaluated for tablets requiring greater moisture and oxygen protection than standard PVC while retaining transparent thermoformed blister packaging.
Capsule & Soft-Gel Packaging
Capsules and soft gels may require larger or deeper blister cavities. The added PE layer can make PVC/PE/PVDC an option worth evaluating where both formability and barrier performance are required.
Nutraceutical & Supplement Packaging
Vitamins, probiotics and other moisture- or oxygen-sensitive supplements can be evaluated with PVC/PE/PVDC when the measured barrier performance meets the finished product's stability requirement.
Moisture-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Formulations
PVDC-based blister structures are relevant to pharmaceutical formulations affected by humidity. The required coating weight and structure should be based on stability testing rather than a generic “high-barrier” designation.
Selected Diagnostic & Healthcare Packaging
The material can also be evaluated for selected diagnostic and healthcare packaging applications where the forming, sealing, product-contact and barrier requirements match the qualified structure.
![PVC PE PVDC high barrier pharmaceutical blister packs]( "Pharmaceutical Blister Packs")
Pharmaceutical Blister Packs
![PVC PE PVDC healthcare and medical packaging application]( "Medical Device Packaging")
Healthcare Packaging Applications
Product-Contact & Pharmaceutical Compatibility
PVC/PE/PVDC should not be described as universally compatible with every pharmaceutical formulation. Suitability depends on which layer contacts the packaged product and on the drug's chemical composition, coating, additives and storage conditions.
Solid-Dose Pharmaceuticals
Tablets and capsules should be evaluated according to moisture sensitivity, oxygen sensitivity, light sensitivity and the complete stability profile.
Powder or Granule Applications
Where a converted PVC/PE/PVDC package is considered for powders or granules, the exact filling and sealing format should be reviewed because conventional blister roll specifications may not directly correspond to sachet or flexible-pouch requirements.
Shelf-Life Validation
High-barrier packaging can reduce environmental exposure, but it does not independently guarantee a specific product shelf life. Final expiry dating should be established through the pharmaceutical manufacturer's validated stability program using the complete packaging system.
Quality Control for PVC/PE/PVDC Pharmaceutical Film
Total Thickness & Uniformity
Stable multilayer thickness helps maintain predictable heating, cavity formation, roll handling and finished blister strength.
PVDC Coating Weight & Uniformity
Coating consistency is important because localized variation can affect the barrier performance of the finished pharmaceutical blister.
Interlayer Bond Strength
The PVC/PE/PVDC laminate should maintain adequate interlayer adhesion during winding, slitting, heating and thermoforming. Deep-cavity trials should include inspection for delamination.
WVTR & OTR Testing
Barrier testing should follow the test method and environmental conditions agreed with the pharmaceutical customer.
Visual Inspection
Clear material should be checked for contamination, scratches, blocking, coating defects, gels or other visual issues that may affect processing or package appearance.
Heat-Seal Verification
Seal performance should be evaluated with the actual lidding material because the bottom web alone cannot establish final package seal strength.
Pharmaceutical Documentation & Test Reports
Pharmaceutical qualification should use documentation applicable to the exact PVC/PE/PVDC grade being purchased. Generic terms such as “pharma grade” should not replace review of the actual technical specification, batch documentation and destination-market requirements.
Technical Data Sheet – TDS
The TDS should identify the material structure, total thickness, relevant layer specifications, width, roll configuration and agreed functional properties.
Certificate of Analysis – COA
Commercial buyers should request batch-specific quality documentation covering the parameters agreed in the approved purchasing specification.
Existing Wallis PVC & PVDC Reference Documents
The current page includes separate PVC and PVDC reference documents. Because the finished product is a PVC/PE/PVDC composite, buyers should confirm whether these documents apply to the exact multilayer grade and should request the appropriate final-product documentation during qualification.
![PVC COA PDF icon]()
COA-PVC.pdf
![PVDC COA PDF icon]()
COA-PVDC.pdf
Sample Qualification Before Bulk Production
Trial testing is recommended before changing an existing pharmaceutical blister material, adjusting PVDC coating weight or transferring the material to a different packaging line.
Thermoforming Trial
Evaluate cavity definition, material thinning, whitening, cracking, delamination and web behavior using the actual blister tooling.
WVTR & OTR Test
Confirm whether the selected structure meets the required barrier target under the test conditions specified by the pharmaceutical customer.
Lidding-Foil Seal Trial
Seal the film using the actual production lidding foil and establish an acceptable temperature, pressure and dwell-time window.
High-Speed Line Trial
Check web tracking, roll unwinding, forming consistency, sealing, cutting and overall machine efficiency at representative commercial speed.
Finished-Pack Stability Qualification
The selected packaging structure should be included in the drug manufacturer's stability and package-qualification program before commercial shelf-life claims are established.
Custom PVC/PE/PVDC Film for OEM Pharmaceutical Projects
Custom Total Thickness
Total laminate thickness can be selected according to cavity dimensions, stiffness, forming requirements and existing packaging specifications.
Custom PE Layer
Where PE layer thickness or sealing performance is important, provide the existing structure or target performance for technical evaluation.
Custom PVDC Coating
Wallis currently lists approximately 60–120 g/m² PVDC coating options. Selection should be linked to the required WVTR, OTR and finished blister performance.
Custom Roll Width
Roll width can be customized to match the customer's thermoforming machine and blister layout within available manufacturing capabilities.
Custom Roll Configuration
Buyers should provide core diameter, maximum roll diameter, roll weight, winding direction, splice limitations and labeling requirements.
Custom Color
Transparent and tinted colors can be discussed according to brand, product-identification and light-management requirements. Where pharmaceutical photostability is important, measurable light-transmission requirements should be specified separately.
What Information Should Buyers Provide for a Quotation?
Pharmaceutical Product
Identify whether the product is a tablet, capsule, soft gel, nutraceutical or another dosage form and indicate its main sensitivity to moisture, oxygen or light.
Existing Material Structure
If replacing another supplier, provide the existing PVC/PE/PVDC technical specification or a reference roll.
Total Thickness & Layer Ratio
Specify total thickness and PVC / PE / PVDC layer requirements where already established.
PVDC Coating Weight
Provide the existing coating weight or the required barrier target if you need Wallis to evaluate an appropriate PVDC specification.
Target WVTR & OTR
Include target barrier values together with the required test temperature, relative humidity and test method wherever possible.
Roll Width & Core
Provide roll width, width tolerance, core diameter, maximum outside diameter, winding direction and maximum roll weight.
Blister Machine
Provide the machine manufacturer, model, rotary or flat-bed forming system and normal operating speed.
Cavity Dimensions
Include cavity length, width, depth and corner geometry, especially for deep or wide cavities.
Lidding Material & Seal Conditions
Identify the aluminum foil or polymer lidding structure and provide existing seal temperature, pressure, dwell time and line speed.
Regulatory Requirements
Provide the destination country and applicable pharmaceutical, pharmacopoeial, migration or customer-specific documentation requirements.
Estimated Order Quantity
Current Wallis information indicates a typical MOQ around 500 kg, while trial-order availability depends on structure, coating weight, width, color and production scheduling. Confirm the final MOQ during quotation.
Wallis Pharmaceutical Packaging Production & Inspection
![Wallis PVC PE PVDC pharmaceutical packaging factory]( "factory of PVC/PVDC Medicine packaging")
Pharmaceutical Packaging Material Factory
![Pharmaceutical product packaging inspection room]( "Pharmaceutical Product Packaging Inspection Room")
Pharmaceutical Packaging Inspection Room
![Wallis pharmaceutical packaging material production line]( "Pharmaceutical material packaging production line")
Pharmaceutical Material Packaging Production Line
![PVC pharmaceutical material packaging production line]( "PVC Pharmaceutical material packaging production line")
PVC Pharmaceutical Material Production Line
About Shanghai Wallis Technology
Wallis supplies plastic sheet, film and specialty pharmaceutical packaging materials for international B2B projects. For PVC/PE/PVDC projects, specifications can be discussed according to the customer's barrier target, converting process, packaging equipment and supplier-qualification requirements.
B2B Supply Support
Customized PVC/PE/PVDC multilayer structures
Custom PVDC coating weight
Custom roll width and roll configuration
Transparent and tinted material options
Sample support for forming and sealing trials
Technical-document discussion for pharmaceutical qualification
Export packaging for international B2B orders
![Wallis pharmaceutical packaging team and customer cooperation]( "TEAM PHOTO")
Customer Reviews
![Customer reviews for Wallis pharmaceutical packaging sheets]( "Customer Reviews")
![Customer feedback for Wallis PVC PE PVDC sheets]( "Customer Reviews")
FAQ About PVC/PE/PVDC Pharmaceutical Blister Film
What is PVC/PE/PVDC pharmaceutical film?
PVC/PE/PVDC is a multilayer pharmaceutical packaging film combining PVC thermoforming support, PE flexibility and functional sealing characteristics, and PVDC moisture and oxygen barrier performance.
What is the difference between PVC/PVDC and PVC/PE/PVDC?
PVC/PVDC combines a rigid PVC substrate with a PVDC barrier coating. PVC/PE/PVDC includes an additional PE layer that can improve flexibility, processability and sealing functionality, making it useful to evaluate for deeper or wider blister cavities.
What thicknesses are available?
The current Wallis product range lists total thicknesses of approximately 50–400 μm. Final layer ratios and thickness tolerances should be confirmed according to the required forming and barrier performance.
What PVDC coating weights are available?
Wallis currently lists PVDC coating weights of approximately 60–120 g/m². The best coating weight should be selected according to the required WVTR, OTR and pharmaceutical stability target.
Does a higher PVDC coating weight always mean better packaging?
Higher coating weight can generally improve barrier performance, but it may add cost and does not alone determine the final barrier. PVDC chemistry, coating uniformity, forming depth and package design are also important.
Is PVC/PE/PVDC an ultra-high-barrier material?
PVC/PE/PVDC can provide high moisture and oxygen barrier, but “ultra-high barrier” should be defined by measurable WVTR and OTR requirements. Extremely sensitive products may require super-high-barrier PVDC, PCTFE-based film or cold-form aluminum.
What does the PE layer do?
The PE layer adds flexibility to the multilayer structure and can support processing and sealing requirements. Its exact function depends on where the PE layer is positioned and how the finished package is designed.
Is PVC/PE/PVDC suitable for deep-draw blisters?
Suitable structures can be evaluated for deeper and wider cavities. Actual capability depends on total thickness, PE layer, cavity geometry, heating profile and blister machine. Production trials are recommended.
Can PVC/PE/PVDC be used for tablets?
Yes, it can be evaluated for tablet blister packaging where the selected structure satisfies the drug's moisture, oxygen, forming and stability requirements.
Can PVC/PE/PVDC be used for capsules and soft gels?
It can be evaluated for capsules and soft gels, particularly when larger blister cavities require both improved forming behavior and increased barrier performance.
Can PVC/PE/PVDC seal to aluminum foil?
Compatibility depends on the exact PE surface and the heat-seal coating used on the aluminum foil. The actual bottom web and lidding foil should be tested together before bulk production.
Can the film run on high-speed blister machines?
Suitable grades can be evaluated on high-speed pharmaceutical lines, but machine compatibility depends on the exact model, roll configuration, heating conditions, cavity geometry, sealing window and line speed.
Can PVC/PE/PVDC run on rotary and flat-bed machines?
Both processes can be evaluated, but they use different heating and forming conditions. The specific blister-machine model should be provided during material qualification.
What WVTR should I specify?
Required WVTR depends on the product's moisture sensitivity, blister geometry, storage climate and target shelf life. Provide the target value together with temperature, relative humidity and test method.
What OTR should I specify?
The required OTR depends on how sensitive the pharmaceutical formulation is to oxidation. The value should be derived from stability and packaging-development requirements.
Does PVC/PE/PVDC guarantee longer pharmaceutical shelf life?
No packaging material independently guarantees a specific shelf life. PVC/PE/PVDC can reduce moisture and oxygen transmission, but the final expiry period must be established through the pharmaceutical manufacturer's validated stability program.
Is PVC/PE/PVDC suitable for sterile medical-device packaging?
Sterile medical-device packaging requires separate qualification of material compatibility, sterilization method, seal integrity and applicable medical-device packaging standards. It should not be assumed from the PVC/PE/PVDC material name alone.
Can Wallis provide customized colors?
Transparent, tinted and customized colors can be discussed. If the pharmaceutical product requires light protection, buyers should also specify the required wavelength and light-transmission performance.
Can I request samples before bulk production?
Yes. Sample and trial material should be evaluated for thermoforming, barrier performance, PE/lidding compatibility, web running and finished-package integrity before commercial approval.
What is the MOQ?
Current Wallis product information indicates a typical MOQ around 500 kg. Trial-order availability and final MOQ depend on structure, PVDC coating weight, width, color and current production scheduling.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide the drug or dosage form, current material structure, total thickness, PE layer requirement, PVDC coating weight or target WVTR/OTR, roll width, core diameter, blister-machine model, cavity dimensions, lidding foil, sealing conditions, regulatory requirements and estimated order quantity.
Looking for a PVC/PE/PVDC Pharmaceutical Film Supplier?
Send Wallis your current PVC/PE/PVDC structure, total thickness, PVDC coating weight or barrier target, roll width, blister-machine model, cavity dimensions and lidding material. We can discuss customized high-barrier pharmaceutical blister film for OEM and B2B projects.
If you are replacing an existing blister-film supplier, provide the current TDS, COA or reference roll so barrier, forming, sealing and machine-running requirements can be evaluated before commercial production.
