Pharmaceutical PVC/PE Composite Rigid Film for Medical Packaging

Wallis pharmaceutical PVC/PE composite rigid film is a multilayer thermoforming material designed for pharmaceutical, healthcare and specialty medical packaging. The structure combines the rigidity and thermoforming performance of PVC with a PE layer that can support sealing, product-contact and chemical-resistance requirements according to the specific packaging design.

Available in thicknesses from 0.15 mm to 0.80 mm and widths up to 680 mm, the PVC/PE composite film can be supplied in transparent, colored or opaque versions with glossy or matte surfaces. Rolls are the standard supply format, while sheets can be discussed for customized projects.

PVC/PE laminated film is particularly relevant for thermoformed unit-dose packaging, suppository packaging, specialty pharmaceutical packs, medical-product trays and applications where a PE contact or sealing layer is required. The exact film structure should be selected according to the packaged formulation, forming geometry, sealing system, machine configuration and regulatory requirements of the destination market.

PVC/PE pharmaceutical film is a laminated or composite packaging material in which a rigid PVC layer is combined with polyethylene. Each layer performs a different function within the finished packaging structure.

PVC Layer: Rigidity and Thermoforming

The PVC component provides the stiffness and forming characteristics required to create and maintain thermoformed cavities or rigid packaging structures. Film thickness and formulation influence forming behavior, dimensional stability and finished-pack rigidity.

PE Layer: Contact and Sealing Function

The polyethylene layer can provide a different contact surface and sealing behavior from mono PVC. Its exact function depends on the laminate construction and the intended packaging format, making layer configuration an important specification for pharmaceutical buyers.

Why Use a Composite Structure?

A multilayer structure allows packaging engineers to combine properties that may be difficult to obtain from a single polymer. The correct combination should be selected according to forming, sealing, chemical compatibility, barrier, product-contact and regulatory requirements.

PVC/PE laminated structures are particularly relevant where pharmaceutical packaging requires a thermoformable rigid web together with a PE sealing or product-contact layer. This makes the material worth evaluating for suppository packs, specialty unit-dose formats and other thermoformed healthcare packaging.

Thermoformed Cavities

PVC provides the structural support needed to form defined cavities. For deep or complex cavity geometries, the actual layer construction, thickness and thermoforming window should be validated on the customer's equipment.

Seal Integrity

PE can support heat-sealing requirements within an appropriate packaging system. Seal performance depends on PE grade, opposing seal surface, temperature, pressure, dwell time and contamination conditions.

Contact With Oily or Specialty Formulations

Where packaged formulations contain oils, excipients or other chemically active ingredients, packaging compatibility should be evaluated using the actual formulation. Material-selection decisions should be supported by appropriate migration, compatibility, stability or packaging qualification testing when required.

Oil & Chemical Resistance for Selected Applications

The PE contact layer can provide useful resistance to many oils and chemical environments. Because pharmaceutical formulations vary considerably, compatibility should be evaluated against the exact ingredients and storage conditions rather than relying on a universal chemical-resistance claim.

Reliable Thermoforming Structure

The PVC layer provides rigidity and thermoforming capability for shaped cavities and rigid packaging components. Film thickness can be customized according to required stiffness and forming depth.

Heat-Sealing Capability

The PE layer can support sealing to compatible packaging structures. Packaging manufacturers should determine the correct sealing window through testing using the actual lidding material and production equipment.

Transparent and Opaque Options

Transparent grades support product visibility and visual inspection, while colored or opaque versions can be considered when appearance, identification or light-management requirements differ.

Customized Thickness and Width

Wallis offers thicknesses from 0.15 mm to 0.80 mm and widths up to 680 mm, allowing converters to specify material dimensions according to packaging-line and tooling requirements.

Roll or Sheet Supply

Rolls are the standard packaging format for continuous production, while sheet requirements can be discussed for specialized thermoforming, testing or converting projects.

Suppository Packaging

PVC/PE structures can be evaluated for thermoformed suppository packaging where cavity formation, sealing and contact-layer properties must work together as a complete system.

Pharmaceutical Unit-Dose Packaging

Customized PVC/PE film can be used for suitable unit-dose formats requiring individual thermoformed cavities and defined sealing characteristics.

Healthcare & OTC Packaging

Healthcare and over-the-counter products can require customized thermoformed packaging according to formulation, dosage format and target market.

Medical Device Trays & Small Components

Rigid PVC/PE sheet can also be evaluated for suitable thermoformed trays and small medical-product packaging where the selected material structure meets product-contact, sealing and regulatory requirements.

Nutraceutical & Supplement Packaging

Customized laminated films may be considered for vitamins, supplements and related unit-dose products when the packaging design has been validated against product stability and contact requirements.

Specialty Oil-Containing Formulations

Where formulations contain oils or other ingredients that may interact with packaging materials, the PE-contact surface may be useful, but actual formulation compatibility must be verified before commercial use.

1. Confirm Total Film Thickness

Wallis currently lists a customizable total thickness range of 0.15 mm to 0.80 mm. The correct gauge depends on cavity depth, required rigidity, forming method and package design.

2. Specify PVC and PE Layer Requirements

For technical projects, total thickness alone may not be sufficient. If the individual PVC and PE layer gauges are critical, provide the required construction or existing approved material specification.

3. Confirm Web Width

The current width range extends up to 680 mm. Provide the exact machine web width to avoid unnecessary trimming and improve compatibility with existing tooling.

4. Provide Cavity Geometry

Suppositories, unit doses, trays and specialty pharmaceutical products can require significantly different cavity depths and shapes. Drawings or formed-pack samples help evaluate thermoforming requirements.

5. Define the Sealing System

Specify the opposing lidding or sealing material and current sealing conditions. Seal strength must be validated using the exact material combination and production settings.

6. Define Chemical Compatibility Requirements

If the packaged formulation contains oils, solvents, active ingredients, excipients or other potentially interacting substances, tell Wallis what compatibility testing or supporting data is required.

7. Define Barrier Targets

If the product is moisture-sensitive or oxidation-sensitive, specify required WVTR, OTR or validated shelf-life requirements. A different multilayer structure may be more appropriate when PVC/PE does not provide the required barrier.

“Chemical resistant” should not be interpreted as universal resistance to every pharmaceutical ingredient. Polymer compatibility depends on the chemical, concentration, temperature, exposure duration and mechanical stress applied to the package.

Identify the Packaged Formulation

Provide information about oils, solvents, excipients, active ingredients or other relevant formulation components when packaging compatibility is critical.

Confirm Contact Conditions

Material behavior may change with temperature, storage time and concentration. Testing should represent the actual intended conditions of use.

Evaluate the Complete Laminate

Compatibility should be assessed for the exact PVC/PE laminate structure supplied, not inferred only from general properties of PVC or polyethylene.

Moisture Barrier

PVC/PE can provide useful moisture-management characteristics for selected applications, but suitability for moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical products should be determined using measured barrier data and product stability requirements.

Oxygen Barrier

PVC and PE should not automatically be described as a high oxygen-barrier system. If low oxygen transmission is critical, request measured OTR data or evaluate a structure incorporating a dedicated high-barrier layer.

Heat-Seal Strength

Seal performance is influenced by PE formulation, seal temperature, pressure, dwell time, lidding structure and product contamination at the seal area. Production trials should establish the validated sealing window.

Pharmaceutical and medical packaging requires qualification of the exact material supplied for its intended application. A generic statement that a material is “pharmaceutical grade” should not replace review of the relevant technical and regulatory documentation.

Specify the Destination Market

Regulatory and pharmacopoeial requirements differ between countries and product categories. Buyers should identify the markets in which the finished product will be distributed.

Specify Required Test Reports

Provide any required pharmaceutical-contact testing, migration requirements, pharmacopoeial specifications, certificate requirements or customer-specific standards at the quotation stage.

Validate the Exact Material Grade

Documents should correspond to the actual PVC/PE grade, structure, thickness and manufacturing specification being purchased whenever the packaging qualification requires grade-specific evidence.

Confirm Sterilization Compatibility Separately

If the finished packaging will undergo EtO, radiation, steam or another sterilization process, specify the method and conditions. Sterilization compatibility should not be assumed without validation of the exact film and packaging system.

COA-PVC.pdf   Download →

COA-PVDC.pdf   Download →

Important: These existing links are reference documents for PVC and PVDC materials. They should not automatically be treated as a lot-specific Certificate of Analysis or compliance document for the exact PVC/PE composite film being purchased. For pharmaceutical qualification, request documentation corresponding to the required PVC/PE grade and production lot.

For faster specification matching and quotation, provide the following information whenever available:

• Required total thickness

• PVC and PE layer thicknesses, if specified

• Required roll width

• Core inside diameter

• Maximum roll outside diameter or roll weight

• Transparent, colored or opaque requirement

• Glossy or matte surface

• Packaged pharmaceutical or medical product

• Cavity dimensions and forming depth

• Packaging machine model

• Lidding or opposing sealing material

• Oil or chemical compatibility requirements

• Required WVTR / OTR or shelf-life target

• Sterilization method, if applicable

• Destination market

• Required regulatory or pharmaceutical documentation

• Order quantity or annual demand

If you are replacing an existing qualified film, providing the current material specification, technical data sheet or physical sample can help reduce specification errors.

Customized Thickness

The current PVC/PE product range supports total thicknesses from 0.15 mm to 0.80 mm, allowing material selection according to packaging geometry and forming requirements.

Widths up to 680 mm

Customized web widths can help pharmaceutical and medical packaging converters better match existing thermoforming equipment and tooling.

Multiple Colors and Surface Options

Transparent, colored or opaque materials together with glossy and matte finishes provide options for different product and packaging requirements.

Sample Evaluation

Trial material can be discussed for customers who need to evaluate thermoforming, sealing, chemical compatibility or machine performance before bulk purchasing.

B2B Technical Project Support

Providing detailed information about your product, machine and packaging system enables more precise discussion of the PVC/PE structure instead of relying on a generic material recommendation.

What is pharmaceutical PVC/PE composite film?

PVC/PE composite film combines a rigid PVC layer with a polyethylene layer to create a thermoformable multilayer packaging material. The PVC primarily provides structure and forming performance, while the PE layer can support contact and sealing requirements.

What applications are PVC/PE pharmaceutical films commonly considered for?

PVC/PE film can be evaluated for suppository packaging, unit-dose packs, selected pharmaceutical products, healthcare packaging, medical trays and other thermoformed formats requiring a PE contact or sealing layer.

Is PVC/PE the same as normal pharmaceutical PVC film?

No. Mono PVC consists primarily of a single PVC structure, while PVC/PE incorporates a polyethylene layer. The additional layer changes contact, sealing and other functional characteristics of the finished packaging material.

Is PVC/PE the same as PVC/PVDC?

No. The PE and PVDC layers serve different packaging functions. PVC/PVDC is generally selected when enhanced barrier performance is required, while PVC/PE is commonly considered when a PE contact or sealing layer is part of the packaging design.

Is PVC/PE a high-barrier pharmaceutical film?

Barrier performance depends on the exact film construction and thickness. PVC/PE should not automatically be described as a high oxygen-barrier structure. If the product requires a specific WVTR or OTR, provide the target values so the appropriate laminate can be evaluated.

Is PVC/PE film resistant to oils and pharmaceutical chemicals?

The PE layer can provide useful resistance to many oils and chemical environments, but compatibility is formulation-specific. Testing with the actual pharmaceutical ingredients, concentrations and storage conditions is recommended for critical applications.

What thicknesses are available?

The current Wallis PVC/PE product range lists total thicknesses from 0.15 mm to 0.80 mm, with customized specifications available according to packaging requirements.

What is the maximum width?

The current specification supports widths up to 680 mm. Provide your packaging-machine web width when requesting a quotation so the appropriate roll specification can be confirmed.

Can the color and surface finish be customized?

Yes. Transparent, colored and opaque options together with glossy and matte surfaces are listed for this product. Availability should be confirmed together with thickness, width and order quantity.

Can PVC/PE film be thermoformed?

PVC/PE composite rigid film is intended for suitable thermoforming applications, but forming performance depends on film structure, thickness, heating conditions, cavity geometry, draw depth and machine configuration. Production trials are recommended before commercial use.

Can PVC/PE film be heat sealed?

The PE layer can support heat-sealing applications, but actual seal strength depends on the opposing material, PE grade, temperature, pressure and dwell time. The complete packaging system should be validated using production conditions.

Is the material automatically safe for direct contact with medicines?

Direct pharmaceutical-contact suitability should be confirmed for the exact PVC/PE grade, packaged product and destination market. Buyers should request the regulatory, pharmacopoeial, migration or other supporting documentation required by their qualification process.

Can PVC/PE film be sterilized?

Sterilization compatibility depends on the exact laminate and sterilization method. If EtO, radiation, steam or another sterilization process is required, provide the conditions so compatibility can be evaluated and validated before use.

Can this material run on existing pharmaceutical packaging lines?

Compatibility depends on the equipment, film thickness, web width, heating system, forming geometry and sealing configuration. Provide your machine model and existing film specification so the replacement material can be evaluated more accurately.

What is the MOQ for pharmaceutical PVC/PE film?

The current product information lists a typical MOQ of 500 kg. Smaller sample or trial requirements may be discussed for material evaluation before bulk purchasing.

Can I request samples before bulk production?

Yes. Sample evaluation is recommended for new packaging projects so customers can test thermoforming, sealing, chemical compatibility, appearance and machine performance before bulk production.

What information should I provide for an accurate quotation?

Please provide total thickness, PVC/PE layer structure if known, width, core size, roll diameter, color, surface finish, packaged product, cavity dimensions, machine model, sealing material, barrier requirements, chemical-contact conditions, destination market, required documentation and order quantity.