PVC, PVDC, EVOH, and LDPE Pharmaceutical Blister Films

Pharmaceutical packaging plays a crucial role in protecting medicines from moisture, oxygen, and contamination. Among the most widely used materials for drug blister packs are PVC, PVDC, EVOH, and LDPE films. Each of these materials has unique barrier properties and applications that meet specific pharmaceutical packaging needs.

In this article, we’ll explore the key features, advantages, and applications of these four materials — helping you choose the most suitable option for your product.

1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Film for Pharmaceutical Packaging

Overview

PVC film is one of the most commonly used base materials for pharmaceutical blister packs. It offers excellent thermoformability, clarity, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Features

• Excellent mechanical strength and formability

• Transparent for easy product visibility

• Compatible with most blister packaging machines

• Cost-efficient and widely available

Applications

• Packaging of solid oral doses (tablets, capsules)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

• Nutritional supplements

Limitations

While PVC provides good mechanical protection, its moisture and oxygen barrier performance is relatively low, making it less suitable for hygroscopic drugs unless combined with coating layers such as PVDC or EVOH.

2. PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride) Coated PVC Film

Overview

PVDC-coated PVC film enhances the moisture and gas barrier properties of standard PVC film. It is the most widely used high-barrier film in pharmaceutical blister packaging.

Key Features

• Excellent moisture and oxygen barrier

• High transparency and gloss

• Compatible with aluminum foil sealing

• Ideal for hygroscopic and sensitive medicines

Applications

• Packaging of moisture-sensitive drugs

• Long shelf-life pharmaceutical products

• Global distribution packaging where humidity varies

Advantages Over PVC

Compared with plain PVC, PVDC films reduce moisture permeability by up to 10 times, ensuring the stability and potency of sensitive medicines even in challenging climates.

3. EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer) Film

Overview

EVOH film is a modern, eco-friendly alternative to PVDC coatings, offering high gas barrier performance without chlorine-based materials.

Key Features

• Exceptional oxygen barrier performance

• Environmentally friendly and recyclable

• Stable thermal properties for lamination

• Can be co-extruded with PET, PA, or PE

Applications

• Blister packs requiring strong oxygen protection

• Combination with multilayer structures (e.g., PVC/EVOH/PVC)

• Sensitive pharmaceutical formulations

Why Choose EVOH

EVOH films provide an excellent balance between environmental sustainability and functional performance, making them an ideal choice for brands aiming for greener pharmaceutical packaging solutions.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) Film

Overview

LDPE is known for its flexibility and good sealing performance. It’s typically used as a sealing layer or inner coating in multi-layer pharmaceutical films.

Key Features

• Excellent heat-sealing performance

• Flexible and puncture-resistant

• Good moisture barrier (though lower than PVDC/EVOH)

• Lightweight and recyclable

Applications

• Inner layer of blister or sachet packaging

• Medical and healthcare packaging pouches

• Combination with high-barrier materials for enhanced protection

5. Comparative Table of PVC, PVDC, EVOH, and LDPE Films

6. Choosing the Right Film for Your Pharmaceutical Product

When selecting the right packaging material, it’s essential to balance product sensitivity, shelf-life requirements, cost, and regulatory standards.

• For general tablets and capsules, PVC film is sufficient.

• For high-moisture-sensitive drugs, PVDC-coated PVC offers optimal protection.

• For oxygen-sensitive formulations, EVOH multilayer films are ideal.

• For flexible packaging and sealing layers, LDPE is commonly used in combination structures.

7. The Future of Pharmaceutical Packaging Films

As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, there is increasing demand for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging solutions. Manufacturers are developing chlorine-free and biodegradable alternatives such as EVOH-based and PETG-based multilayer films to meet global sustainability goals without compromising on barrier performance.

Conclusion

PVC, PVDC, EVOH, and LDPE films each play a vital role in the world of pharmaceutical packaging. Whether your priority is cost, barrier protection, or environmental responsibility, understanding the differences among these materials helps you make an informed choice for product safety and brand sustainability.

Recommended by Shanghai Wallis Technology Co., Ltd.

At Shanghai Wallis Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in producing high-quality PVC, PVDC, EVOH, and LDPE films designed for pharmaceutical packaging applications. With advanced lamination technology, strict quality inspection, and global OEM support, Wallis ensures every film delivers reliability, clarity, and compliance.

Contact us today to learn more about our pharmaceutical film solutions.
Website: www.wallisplastic.com

Email : sales@wallisplastic.com

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