Papela has joined the Blister Pack Collective, becoming the first converter involved in the programme set up by PA Consulting, a Jacobs company, and PulPac to develop dry moulded fibre blister packaging.
Under the arrangement, Papela will provide converter know-how for work on blister packaging aimed at nutraceutical, supplement and healthcare-related uses.
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Blister packs are still widely used for tablets and capsules, but they often depend on plastic and other materials that are hard to recycle.
The collective was formed to bring together companies from across the supply chain to work on fibre-based alternatives.
The aim was to lower plastic use while meeting the requirements for product protection, performance and large-scale production.
Papela joins a group that already includes Haleon, Opella, Bayer Consumer Health and Sanofi Rx.
Its role adds experience linked to supplement products, along with practical converter input on the steps needed to move fibre-based blister formats nearer to commercial use.
Papela founder and CEO Sander Volden said: “For many brands, the challenge is not only finding a more sustainable blister format but making the transition practical. Through the Blister Pack Collective, we are working with PA and PulPac to help bring fibre-based blister packaging closer to market.”
The Blister Pack Collective was established by PA Consulting and PulPac to speed up the development of dry moulded fibre blister packs. It includes participants from pharma, consumer health, fast-moving consumer goods and related sectors seeking alternatives to standard plastic blister formats.
Dry moulded fibre is PulPac’s patented process for making packaging from renewable fibres through dry forming.
In blister applications, it is being developed for use in packs that need detailed shaping, barrier integration and production at scale for tablets and capsules.
PA Consulting, PulPac and Papela will now work on the further development and validation of dry moulded fibre blister packaging for selected supplement applications.
PulPac COO Viktor Wingård Börjesson said: “Dry moulded fibre is technology meant to be shared, and the Blister Pack Collective is a strong example of how collaboration can accelerate real progress. Papela is bringing valuable market focus and a clear converter perspective to the initiative, helping us explore how fibre-based blister packaging can meet specific product and market needs at scale.”
