Pharmaceutical Packaging Films

Selecting the right pharmaceutical packaging film is critical to protecting product integrity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining production efficiency. The Pentapharm™ portfolio from kp brings together a full range of solutions—from standard PVC and PVdC-coated structures to ultra-high barrier PCTFE laminates and next-generation sustainable materials. Each film is engineered to deliver consistent performance across a wide range of applications, supported by deep material science expertise, global manufacturing capabilities, and the confidence that comes from decades of proven performance in the pharmaceutical industry.

With a global manufacturing and support network spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, kp ensures consistent supply, regional responsiveness, and technical expertise wherever pharmaceutical products are developed and produced. From advanced production sites to the kp i.center in the United States, this global footprint enables reliable delivery, localized support, and seamless collaboration across every stage of the packaging process.

This global presence is reinforced by an EcoVadis Gold rating, placing kp among the top-performing companies in sustainability and underscoring a continued commitment to responsible manufacturing and long-term value for customers.

The kpNext® portfolio represents a new generation of pharmaceutical packaging films designed to support more sustainable blister solutions without compromising barrier performance. From kpNext® R1, engineered for compatibility with the RIC 1 recycling stream, to polyolefin-based kpNext® RB5 and RB5.1 films designed for the RIC 5 stream—offering moisture and enhanced oxygen barrier through EVOH—and kpNext® RB2 aligned with RIC 2, delivering moisture barrier comparable to traditional PVdC structures, each material enables a shift away from multi-material packaging. These halogen-free solutions are developed to run on existing thermoforming equipment, allowing manufacturers to improve recyclability, maintain required barrier protection, and transition to more sustainable packaging formats with minimal disruption.

The alfoil® portfolio delivers proven high-barrier performance through a range of PVdC-coated structures designed to protect moisture- and oxygen-sensitive pharmaceutical products. Available in both duplex and triplex configurations, alfoil® films provide a broad spectrum of barrier levels, with moisture barrier performance reaching as low as ~0.05 g/m²/day (38°C / 90% RH), depending on coating weight and structure. This flexibility allows for precise matching of barrier requirements across a wide range of formulations. Advanced coating technologies support smooth thermoforming, consistent runability, and high line efficiency, while PFAS-free formulations align with evolving regulatory expectations. With decades of expertise behind its development, alfoil® remains a trusted solution for achieving reliable product protection and manufacturing performance at scale.

PCTFE laminates represent the benchmark for ultra-high barrier pharmaceutical packaging, delivering exceptional protection for the most moisture-sensitive drug products. Available in duplex and triplex constructions, these films provide industry-leading moisture barrier performance, with MVTR values as low as ~0.03 g/m²/day (38°C / 90% RH), along with excellent chemical inertness and thermal stability. Symmetrical structures help minimize curling and improve thermoforming consistency, supporting efficient processing on standard equipment. Designed to meet the highest regulatory and performance expectations, PCTFE laminates remain the gold standard for applications where maximum product protection and long-term stability are critical.

Aclar is a registered trademark of Solstice Advanced Materials US, Inc.

kpSilver® offers a unique approach to high-barrier pharmaceutical packaging by combining the visual appeal of cold-form foil with the efficiency of polymer-based blister films. Engineered to deliver strong moisture and light barrier performance—achieving MVTR values as low as ~0.08 g/m²/day—kpSilver® enables reliable product protection while maintaining transparency options and design flexibility. Unlike traditional aluminum-based structures, kpSilver® runs on standard thermoforming equipment at significantly higher speeds, supporting improved line efficiency, reduced material usage, and lower overall packaging weight. The result is a high-performance solution that balances barrier protection, productivity, and cost efficiency.

kpVantage® films provide a vinyl-free alternative for pharmaceutical blister packaging, delivering reliable performance with a more sustainable material profile. Based on a calendered copolyester structure, kpVantage® offers excellent clarity, dimensional stability, and consistent thermoforming behavior on standard equipment. With moisture barrier performance exceeding traditional PVC and comparable to lower-end PVdC-coated structures, kpVantage® enables improved product protection while supporting a transition away from vinyl-based materials. Designed for seamless integration and regulatory confidence, kpVantage® offers a practical path toward more sustainable packaging without compromising processing efficiency or performance.

kpMax® represents the highest level of barrier protection within the Pentapharm® portfolio, combining multiple barrier technologies into a single, high-performance structure. Engineered for the most moisture- and oxygen-sensitive pharmaceutical products, kpMax® delivers ultra-high barrier performance in a transparent format, enabling MVTR values comparable to the most advanced PVdC and PCTFE-based solutions. Its multi-layer construction allows for reduced blister size—up to 40% smaller footprint—supporting increased packaging efficiency and reduced secondary packaging requirements. Designed to run on standard thermoforming equipment, kpMax® provides maximum product protection without sacrificing processing speed or operational flexibility.

Mono vinyl films remain a trusted and widely used solution for pharmaceutical blister packaging, offering reliable performance for low-barrier applications. Known for excellent thermoformability, dimensional stability, and consistent processing, vinyl delivers smooth forming and high-speed runability across a wide range of packaging lines. Its well-established regulatory profile and global availability make it a dependable choice for standard tablet and capsule packaging. As the foundation of many barrier structures, mono vinyl continues to play a critical role in pharmaceutical packaging by providing a cost-effective, proven baseline for performance and protection.

Selecting the right pharmaceutical packaging film requires more than just comparing barrier data—it demands a deep understanding of product stability, processing conditions, and regulatory requirements. At the kp i.center, a dedicated team of experts provides end-to-end support, from material selection and package design to stability modeling and performance testing. Using advanced analytical tools and real-world thermoforming capabilities, the i.center helps identify the optimal solution with confidence—reducing development time, minimizing risk, and ensuring the right balance of protection, efficiency, and cost for each application.

Bringing a new packaging material into commercial production requires confidence that it will perform reliably under real manufacturing conditions. kp’s Application Engineering team works directly with customers to support line trials, optimize forming and sealing parameters, and ensure smooth qualification on commercial equipment. From initial setup through full-scale validation, Application Engineers provide hands-on expertise to minimize disruption, reduce start-up time, and confirm consistent performance at production speeds—helping teams transition to new materials with confidence and control.                                    

Beyond materials and technical support, kp’s commercial team works as a strategic partner throughout the lifecycle of your packaging decisions. With a deep understanding of pharmaceutical applications, market dynamics, and regulatory expectations, the team collaborates closely with customers to align material selection with long-term product and supply chain goals. From navigating specification changes to supporting global supply strategies, kp’s commercial experts provide continuity, insight, and responsiveness—helping ensure that packaging decisions deliver lasting value well beyond initial qualification.

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