Technical Note

Hard Alu Foil in Pharma Packaging

Understanding barrier, pinholes & lacquer performance for blister applications.

Updated: Jan 2025 6 min read
Hard alu foil in pharma

What is Hard Aluminium Foil?

Hard aluminium foil is widely used in blister packaging for pharmaceutical products. It offers excellent barrier properties, protects tablets from moisture & oxygen, and ensures product stability across global supply chains.

Why Hard Alu Foil is Preferred

  • Superior barrier against oxygen, moisture & light.
  • Excellent formability for blister cavities.
  • Stable lacquer bonding ensures reliable sealing.
  • Long shelf life for sensitive formulations.

Pinhole Density — The Critical Factor

Foil pinholes are natural due to rolling, but their density determines overall barrier performance. Pharma-grade hard alu foil typically follows:

ThicknessMax Pinholes
20μMax 5 / m²
25μMax 3 / m²

Lacquers Used in Pharma Foil

Common sealing systems include:

  • Heat-seal lacquer for PVC/PVDC blisters
  • Primer coats for print adhesion
  • Protective topcoats ensuring abrasion resistance

Printing & Registration

Pharma foils demand razor-sharp registration; even slight misalignment can impact branding or dosing info. High-precision rotogravure lines ensure consistency across large volumes.

“At Meraki Foils, every pharma-grade roll is inspected, tested, and approved based on global GMP and barrier standards.”

Conclusion

Hard alu foil remains the gold standard for blister packaging. With correct barrier properties, lacquer selection, and precise slitting/printing, it delivers unmatched protection for pharmaceutical products.

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