TOPPAN Holdings Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire Asahi Kasei Corporation’s patented technology related to brittle lidding material for push-through blister packs,1 completing the transfer on November 28.
By fusing the acquired brittle lidding material technology with the TOPPAN Group’s barrier and packaging technologies, TOPPAN Holdings is aiming to advance a full-scale entry into the global push-through blister pack market.
In recent years, tightening of environmental regulations globally, particularly in Europe, and acceleration of corporate efforts focused on sustainability have prompted a rapid increase in the need for aluminum-free and mono-material packaging designs.
While demand for more eco-friendly packaging is also on the rise in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, where stringent quality control is a must, aluminum foil is the predominant material currently used to achieve the high barrier performance that is essential to maintain the stability of pharmaceutical packaging contents.
The TOPPAN Group is driving digital transformation and sustainability transformation to become a leading provider of solutions to social issues worldwide. Positioning mitigation of environmental impact and contribution to a circular economy as priority challenges, the TOPPAN Group’s packaging business is concentrating efforts on expanding the development and supply of eco-friendly sustainable packaging.
Samples of push-through blister packs with brittle lidding material.TOPPAN Holdings
Technology Synergies
・Aluminum-free designs
By taking advantage of the superior push-through performance of brittle film manufactured using film-forming technologies and optimal material design, and combining it with GL BARRIER2 transparent barrier film processing technologies, the TOPPAN Group aims to enable aluminum-free push-through blister packs employing materials such as polypropylene (PP).
・Eco-friendly mono-material designs
Push-through blister packs are conventionally composed of different materials, with aluminum foil for the lidding and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or PP used for the base. Mono-materialization can now be facilitated by combining a PP base material with a brittle lidding material also made from PP resin.
・Sustainable printing technologies
The TOPPAN Group possesses a range of eco-friendly printing technologies, including water-based flexo printing that involves minimal solvent usage. These technologies can be applied to achieve further eco-friendliness and contribute to greater visibility from the consumer perspective due to enhanced printability, including superior reproduction of fine lines.
TOPPAN Holdings has acquired a set of 12 patents, including the basic patent for brittle film with excellent push-through performance, produced by employing film-forming technologies and optimal material design.
By the end of fiscal 2025, the TOPPAN Group aims to use the acquired technology to complete development of functional and eco-friendly push-through blister packs and make samples available. The TOPPAN Group will also continue to work proactively to expand sustainable packaging supply and contribute to a sustainable society.
