Medicinal Polyethylene Bags: A Safe, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging Solution

 

As an important pharmaceutical packaging material, medicinal polyethylene bags occupy a significant position in the pharmaceutical industry due to their excellent physical and chemical properties and market adaptability. The following is a comprehensive analysis of this material:

 

I. Core Features and Advantages

1. Safety Assurance

Medicinal polyethylene bags are made from polyethylene granules, and the production process strictly adheres to pharmaceutical-grade hygiene standards. They have strong chemical stability and do not react with drug components, ensuring the purity of drugs during storage and transportation. The material's biocompatibility has passed multiple international certifications and is suitable for direct contact with drugs.

2. Multiple Protection Functions

Polyethylene material has excellent barrier properties, effectively blocking moisture, oxygen, and ultraviolet rays to prevent drugs from being damp and oxidized. Its tear resistance can reach 2 - 3 times the industry standard and can withstand a pressure of over 30 kg during transportation, ensuring the integrity of the packaging.

3. Efficient Sealing and Convenience

Using heat-sealing technology, it can achieve instant sealing, with a sealing pass rate of over 99%, far exceeding traditional sealing methods. The lightweight design reduces the packaging weight by 80% compared to glass bottles, significantly reducing logistics costs.

 

II. Expansion of Application Scenarios

- Pharmaceutical Categorical Packaging

Antistatic polyethylene bags are used for tablets and capsules to reduce adsorption; multi - layer co - extruded film bags are used for liquid preparations to prevent leakage; biological products can rely on the material's low - temperature resistance of - 50°C, making it suitable for cold - chain transportation.

- Innovation in Chinese Herbal Medicine Storage

The high - sealing property solves the problem of traditional paper packaging being prone to moisture. The humidity barrier rate is > 95%, extending the shelf life of Chinese herbal medicines by 2 - 3 times.

- Medical Device Protection

Products such as disposable syringes use antibacterial - coated polyethylene bags. The microbial barrier performance has passed the ISO 11607 certification, and they can be used immediately after opening to avoid cross - infection.

 

III. Market Development and Technological Innovation

The global pharmaceutical plastic packaging market is expected to exceed $60 billion by 2025, with the Chinese market contributing over 35%. This is due to:

1. The surge in demand for biological preparations, driving the development of customized packaging solutions.

2. The integration of smart packaging technologies, such as the integrated application of RFID tracking labels.

3. Environmental protection policies promoting the increase of the proportion of recycled polyethylene use to 40%.

 

IV. Paths for Environmental Upgrade

1. Material Innovation

Biobased polyethylene has achieved large - scale production. The raw materials are derived from renewable resources such as sugarcane, reducing the carbon footprint by 60%.

2. Establishment of a Recycling System

Medical institutions and packaging enterprises jointly build a recycling network, enabling the reuse rate of waste polyethylene bags to reach 85%.

3. Breakthrough in Degradation Technology

Photo - oxidative degradation additives shorten the degradation period of traditional polyethylene from 500 years to 3 - 5 years without affecting its original performance.

 

V. Industry Standards and Quality Control

The YBB standard for pharmaceutical packaging materials in China sets 23 testing indicators in 7 major categories for medicinal polyethylene bags, including:

- Detection of leachables (heavy metals < 0.1μg/cm²).

- Sealing test (maintain a negative pressure of 0.08 MPa for 30 minutes without leakage).

- Control of biological load (microbial limit ≤ 100 CFU/bag).

 

VI. Comparative Advantage Analysis

Compared with other packaging materials:

| Material Type | Cost | Moisture Resistance | Impact Resistance | Environmental Index |

|-------------|---------|--------|----------|----------|

| Polyethylene Bags | $0.02/piece | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★ | ★★★☆ |

| Glass Bottles | $0.15/piece | ★★★★ | ★☆ | ★★ |

| Aluminum Foil Composite Films | $0.08/piece | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★☆ |

 

VII. Suggestions for Usage Specifications

1. Select the thickness according to the form of the drug: ≥60μm is recommended for powders, and ≥40μm for tablets.

2. The storage temperature should be controlled between - 20°C and 40°C, avoiding direct sunlight.

3. After opening, desiccants should be used, and the relative humidity should be kept < 65%.