SÜDPACK Medica to Unveil Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging and Streamlined Services at Pharmapack Europe 2026

At Pharmapack Europe 2026, which is being held in Paris on January 21–22, SÜDPACK Medica (Booth 4F12) will showcase a portfolio designed to address sterility and sustainability requirements, headlined by the expansion of the company’s PharmaGuard recyclable blister concept and the launch of the MedHub service (1).

How is mono-material blister technology being advanced?

According to the company, SÜDPACK Medica’s PharmaGuard represents a significant shift away from traditional multi-layer composites that complicate recycling streams (1). Originally known for its award-winning transparent film, the line has expanded to include a white blister film. This new iteration offers high opacity and improved legibility for printed dosage information, which is critical for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

From a technical perspective, the PharmaGuard solution is a polypropylene (PP)-based mono-material. It is engineered to be free from phthalates, vinyl, PFAS, and halogens, addressing growing toxicological and environmental concerns. Despite its simplified material structure, it maintains high-performance characteristics essential for solid oral dosage forms, including a water vapor barrier and "outstanding push-through performance". Crucially for manufacturers, the material is designed for reliable processability on standard packaging machinery, minimizing the need for extensive line re-tooling.

What is the sustainability and lifecycle impact?

For scientists and sustainability officers tasked with reducing a product's carbon footprint, the environmental metrics of PharmaGuard are supported by the data. According to an ISO 14040/44-verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by Sphera, this PP-based solution has a significantly lower climate impact compared to conventional composite materials made of aluminum and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Packaging for sterile medical devices

Beyond blister packs, the MedGuard brand offers a comprehensive range of low-particle packaging concepts tailored for medical devices and sensitive diagnostic products. These systems include robust rigid and flexible films, as well as specialized pouch concepts manufactured under controlled clean room conditions.

The technical versatility of the MedGuard line allows materials to be equipped with specific barrier and peel properties. These are compatible with various lidding systems, including:

• Film-based lids

• Tyvek

• Medical-grade paper.

For surgical kits, syringes, and ampoules, the thermoformable rigid films are based on recyclable PET and PP, ensuring that even complex tray packaging aligns with sustainability objectives without sacrificing the stability or sterility of the process chain.

How does MedHub optimize the supply chain?

Recognizing the industry's need for agility, SÜDPACK is introducing MedHub, a service designed to streamline the procurement of pre-made medical bags and pouches (1, 2). This service targets customers requiring steady supplies of standard formats with "minimal effort and reliable delivery".

Customers can order high-quality, pre-made pouches in standard sizes and defined batch quantities either by phone, email, or online. MedHub packaging solutions are always in stock an fulfill the stringent quality requirements of the healthcare industry (2).

All MedHub products are manufactured in ISO-classified clean rooms and backed by standardized certifications to meet the highest safety standards for medical use. The service allows for the fast ordering of three-side seal pouches in various sizes and material combinations, tailored to specific oxygen, moisture, and light barrier requirements.

Pre-made pouches can be used at various stages to package products such as stoppers, filters, or connectors. They can also be used as simple transfer packaging for items such as glass vials, ampoules, or syringes, which are essential for administering liquid parenteral drugs and must remain completely sterile prior to filling (2).

Three-side seal pouches are made from film and Tyvek, which makes them sterilizable, puncture-resistant, and highly resistant to moisture and provides product protection and fast, clean opening, even in high-pressure environments.SÜDPACK also offers three-side seal pouches made of PA/PE in various sizes. These pouches provide a dependable microbial barrier and are also suitable for gamma sterilization (2).

How does SÜDPACK Medica serve the pharma industry?

Headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, SÜDPACK Medica leverages the technological leadership of the broader SÜDPACK Group, particularly in the coextrusion of polymer-based film solutions. With production sites across France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, the company utilizes a specialized team of experts in polymer science and process engineering to support global pharmaceutical clients in implementing demanding packaging configurations.

As the industry looks toward 2026, the integration of recyclable polymers into high-barrier sterile packaging marks a pivotal step in the evolution of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

References

1. SÜDPACK Medica. A Strong Partner to the Healthcare Industry: SÜDPACK Medica at PharmaPack 2026 in Paris. Press Release. Jan. 15, 2026. https://www.suedpack.com/en/suedpack-group/news/press-releases/press-detail-view/a-strong-partner-to-the-healthcare-industry-suedpack-medica-at-pharmapack-2026-in-paris
2. SÜDPACK Medica. SÜDPACK Medica launches new service for the healthcare industry. Press Release. Jan. 8, 2026. https://www.suedpack.com/en/suedpack-group/news/press-releases/press-detail-view/suedpack-medica-launches-new-service-for-the-healthcare-industry