Huhtamaki and Syntegon, the German processing and packaging technology provider, have developed a groundbreaking innovation for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Push Tab® paper, the first paper-based tablet packaging, is made from renewable certified paper and is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of pharmaceutical packaging.

It provides customers with a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through packaging made of thermoformed PVC and aluminium, and also helps to reduce the environmental impact throughout the value chain.

Push Tab® paper tablet packaging has more than 75 % paper-based material sourced from certified suppliers in Europe. Combining it with advanced barrier coating technology, Huhtamaki has succeeded in making the sustainable paper packaging sealable. No compromises have been made in terms of the safety, functionality or protective properties compared with traditional mono-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) blisters.

A special mechanical treatment allows consumers to push the tablet through easily without damaging the product inside. The material is further processed and formed using Syntegon’s unique paper-shaping technology and machinery.

“We are proud to introduce a new, more sustainable tablet packaging solution for the healthcare sector that has high growth potential,” says Fabio Daidone, Sales Manager, Flexible Packaging, Huhtamaki. “European sales of flexible packaging in the pharmaceuticals sector had an estimated value of €1.1 billion in 2020, of which blister packaging accounts for approximately 80%. We are happy to help our customers respond to opportunities with our Push Tab® paper, designed for circularity, which is the first sustainable alternative for this type of packaging.”

The German Packaging Institute recognised Push Tab® paper with the 2021 German Packaging Award for sustainability on 27 July 2021. This recognition affirms the value of Huhtamaki’s and Syntegon’s commitment to sustainable and innovative packaging concepts.