Amcor Flexibles debuts AOF-based blister lidding

COMPLEMENTING its wide range of pharmaceutical packaging products, Amcor Flexibles is extending its patented Amcor Opening Feature (AOF) to child-resistant blister lidding. The company launched the first products with AOF last December 2014.  

AOF technology, which has been available on pouch stock and stick packs, allows manufacturers to switch from the standard 3-ply structure to a 2-ply counterpart. This means easy access to blister contents using only a targeted push-through motion instead of the traditional peel or peel-push method often required for child resistance. Furthermore, the technology yields improvements in senior friendliness and sustainability. 

In addition, AOF Blister Lidding translates to as much as 40% reduction in total package size compared with traditional peel-push and peelable blister cards because peel tabs are not required. The decrease in material usage and weight, however, does not impact product stability, barrier layer, or seal integrity.   

An independent study confirmed the child-resistance and senior-friendly qualities of AOF Blister Lidding in accordance with the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1700.  Blisters were produced using AOF blister lidding and the package met the test requirements of F=1, with only two children out of 50 able to access one cavity. The Senior Use Effectiveness (SAUE) score hit 98%, higher than the normal target minimum of 90%. 

Current customers can adopt the new technology with streamlined testing protocol as the product contact layer remains similar to existing Amcor blister lidding products.