Clariant has introduced advanced packaging solutions to protect the potency and extend the shelf life of moisture-sensitive probiotics.
Clariant’s healthcare packaging business unit has launched a combination of packaging solutions, which protect the potency and extend the shelf life of probiotics in nutraceutical products by suppressing their exposure to damaging oxygen, moisture and light.
The solutions include packaging products such as Oxy-Guard bottles, which feature enhanced barrier properties.
The six-layer and extrusion blow-molded containers provide enhanced protection against the permeation of moisture and UV light.
Oxy-Guard bottles, which are compliant with US FDA and EU regulations, can be used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
Covered by a drug master file (DMF), the Oxy-Guard bottles are available in different sizes with neck finishes that accept pharmaceutical screw caps produced according to SP400.
According to the company, the oxygen scavengers in the form of canisters, packets, or cap inserts provide active protection against oxygen exposure, including residual headspace oxygen present during packaging.
Clariant provides PharmaKeep oxygen scavengers, which are humidity-neutral and combined with a desiccant that simultaneously adsorbs moisture.
In addition, the firm produces silica gel and molecular sieve desiccant canisters and packets, which adsorb water vapor to protect packaged pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and other products from damage due to excess moisture.
Clariant Healthcare Packaging product manager Stephane Rault said: "As probiotics are living 'good' microorganisms, it is essential to protect them from exposure to elements – oxygen, moisture, and UV light – that can damage or kill the probiotics along with their effectiveness.
"The optimal way to protect the most sensitive probiotics often involves a combination of 'active' and 'passive' solutions."
