Blister foil is a key material used in blister packaging to form cavities that hold unit doses of medicines. It typically consists of two layers: a printed layer and a heat-sealing layer. Blister foil is the ideal packaging choice for tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms due to its excellent moisture, light, and oxygen barrier properties, which protect drugs from environmental influences. In addition, it features tamper resistance and easy tearability, providing convenience and safety for patients.
MC Aluminum's 20-micron thick aluminum foil not only safeguards the product but also ensures ease of use for consumers. Utilizing advanced flexographic printing technology, we deliver precise, vibrant, and durable printed results. Printed aluminum foil serves as a legally required information carrier, clearly displaying the drug’s name, dosage, batch number, and expiration date for traceability and compliance. Moreover, it showcases brand logos, colors, and anti-counterfeit designs to enhance differentiation and brand image in the marketplace.
High-quality blister packaging aluminum foil is typically made from 8011, 8021, or 8079 medical-grade aluminum alloys. It undergoes rigorous processes including rolling, degreasing, coating, printing, and heat sealing to ensure superior sealing strength, printability, and safety.
Types of Aluminum Foil for Blister Packaging
| Type | Common Alloy | Features & Applications |
| PTP Aluminum Foil | 8011-H18, 8021-O | Used as the lidding material for tablets and capsules; printable surface for drug information |
| Cold-Form Aluminum Foil | 8021-O | Serves as the base layer with PVC/PVDC films; offers exceptional barrier protection |
Advantages of Blister Aluminum Foil
1. Barrier Properties:
High-purity aluminum provides an effective barrier against moisture, oxygen, UV light, and odors, ensuring drug stability and extending shelf life.
2. Printability:
Printed aluminum foil supports gravure, flexographic, or UV printing processes for multicolor designs and anti-counterfeiting features. Inks adhere strongly, resist heat, and do not peel-ideal for high-speed production lines.
3. Heat-Sealability:
The heat-sealing layer of aluminum foil is highly compatible with PVC, PP, or PVDC materials, ensuring strong, crack-free, and delamination-free seals for complete blister integrity.
4. Mechanical Strength:
Through precision rolling and annealing, printed foil achieves good stiffness and fold resistance, performing reliably in high-speed blister packaging equipment.
5. Safety & Environmental Compliance:
Free from heavy metal migration and odors, guaranteeing pharmaceutical safety and compliance with hygiene standards.
Technical Specifications
| Alloy | 8011 / 8021 / 8079 |
| Temper | H18 / O |
| Thickness | 20μm-30μm |
| Width | 200mm-1000mm |
| Surface Treatment | Coated / Printed / Degreased |
| MOQ | 1-3 tons |
Mechanical Properties
| Heat Sealing Temperature | 180°C-230°C |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate | ≤0.5g/(m²·24h) |
| Oxygen Transmission Rate | ≤0.01cm³/(m²·24h) |
| Bonding Strength | ≥7.0N/15mm |
| Solvent Residue | ≤5.0mg/m² |
| Pinhole Specification | No pinholes >0.3mm; ≤1 pinhole (0.1–0.3mm) per m² |
Applications
Pharmaceutical Blister Packaging: tablets, capsules, vitamins, lozenges
Nutritional Supplement Packaging: softgels, dietary supplements
Food & Confectionery Packaging: chocolates, chewing gum, coffee tablets
Medical Device Packaging: syringe covers, diagnostic test film seals
Quality Requirements for Pharmaceutical Blister Foil
The surface of pharmaceutical-grade aluminum foil must be clean, flat, and free from wrinkles, dents, and mechanical damage. No fluorescent substances should appear under UV light, and the surface wetting tension should not be lower than 32 dynes/cm.
Pinhole control is extremely strict: no more than one pinhole (0.1-0.3mm) per square meter is allowed. Since pinholes are through-defects, any penetration can allow oxygen, moisture, or light to degrade the drug, reducing its efficacy or causing spoilage.
Furthermore, aluminum foil thickness deviations exceeding ±10% can affect the coating weight of adhesive and protective layers, influencing sealing performance and barrier effectiveness.