The present invention provides a paper-based lidding material, which includes a paper layer and a layer containing a
cyclic olefin copolymer. The material is useful for blister packaging and particularly suitable for push-through pharmaceutical and food blister packaging. In one embodiment, the lidding material is formed by
extrusion coating and includes at least one paper layer, at least one primer layer, at least one tie layer, at least one
barrier layer containing one or more cyclic olefin copolymers, and at least one
sealant layer in that order. In another embodiment, the paper-based lidding material includes a paper layer laminated to one or more barrier
layers containing one or more cyclic olefin copolymers adjacent to one or more
sealant layers. Embodiments of the invention can be sealed to a variety of blister films, including films that are
chloride-free, to provide environmentally benign blister packages having good
moisture properties.