Reusable blister pack with multi-layer component

Abstract

Reusable blister pack (110) configured to contain at least one product (117), wherein the at least one product (117) is a consumable product in pill, tablet, capsule or powder form, the blister pack comprising: a document (112); and a cover (114) attached to the base (112), wherein the cover (114) and the base (112) together form at least one cavity (118) configured to contain the at least one product (117) therein, characterized in that a multilayer component (115, 116) is attached to the substrate or positioned in the at least one cavity (118), wherein the multilayer component (115, 116) comprises an active layer (116) and a non-active layer (115), wherein the non-active layer (115) is arranged between the active layer (116) and the substrate (112); where the active layer (116) is a film.

Description

AREA

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,565, entitled "RECYCLABLE BLISTER PACK WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME," filed on September 29, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 601,575, entitled "RECYCLABLE BLISTER PACK WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME," filed on November 21, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 677,647, entitled "RECYCLABLE BLISTER PACK WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME." Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. AREA

[0002] The presently disclosed technology relates to packaging for fragile or consumable products. In particular, in an optional aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a blister package for a product, such as one or more pills, tablets, capsules, and the like. Optionally, the technology disclosed herein is directed to a package having a recyclable cover bonded to a recyclable backing. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Blister packs are commonly used for packaging oral, fixed-dose medications, vitamins, probiotics, pills, tablets, capsules, and the like. Prior art packages, such as U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603, include a thermoformed cover that holds the product and a film attached to an open side to enclose the product. Blister packs, or "blister packs," are typically used by both pharmaceutical companies and healthcare facilities. Blister packs are also manufactured by companies that provide unfilled or empty blister packs for third-party filling.

[0004] It is known to place an extruded desiccant or dishwashing liquid film into a blister pack. The size and shape of the extruded desiccant or dishwashing liquid film can be referred to as the footprint of the film and, according to the prior art, is at least slightly smaller than the opening of the blister containing the product. Such a blister pack with desiccant film is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,736 (Hekal), International Publication No. WO 2020 / 146556 (Hollinger), and International Publication No. WO 2022 / 236313 (Hollinger), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Fig. 1 shows a blister pack 10 according to the prior art, which has four blisters 18. Fig. 2 shows a cross section through line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and shows a thermoplastic element 14 forming one of the blisters 18 and bonded to the base 12. The extruded desiccant film 16, which has a width W PA (see Fig. 2) which is less than that of a single blister 18, adheres to the base 12.

[0006] Various techniques are known for reusing plastics. For example, recycling sorting of plastics is often based on the sink-float process, which separates particles weighing less than 1 g / cm3 from particles weighing more than 1 g / cm3 based on whether the particles float or sink in a body of water. Recyclers also use initial sorting by near-infrared spectroscopy to distinguish different polymer types such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and the like. Sorting by weight (e.g., with an air gun), sensors, and / or magnets can also be used. Other known recycling processes and features are described in "Managing Plastic Waste—Sorting, Recycling, Disposal, and Product Redesign" by Jean-Paul Lange, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2021, 9, 15722-15738, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0007] In conventional blister packs, the back and cover are made of different materials, which prevents reuse or at least makes it difficult or inefficient. For example, in conventional blister packs, the back is made of a film and the cover is made of a polymer. Furthermore, blister packs that enclose an active component further complicate or even prevent recycling due to the different materials used to form the active component. These different materials make reusing blister packs difficult and, at best, time-consuming. In fact, companies collect used blister packs but lack a way to reuse them.There is therefore a need to provide a reusable blister pack capable of preserving and / or protecting the product contained therein and / or acting as a desiccant or oxygen scavenger. SHORT SUMMARY

[0008] The above and other needs are met by the presently disclosed technology, which in one aspect includes a blister pack having a recyclable backing and cover. The cover may be attached or glued to the backing to form a sealed package containing a product. The cover may have at least one blister cavity with an open side. The backing may have a side connected to the cover.

[0009] Optionally, the blister cavity may have a blister or dome section and a base section. The base section may optionally be wider and / or longer than the blister section.

[0010] Optionally, the blister pack may further include an active component, optionally in the form of an extruded film. Optionally, the extruded film may be bonded to the side of the backing that is connected to the cover. The extruded film may have a shape that closely approximates the base portion. The extruded film may, for example, include a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, or other active technology.

[0011] The use of an active component, such as a desiccant, within the blister pack may further complicate and / or prevent reuse of the blister pack. In particular, the active component may undesirably "contaminate" the blister pack, making it impossible to reuse. For example, in some locations or with certain known recycling processes, the empty (i.e., product-free) blister pack must be 90% or more olefin polymer and / or contain no polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to be reused. Optionally, the active component of the presently disclosed technology may comprise 5 grams of zeolite, which may allow the blister pack to be 90% or more olefin polymer or polyolefin.

[0012] In another optional aspect, the technology disclosed herein may include a method for manufacturing a blister pack. Optionally, the method may include placing the product into each blister of the cover. The method may further include applying or gluing a thermoformed cover to a base to form a sealed package unit. A longitudinal axis of each blister may be parallel to an edge of the base.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the method may include attaching or adhering an extruded active polymer film to an inner surface of the cavity.

[0014] Optionally, in each embodiment, the product contained in a blister of a blister pack may include a pill, which may be, for example, a medicament, a dietary supplement, or a probiotic.

[0015] Optionally, the film backing in conventional blister packs is replaced by one or more polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Such polymers or films lead to an increase in the water vapor transmission rate, which may necessitate the use of an active component in the blister cavity. The active component may optionally be an active polymeric component having a base made, for example, of PE or PET. The active component may optionally be glued to the polymeric backing. A molecular sieve component of the active component could constitute exactly or approximately 5%, or optionally 4-6%, or optionally 2-8% of the total mass of the blister card or pack, thus enabling reuse.

[0016] Optionally, the blister pack is a push-to-use pack, meaning the product can be removed from the blister pack by pressing on the product through the pack or is designed to be removed.

[0017] Optionally, the blister pack is a peel-push pack, meaning the product can or should be removed from the blister pack by peeling back a section of the pack to expose the product and / or pushing the product through the pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. To illustrate the presently disclosed technology, various embodiments are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a plan view of a blister pack from the prior art; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view through line 2-2 of Fig. 1, which shows an extruded active (e.g. desiccant-containing) film having a width less than the width of an individual blister; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to an optional aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same or a similar perspective as that taken by line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and shows a base and a cover enclosed around a product and a multi-layer component; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to another optional aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same or a similar perspective as that taken by line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and shows a base and a cover enclosed around a product and a multi-layer component; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to another optional aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same or a similar perspective as that taken by line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and shows a base and a cover enclosed around a product and a non-active layer; and Fig. 6 is an enlarged, schematic cross-sectional view of portions of a blister pack according to an optional aspect of the presently disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While systems, devices, and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the described embodiments or drawings. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0020] All headings used herein are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the scope of the description or claims. As used herein, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., it indicates the possibility) rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., it must). Unless expressly stated herein, the terms "a," "an," "an," and "the" are not limited to any one element, but should be read as "at least one." A first direction D 1 and a second direction D 2 are shown in certain drawings for reference and clarity purposes only and are not part of the structure of the currently disclosed technology. The terminology includes the above words, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning.

[0021] One or more features of a particular embodiment may be omitted or included (e.g., added) in another embodiment, each of which features is part of the currently disclosed technology.

[0022] With reference to the various figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, Fig. 3 illustrates a reusable blister package or pack according to an optional aspect of the presently disclosed technology, generally designated 110. Optionally, the reusable blister package 110 may be used to provide a sustainable form of packaging that also preserves or extends the shelf life of the product(s) contained therein.

[0023] Optionally, the blister pack 110 includes a base 112 and a cover 114 connected to the base 112, e.g., by a heat seal. Further, the cover 114 is attached to the base 112 such that at least one cavity or a plurality of spaced-apart cavities are formed therebetween by the combined cover 114 and base 112. Thus, the cover 114 and base 112 form at least one housing structured and / or configured to store at least one product 117. Optionally, the cover 114 may have a variety of shapes and / or configurations, as disclosed in WO 2020 / 146556.

[0024] The base 112 may have a first side or surface 112a and an opposite second side or surface 112b. Optionally, at least the first side 112a of the base 112 may be flat or planar. Optionally, each of the first and second sides 112a, 112b of the base 112 is flat or planar, such that each of the first and second sides 112a, 112b extends in a plane that is at least slightly spaced from each other.

[0025] The cover 114, optionally manufactured by thermoforming or cold forming, may have a first side or surface 114a and an opposite second side or surface 114b. Optionally, at least a portion of the first and second sides 114a, 114b of the cover 114 is flat or planar. At least a portion of the second portion 114b of the cover 114 may be attached or adhered, for example, by heat sealing, to the first side 112a of the base 112 to form a sealed package for containing products. The cover 114 may have the same or a different thickness (measured in the direction D 2 ) than the base 112. Optionally, the cover 114 is made or formed from a moldable mesh. For example, the moldable mesh is made from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoformed film.

[0026] The cover 114 encloses or is shaped to include at least one blister, generally designated 118. For example, the cover 114 may include two or more spaced-apart blisters 118. Optionally, the cover 114 may include four or more spaced-apart, identical blisters 118, similar to the one shown in Fig. 1. However, the cover 114 may have more or fewer blisters, and one or more of the blisters may have a different size and / or shape than another of the blisters 118 of the blister pack 110, depending on the particular need. Optionally, each blister 118 may have at least a partial egg shape or a bulbous shape. Alternatively, each blister 118 may have at least a partial plateau shape (e.g., when viewed from the side) or a cylindrical shape. When the cover 114 is attached to the base 112, a sealed cavity is formed in or through each blister 118.

[0027] Optionally, each blister 118 may define a longitudinal or long axis extending parallel to at least one outer edge of the base 112 and the blister pack 110. Optionally, and more specifically, the longitudinal axis of each blister 118 may be parallel to two opposite sides of the blister pack 110 and perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the blister back. However, the arrangement or orientation of the blister(s) 118 within the blister pack 110 is not limited to that shown and described herein, as other configurations are possible according to the currently disclosed technology, depending on the particular need.

[0028] The blister pack 110 may contain one or more products 117 (in Fig. 3 schematically shown), such as fixed-dose oral medications, vitamins or other dietary supplements, food products, small consumer goods, probiotics, etc. Such products may be in the form of tablets, capsules, and the like. Optionally, the products 117 may be in powder form.

[0029] Optionally, the cover 114 and the base 112 are made of the same material and / or a reusable material so that the blister pack 110 can be easily reused and / or processed in a recycling process, such as by air classification, sink-float sorting, or sensor-assisted sorting, as described in detail below. The ability to be reused and / or recycled results from the use of a single material for the base 112 and the cover 114. In such an embodiment, the blister 118 of the present embodiment differs from the prior art blister 18 in that the blister 118 of the presently disclosed technology includes a base 112 and a cover 114 formed from a single reusable material rather than different materials and / or two or more materials.

[0030] Optionally, a multilayer component can be provided between the base 112 and the cover 114 in each cavity 118. The product 17 can be positioned between the multilayer component and the cover 114. Optionally, the multilayer component can include at least two different layers in the form of at least one active layer 116, optionally in the form of a film, and a non-active layer 115, which can optionally have the same or similar dimensions as the active layer 116. Optionally, the non-active layer 115 can be positioned between the active layer 116 and the base 112.

[0031] The active layer 116 can be configured to provide the desired conditions for the product in the cavity, such as moisture absorption or desiccant adsorption. At least one top and one side surface of the active layer 116 can be exposed to the cavity 118.

[0032] The non-active layer 115 can be configured to provide an improved barrier against the penetration of moisture or gas into the cavity 118 through the backing 112 and / or to reduce the force required to remove the at least one product 117 from the cavity 118 by piercing the backing 112. The non-active layer 115 increases the thickness of the backing 112, thus acting at least partially as a barrier. The presence of the non-active layer 115 allows the active layer 116 to enclose less active material and / or be smaller (e.g., length, width, and / or thickness) because the non-active layer 115 reduces the amount of moisture and / or gas penetrating through the backing 112 into the cavity 118.

[0033] Optionally, the multilayer component may be a multilayer film heat-bonded to the substrate to form a thermal seal between the multilayer film and the substrate without the need for an adhesive material. In another optional embodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the non-active layer 115 and / or the multilayer component to an inner surface 112a of the substrate 112. Optionally, the non-active layer 115 and / or the multilayer component may be co-extruded and / or laminated. Optionally, the active layer 116 and the non-active layer 115 may be contiguous, i.e., matched in shape (e.g., same thickness, width, and / or length). In some optional embodiments, the non-active layer 115 is larger than the active layer 116.In some embodiments, the non-active layer may have a length and width that is less than or greater than the active layer 116, such that at least a portion of the active layer 116 extends beyond the perimeter of the non-active layer 115.

[0034] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active layer 116 or the active film has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.00 mm, optionally from 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, optionally from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. In one example, the active layer 116 may consist of a single- or multi-layer construction. In another example, one of the layers may be an FDA- or EU-approved layer for direct contact with the pharmaceutical product or food.

[0035] Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 is at least 0.3 mm and optionally between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 can range from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, from 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm, or from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0036] Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 is less than 75% of the thickness of the multilayer component. Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 is about 50% of the thickness of the multilayer component. Optionally, the active layer 116 is the same thickness or about the same thickness (+ / - 20%) as the non-active layer 115. In another optional embodiment, the active layer 116 has a greater thickness than the non-active layer 115. In another optional embodiment, the active layer 116 is less thick than the non-active layer 115.

[0037] Optionally, the active film can be made from a base polymer and an active agent. Optionally, a channeling agent can be added to the base polymer / active agent mixture, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,911,937, 6,214,255, 6,130,263, 6,080,350, 6,174,952, 6,124,006, 6,194,079, 6,221,446, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. App. No. 2016 / 0039955, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments, the non-active layer 115 is laser-perforated or loaded with a particle that increases the brittleness of the non-active layer 115. In such an embodiment, the non-active layer assists in "pushing" the product from the cavity through the backing. For example, the non-active layer can be configured to form points and / or lines of force that, when pushed from the side of the cavity, pierce the backing to assist a user in removing the product from the blister pack. Effectively, the non-active layer in this configuration reduces the force necessary to remove the product from the cavity through the backing.

[0039] As in Fig. 3, a gap or spacing exists between an outer edge (e.g., the sidewall) of the multilayer component and an inner surface of the cover 114. The gap or spacing may optionally extend around a perimeter of the multilayer component when viewed from above. Optionally, the gap or spacing is exactly or about 1 mm wide around the periphery of the multilayer component. In the same or another optional embodiment, the multilayer component occupies a predetermined area, such as 95-97%, 92-98%, or 90-99% of the total surface area of ​​the backing 112 within the cavity 118.The gap or spacing allows the multilayer component and / or the non-active layer to generate the point or line force that allows the backing to be more easily punctured when a user presses on the at least one product 117 from the cover to the backing. The smaller the gap or spacing, the better the barrier properties of the blister pack 110. Optionally, the size of the gap or spacing depends on the accuracy of the film application module used to manufacture the blister pack 110.

[0040] The currently disclosed technology can be used with a variety of recycling techniques, including mechanical, chemical, or a combination thereof. For example, plastic waste is often sorted in a sequence of sorting steps. The sorting steps may include, for example, sorting by size, either manually or using screens, removing foreign matter (e.g., metal and glass), sorting by plastic type, and / or shredding and granulating to produce plastic recyclate.

[0041] Certain materials can be removed or separated from other materials using gravity in an air stream (e.g., wind sifter) or a water stream (e.g., sink-float). Wind sifters are a type of machine that separates particles of different densities using an air stream and the relationship between the force of inertia and / or gravity and air resistance. For example, a strong air stream (e.g., a rising column of air) can be directed or created upwards from the bottom of a machine, while a stream of material falls downwards in the opposite direction from the top of the machine. Optionally, the plastic flakes and / or granules can then be passed through a zigzag channel, which can aid the separation process. Meanwhile, lighter materials such as labels and dust can be blown upwards and collected in filter bags.In this way, high-quality plastics can be collected without labels and dust.

[0042] In particular, metals can be removed by exploiting their magnetic properties, e.g., by magnetic attraction of ferrous metals or by induced magnetic repulsion of non-ferrous metals.

[0043] Gravity can also be used to sort some plastics among themselves, for example, to separate polyolefins (e.g., density of approximately 0.9 g / ml) from PET or PVC (e.g., density of approximately 1.4 g / ml). This can be done, for example, within a machine or a vertical shaft. Gravity sorting can be refined using electrostatic or magnetic fields.

[0044] A sink-float separation tank can use water or another liquid to separate mixed materials (e.g., plastics) based on density. For example, water has a density of 1 g / cm 3 When pieces or objects (e.g., plastics) enter the separation tank, any objects with a density greater than that of the liquid (e.g., water) sink. The flow of heavy objects collects at the bottom of the tank and can optionally be transported out of the machine via a screw conveyor. Likewise, any material with a density less than that of the liquid floats and exits the machine at the top. To improve the separation process, additives can be added to the liquid.

[0045] Certain sensor-based sorting machines are manufactured by TOMRA™ Recycling of Germany. For example, a visual spectrometer sensor can be used to remove specific materials from a waste stream. An eddy current sensor is another type of separator or sensor that can be used.

[0046] Perhaps the most common method involves sorting various plastics by spreading them out on a conveyor belt, optionally identifying the plastic to be sorted with an infrared detector (e.g., near-infrared (NIR) or short-wave infrared (SWIR)), and sorting the plastic using an actuator or air jet. The standard infrared (IR) detector can be replaced or supplemented by hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy (HIS) to detect a product in its full form, or by an X-ray fluorescence detector to detect heavy elements such as chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br).

[0047] New sorting technologies are constantly being developed. For example, trace-based sorting uses fluorescent pigments incorporated into the plastic substrate or sleeve. These pigments are only visible under UV light in the sorting equipment. Another technology uses digital watermarks, such as codes integrated into the packaging design, which can be detected by cameras on high-speed sorting lines. A watermark can contain or reveal information about the product and its packaging. Another technology is robotic sorting, which uses artificial intelligence to assist cameras and robotic arms to sort plastics from a conveyor belt. Any of the recycling techniques described above can be applied with the currently disclosed technology.

[0048] Optionally, the base 112 is made of a first polymer, such as a first polyolefin, and the cover 114 and the non-active layer 115 are made of a second polymer, such as a second polyolefin. In some embodiments, the first polymer (or first polyolefin) is the same polymer or polyolefin as the second polymer (or second polyolefin). The inclusion of the non-active layer, which is made of the same polyolefin as the cover and base, reduces the proportion of contaminated material from the active layer by increasing the amount of non-contaminated material within the blister pack. Alternatively, the second polymer (or second polyolefin) may be different from the first polymer (or first polyolefin).

[0049] As used herein, the term “polyolefin” includes a polymer that is the product of an olefin (e.g., ethylene, CH 2 =CH2 ) that has been converted into a polymer (e.g., polyethylene). Certain polyolefins can be considered as the polymerization product of an α-olefin (CH 2 =CHR). Certain polyolefins have the formula (CH 2 -CHR) n The polyolefin does not have to be obtained through such a reaction. Examples of polyolefins include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyacrylamide, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl acetate).

[0050] The base 112 and cover 114 may optionally be formed from an optionally transparent, thermoformed film instead of a conventional plastic cover and film base, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603. Alternatively, the base 112 and cover 114 may also be formed from a copolyester or copolyester film. Examples of copolyesters include PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PCTG (polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified), and PCTA (1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate).

[0051] Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein differ from the technology disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603 ​​based at least on the material used to fabricate the backing and the manner in which the backing is constructed or shaped. For example, lines 23-37 of column 4 of U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603 ​​disclose heating a cover film sufficiently so that a polymeric sealant layer becomes pliable and adhering an active film to the softened polymeric layer of the cover film. Despite the thin polymeric seal, the backing of U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603 ​​includes a film that would make reusing the blister pack difficult or impossible.

[0052] In an optional embodiment of the disclosed concept, the substrate 112, the cover 114, and / or the active component 116 are manufactured from a material from TEKNI-PLEX™ of Holland, Ohio. For example, the material used may be coated PVC / PVdC, PCTFE laminates (ACLAR™), or other PVC films. The material may be rigid or flexible. Optionally, the material may be one of the PX7-PX30 manufactured by TEKNI-PLEX™.

[0053] In another optional embodiment of the disclosed concept, the backing 112, the cover 114, the non-active layer 115 and / or the active layer 116 do not contain PVC or other chlorinated polymers.

[0054] In a further optional embodiment of the disclosed concept, the base 112, the cover 114, the non-active layer 115, and / or the active layer 116 do not contain fluorinated polymers.

[0055] In one embodiment, the blister pack 110 of the presently disclosed technology includes a sufficient amount and / or a specific location of the active material to maintain or extend the shelf life of the product(s) 117 contained therein without "contaminating" the blister pack 110 with excessive non-recyclable material that would prevent or prohibit reuse of the blister pack 110 after removal of the product(s). Optionally, the blister pack 110 includes mineral active material that has a sufficiently low mineral load relative to the entire blister pack or package on a mass basis that the blister pack 110 cannot be reused.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the active layer 116 may be formed from an active polymeric material. In such an embodiment, the base 112 and / or the cover 114 are capable of moderating the environment within the cavity, for example, by sorbing moisture, scavenging oxygen, capturing volatile compounds, or releasing a gas that impacts the product(s) 117 within the cavity. Furthermore, this construction allows the base 112 and / or the cover 114 to preserve or extend the shelf life of the product 117 stored within the cavity.In this optional embodiment, the active polymeric material is a reusable material and / or a material that has a sufficiently low mass of minerals compared to the overall package that it would not "contaminate" the remainder of the blister pack 110 in a manner that would prevent or prohibit reusability.

[0057] Optionally, the blister pack 110 and / or portions thereof may be formed from one or more biodegradable materials.

[0058] The base 112 and / or the cover 114 may be constructed such that each of the at least one recess 118 may be opened to dispense the product 117, for example, by pushing only or by pushing and pulling on one of the base 112 and / or the cover 114. Furthermore, each of the at least one cavities may optionally be subsequently sterilized, refilled, and then resealed.

[0059] In one embodiment, the backing 112 and the cover 114 may have a water vapor transmission rate of 0.07 g / 100 in 2 / d-0.58 g / 100 in 2 / d in or at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity. In another embodiment, the base 112 and the cover 114 may have an oxygen transmission rate of 0.18 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d-1.4 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d in or at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity.

[0060] Optionally, the active polymeric material includes a desiccant. This would be the case in embodiments where moisture uptake or adsorption is desired. However, if moisture absorption or adsorption is not desired, the active polymeric material or active component may include one or more alternative active agents. For example, in another embodiment, the active polymeric material includes a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, Ketcham black, and diamond powder. In another embodiment, an active agent including one or more layers of the active element 116 includes a material such as absorbent microspheres, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and ion exchange resins.In another embodiment, the layer of the active polymeric material containing absorbent or adsorbent agents contains two or more types of absorbent or adsorbent agents. The appropriate absorbent or adsorbent agent is selected to capture the desired vapor or gas for the desired end use (e.g., absorption or adsorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other undesirable gases or vapors).

[0061] The active polymeric material (be it a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, a releasing material or agent, etc., or a combination thereof) is capable of acting upon, interacting with, or reacting with a selected material (e.g., moisture or oxygen). Examples of such actions or interactions may include absorption and adsorption (i.e., generally, sorption) or release of a selected material.

[0062] The active polymeric material or active component may incorporate an "active agent" into a base material. The active agent (i) may be immiscible with the base material (e.g., polymer, polyolefin, or other synthetic fiber) and, when mixed with the base material and a channeling agent and heated, will not melt, i.e., it has a melting point higher than the melting point of either the base material or the channeling agent, and / or (ii) acts upon, interacts with, or reacts with a selected material. The term "active agent" may include, but is not limited to, agents that absorb, adsorb, or release the selected material(s). Active agents according to the currently disclosed technology may be in the form of particles such as minerals (e.g.,Molecular sieve or silica gel in the case of desiccants), but the presently disclosed technology should not be considered limited to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an oxygen scavenger formulation may be prepared from a resin that functions as the active agent or as a component of the active agent.

[0063] As used herein, the term “base material” is a component (optionally a polymer or synthetic fiber) of an entrained active material that is not based on the active agent and provides structure to the entrained material.

[0064] As used herein, the term "base polymer" is a base material, which is a polymer that optionally has a gas transmission rate of a selected material that is substantially lower than that of the channeling agent (if a channeling agent is used), lower than, or substantially equivalent to that. For example, such a transmission rate would be a water vapor transmission rate in embodiments where the selected material is moisture and the active agent is a water-absorbing desiccant. The primary function of the base polymer is to provide structure to the entrained polymer. Suitable base polymers may include thermoplastic polymers, e.g.Polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic acid esters, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0065] With reference to such a comparison of the water vapor transmission rate of base polymer and channeling agent, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate at least twice that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate at least ten times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate at least fifty times that of the base polymer.In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate that is at least one hundred times higher than that of the base polymer.

[0066] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" or "channeling medium" is defined as a material (preferably a polymeric material) that is immiscible with the base material and has an affinity to transport a substance in the gas phase faster than the base material. Optionally, a channeling agent is capable of forming channels through the entrained polymer when formed by mixing the channeling agent with the base polymer. Such channels are capable of transporting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in the polymer based solely on the base material.

[0067] As used herein, the term “channels” or “connecting channels” is defined as passages formed by the channeling agent that may penetrate through the base polymer and be interconnected.

[0068] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer" is defined as a monolithic material consisting of at least one base material with an active agent dispersed therein and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed therein. Thus, an entrained polymer includes two-phase and three-phase polymers. A "mineral-loaded polymer" is a type of entrained polymer wherein the active agent is in the form of minerals, e.g., mineral particles such as molecular sieve or silica gel. The term "entrained material" is used herein to refer to a monolithic material comprising an active agent entrained in a base material, which base material may or may not be polymeric.

[0069] As used herein, the term "monolithic," "monolithic structure," or "monolithic composition" is defined as a composition or material that is not composed of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or sections. Accordingly, a "monolithic composition" does not include a multilayer composite, although it could form one layer of such a composite.

[0070] As used herein, the term “phase” is defined as a portion or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed to impart its monolithic properties to the structure or composition.

[0071] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that is acted upon, interacted with, or reacted by an active agent and that is capable of being transferred through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments where a desiccant is used as the active agent, the selected material may be moisture or a gas that can be absorbed by the desiccant. In embodiments where a releasing material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the releasing material, such as moisture, fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide).In embodiments where an adsorbent material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be certain volatile organic compounds and the adsorbent material may be activated carbon, optionally activated carbon impregnated with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane.

[0072] As used herein, the term "three-phase" is defined as a monolithic composition or structure comprising three or more phases. An example of a three-phase composition according to the presently disclosed technology would be an entrained polymer consisting of a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, a three-phase composition or structure may include an additional phase, e.g., a dye.

[0073] The entrained polymers can be two-phase formulations (i.e., they comprise a base polymer and an active agent, without a channeling agent) or three-phase formulations (i.e., they comprise a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). Entrained polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,911,937, 6,080,350, 6,124,006, 6,130,263, 6,194,079, 6,214,255, 6,486,231, 7,005,459, and U.S. Pat. No. 2016 / 0039955.

[0074] An entrained material or polymer includes a base material (e.g., a polymer) for providing structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic connecting channels through the entrained polymer. At least a portion of the active agent is contained within these channels, such that the channels provide communication between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed on the exterior surfaces of the entrained polymer. The active agent may, for example, be any of the various absorbing, adsorbing, or releasing materials described in more detail below. Although a channeling agent is preferred, the invention also includes entrained materials that optionally do not include channeling agents, e.g., biphasic polymers.

[0075] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerol polyamine, polyurethane, and polycarboxylic acid, including polyacrylic acid or polymethacrylic acid. Alternatively, the channeling agent may be, for example, a water-insoluble polymer such as a propylene oxide polymer monobutyl ether, such as Polyglycol B01 / 240 manufactured by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a propylene oxide polymer monobutyl ether, such as Polyglycol B01 / 20 manufactured by CLARIANT, a propylene oxide polymer such as Polyglycol D01 / 240 manufactured by CLARIANT, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0076] Suitable active agents according to the currently disclosed technology include absorbent or adsorbent (generally sorbent) materials, such as desiccant compounds. Where the active agent is a desiccant, any suitable desiccant for a particular application may be used. Physical sorption desiccants are generally preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays, and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms crystals containing water or compounds that react with water to form new compounds.

[0077] Optionally, the active agent in any embodiment may be an oxygen scavenger, e.g., an oxygen scavenger resin formulation as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,893,145, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] In certain optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a metal-based oxygen scavenger. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes a zero-valent metal. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes a zero-valent metal in the form of particles or nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes an ionic metal, optionally in the +1 or +2 oxidation state. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a metal complex including an organic ligand.

[0079] In certain optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a non-metal. In certain embodiments, the non-metal is an organic compound. In certain embodiments, the organic compound is a polyolefin. In certain embodiments, the organic compound is selected from a phenol and a hydroquinone. In certain embodiments, the organic compound includes a porphyrin. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a naturally occurring substance.

[0080] In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes a polyene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes a conjugated polyene. In certain embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a free radical scavenger. Certain free radical scavengers contain phenolic moieties, such as BHA, BHT, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and α-tocopherol. Certain free radical scavengers are enols, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Certain free radical scavengers contain a weak X-H bond (X=N, O, S), including, but not limited to, thiols, uric acid, and bilirubin. Certain free radical scavengers contain polyene moieties, such as β-carotene and other carotenoids. Certain free radical scavengers contain conjugated or non-conjugated dienes, such as α-terpinene and γ-terpinene, respectively, as well as certain unsaturated fats and fatty acids.In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger includes ascorbic acid or a salt, ester, lactone, or stereoisomer thereof.

[0081] Optionally, in any embodiment, to facilitate reusability of the blister pack 110, the active ingredient of the active component or the active ingredient within the entire blister pack 110 may be exactly or about 5%, or optionally 4-6%, or optionally 2-8% of the total mass of the blister pack 110. In particular, the active component 116 may include molecular sieve, and the total mass of the molecular sieve of the blister pack 110 may be 5% or less, or 4-6%, or 2-8% of the total mass of the blister pack 110.

[0082] Optionally, to facilitate the reusability of the blister pack 110, the blister pack 110 may contain 5 grams or less of zeolite, optionally 1 to 5 grams, optionally 2 to 5 grams, optionally 3 to 5 grams.

[0083] Optionally, such a low mineral loading as described herein, used in the active component 116 as a proportion of the total mass of the blister pack, while the substantial remainder of the blister pack is comprised of the same polymeric material, prevents "contamination" of the blister pack 110 for reuse purposes, while at the same time helping to preserve the product(s) 117 within the blister pack 110. This is unique compared to prior art blister packs, which are made from a combination of different materials (including foil, paper, plastic, etc.) and are therefore not reusable or difficult to reuse.In other words, the disclosed concept is unique at least in that it relates to a blister pack composed primarily of a polymer, or the same polymer with a relatively small particulate (or other active) component as a proportion of the total mass of the blister pack. This allows blister packs according to the disclosed concept to be reused, whereas blister packs with active components according to the prior art cannot be reused or are difficult to recycle.

[0084] The presently disclosed technology includes methods for manufacturing, using, and / or reusing the blister pack(s) 110. One of the methods comprises (i) providing and / or forming a cover 114 having at least one blister 118 having one or more of the features described above, (ii) incorporating a product 117 into each blister 118, (iii) attaching one or more spaced-apart active components 116 to a base 112, and (iii) attaching or bonding the base 112 to the cover 114 to form a sealed package around the product 117 and the multilayer component.

[0085] As used herein, the term "providing" is broadly defined and includes receiving, retrieving, placing, positioning, setting up, and / or using. When a user wishes to access the product 117, at least a portion of the base 112 may be separated from the cover 114 (e.g., only by pushing / pulling or pulling) or broken to expose the product 117.

[0086] Optionally, any of the films used with the technology disclosed herein may be formed in any manner, such as by extrusion, blowing, or casting.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the blister pack 110 of the presently disclosed technology. Fig. 4 has certain components or aspects similar to the blister pack 110 shown in Fig. 3 and described above. Therefore, the description of certain similarities between the embodiment of Fig. 4 and the embodiment of Fig. 3 are omitted here for the sake of simplicity and brevity.

[0088] A distinguishing feature of the present embodiment is that the cover 114 includes a dome portion 120 and a base portion 122, and that a multilayer component is positioned within and / or extends into at least one base portion 122. In one embodiment, the active element 116 may be in the form of a recyclable, extruded film, such as, but not limited to, a desiccant-coated polymer film or an oxygen-abrasive-coated polymer film.

[0089] The multilayer component may be adhered (without adhesive) to the first side 112a of the substrate 112. The process of adhering films to a substrate is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603, which is incorporated herein by reference. It is contemplated that the multilayer component may be attached to the substrate 112 by a thermal seal (via a thermal bond) and without a separate adhesive material, whether by heat bonding or other means. The multilayer component may be affixed to the substrate 112 or substantially restricted in its mobility within the cavity by other mechanical or chemical means, such as by adhesive or interference fitting.

[0090] Optionally, the multi-layer component is not attached or fixed to the base 112, but the multi-layer component may be movable with respect to the base 112.

[0091] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the blister pack 110 of the presently disclosed technology. Fig. The blister pack 110 shown in Figure 5 has certain components or aspects similar to those of the blister pack 110 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and discussed above. Therefore, the description of certain similarities between the embodiment of Fig. 5 and the embodiments of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are omitted here for the sake of simplicity and brevity.

[0092] A distinguishing feature of the Fig. A feature of the blister pack 110 shown in Figure 5 is that only the product 117 and the non-active layer 115 are located in the cavity 118. This eliminates the active layer 116 of the previous embodiments. An advantage of this embodiment is the cost savings resulting from the elimination of the active layer 116. The single, non-active layer provides additional barrier protection for the product 117. The non-active layer 115 can be made of, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0093] Fig.Figure 6 shows the base 112 and cover 114 of an optional embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. The base 112 and / or cover 114 may include one or more spaced-apart sections of increased thickness 113 and 119, respectively. When the base 112 and / or cover 114 are used to form the blister pack, the sections of increased thickness correspond to the cavities, thereby increasing the barrier properties at the cavities. This improves the ability of the blister pack to prevent foreign matter ingress and protect the product(s) contained therein. A multilayer component or a single, non-active layer may be included or omitted in each cavity.

[0094] The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are presented in a format substantially comparable to claims, although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as "embodiments" rather than "claims." 1A. A reusable blister pack, the blister pack comprising: a base; a cover attached to the base, the cover and the base together forming at least one cavity for containing at least one product therein; and a multilayer component located within or in fluid communication with the cavity, the active component including a base, wherein the cover, the base and the multi-layer component are formed from the same material. 2A. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1A, wherein the material is reusable. 3A. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1A or 1B, wherein the material is a polyolefin. 4A. The reusable blister pack according to any one of embodiments 1A-3A, wherein the cover and the base consist of a transparent, thermoformed film. 5A. The reusable blister pack according to any one of embodiments 1A-4A, wherein the base and the cover are formed from a copolyester film. 6A. The reusable blister pack according to any one of embodiments 1A-5A, wherein the base and the cover have a water vapor transmission rate in the range of 0.07 g / 100 in 2 / d-0.58 g / 100 in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity. 7A. The reusable blister pack according to any one of embodiments 1A-6A, wherein the base and the cover have an oxygen transmission rate in the range of 0.18 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d-1.4 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. 8A. The reusable blister pack of any of embodiments 1A-7A, wherein the base and cover are an extruded film and the multilayer component comprises at least one desiccant or an oxygen scavenger. 9A. The reusable blister pack of any of embodiments 1A-8A, wherein the base and the cover are formed from a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonate, polyamide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyester, polyanhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic acid esters, acrylic, polyurethane, polyacetal, their copolymers, and their blends. 10A. The reusable blister pack of any of embodiments 1A-9A, wherein the multilayer component includes an active layer in the form of an active polymer film layered onto a non-active layer of the multilayer component. 11A. The method of embodiment 10A, wherein the active polymer film is formed from a reusable material. 1B. A method for reusing a blister pack without product therein or after the product has been removed from the blister pack, the method comprising: obtaining a blister pack having a base, a cover, and a multilayer component made of a polyolefin; and processing the blister pack through a recycling sorting process. 2B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the multilayer component includes an active layer comprising a molecular sieve having a mass of 5% or less than the total mass of the blister pack. 3B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the active layer includes a molecular sieve having a mass of 4-6% of the total mass of the blister pack. 4B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the active layer includes a molecular sieve having a mass of 2-8% of the total mass of the blister pack. 5B. The method of any of embodiments 1B-4B, wherein the recycling sorting method is an air sorter, a sink-float sorter, or a sensor-based sorting. 1C. A method for reusing a blister pack without product therein or after the product has been removed from the blister pack, the method comprising: obtaining a blister pack having a base, a cover, and a multilayer component made of a synthetic fiber; and processing the blister pack through a recycling sorting process. 1D. A method for forming at least a portion of a reusable blister pack, the method comprising: thermally bonding one or more multilayer components to a polymeric substrate, each multilayer component including an active layer based on a polymeric base. 2D. The method of embodiment 1D, wherein the active layer includes an active component or a molecular sieve, wherein the active component or molecular sieve has a mass of 8% or less of the total mass of the blister pack. 1F. A method for reusing used blister packs, the method comprising: Processing a plurality of used items through a sorting process, wherein the plurality of used items includes one or more blister packs; and wherein polymeric components of the plurality of used articles are separated from non-polymeric components of the plurality of used articles. 2F. The method of embodiment 1F, wherein each of the one or more blister packs includes a base, a cover, and a multilayer component made of a polymer. 3F. The method of embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process is based on air classification, sink-float sorting, or sensor-based sorting. 4F. The method of embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process includes creating a column of rising air to separate the plurality of used items. 5F. The method of embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process includes using one or more magnets to separate the metallic components of the plurality of used articles from the polymeric components of the plurality of used articles. 6F. The method of embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process includes dropping the plurality of used articles to utilize gravity to separate polyolefin components of the plurality of used articles from non-polyolefin components of the plurality of used articles. 7F. The method of embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process includes using a water tank or water bath to separate the polymeric components of the plurality of used articles from the non-polymeric components of the plurality of used articles. 1G. A reusable blister pack configured to contain at least one product, wherein the at least one product is a consumable product in pill, tablet, capsule, or powder form, the blister pack comprising: a base; a cover attached to the base, the cover and the base together forming at least one cavity configured to contain the at least one product; and a multilayer component attached to the substrate or positioned in the at least one cavity, the multilayer component comprising an active layer and a non-active layer, the non-active layer being positioned between the active layer and the base is arranged, wherein the active layer includes a molecular sieve, the total mass of the molecular sieve being 8% or less of the total mass of the blister pack, and wherein the blister pack is configured to be reusable. 2G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the molecular sieve comprises between 2-8% of the total mass of the blister pack. 3G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the molecular sieve comprises between 4-6% of the total mass of the blister pack. 4G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the non-active layer is attached to the base. 5G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein the multilayer component is attached to the base by a heat seal and without a separate adhesive material. 6G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the active layer is a film provided with a desiccant. 7G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the active layer contains zeolite. 8G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein a base of the active layer is formed from a first polyolefin. 9G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 8G, wherein the non-active layer and the cover are formed from a second polyolefin. 10G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 9G, wherein the first polyolefin is the same polyolefin as the second polyolefin. 11G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 9G, wherein the first polyolefin is a different polyolefin than the second polyolefin. 12G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the base and the cover have a water vapor transmission rate in the range of 0.07 g / 100 in 2 / d-0.58 g / 100 in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity. 13G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the base and the cover have an oxygen transmission rate in the range of 0.18 cm3 / 100in 2 / d-1.4 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. 14G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein the non-active layer is loaded with a particle configured to make the non-active layer brittle. 15G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein the non-active layer provides at least one force point configured to pierce the cover. 16G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein an adhesive adheres the non-active layer to the active layer. 17G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein the non-active layer has an equivalent length and an equivalent width as the active layer. 18G. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1G, wherein the non-active layer has a length and width less than that of the active layer. 19G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the active layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. 20G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the active layer has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. 21G. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1G, wherein the cover and the base consist of a transparent, thermoformed film. 1H. A method for producing a reusable blister pack, the method comprising: Attaching a plurality of multilayer components to a substrate, the multilayer components being attached to the substrate in a spaced-apart arrangement, each multilayer component comprising an active layer having a base formed from a first polyolefin, each active layer comprising a molecular sieve, wherein the total mass of the molecular sieve is 8% or less than the total mass of the blister pack; Placing the product in each blister of a cover enclosing a plurality of the blisters in a spaced-apart arrangement, the cover being formed from a second polyolefin; and Attach the combined active components and the base to the cover so that each active component is located within one of the blisters. 2H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein a sealed cavity surrounds each pairing of product and active component. 3H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein a sealed cavity surrounds each pairing of product and active component. 4H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein a longitudinal axis of each blister is parallel to an edge of the base. 5H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein the backing and the cover have a water vapor transmission rate in the range of 0.07 g / 100 in 2 / d-0.58 g / 100 in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity. 6H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein the base and the cover have an oxygen transmission rate in the range of 0.18 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d-1.4 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. 7H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein the first polyolefin is the same polyolefin as the second polyolefin. 8H. The method of embodiment 1H, wherein the first polyolefin is different from the second polyolefin. 1l. A reusable blister pack configured to contain at least one product 117, wherein the at least one product is a consumable product in pill, tablet, capsule, or powder form, the blister pack comprising: a document 112; and a cover 114 attached to the base 112, the cover 114 and the base 112 together forming at least one cavity configured to contain the at least one product 117 therein, characterized in that a non-active layer 115 is attached to the base 112 or is configured to be positioned in the at least one cavity between the at least one product 117 and the base 112, wherein the non-active layer 115 does not contain any active component, wherein a gap or spacing exists around an entire circumference of the non-active layer 115 and an inner surface of the substrate 112 within the at least one cavity. 2l. The reusable blister pack according to embodiment 1l, wherein the non-active layer 115 is formed from polypropylene or polyethylene. 3l. The reusable blister pack of embodiment 1l or 2l, wherein the gap or spacing is 1 mm or less wide. 4l. The reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding embodiments 1l-3l, wherein the blister pack 110 is configured to be reusable. 1J. A method for producing a reusable blister pack, the method comprising: Placing the product 117 in each blister 118 of a cover 114 enclosing a plurality of the blisters 118 in a spaced-apart arrangement, wherein the cover 114 is formed of a polyolefin and Attaching a base 112 to the cover 114, wherein the base 112 is made of a polyolefin and each product 117 is located in one of the blisters 118. 2J. The method of embodiment 1J, further comprising: attaching a plurality of active layers 116 to the substrate 112 in a spaced-apart arrangement prior to attaching the substrate 112 to the cover 114. 3J. The method of embodiment 1J or 2J, wherein the cover 114 includes one or more spaced portions of increased thickness. 4J. The method of any of embodiments 1J-3J, wherein the base 112 includes one or more spaced portions of increased thickness.

[0095] Although the disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the specific embodiments, but also covers modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 586,565

[0001] US 63 / 601,575

[0001] US 63 / 677,647

[0001] US 8,142,603 ​​[0003, 0050, 0051, 0089] US 6,279,736

[0004] WO 2020 / 146556 [0004, 0023] WO 2022 / 236313

[0004] US 5,911,937 [0037, 0073] US 6,214,255 [0037, 0073] US 6,130,263 [0037, 0073] US 6,080,350 [0037, 0073] US 6,174,952

[0037] US 6,124,006 [0037, 0073] US 6,194,079 [0037, 0073] US 6,221,446

[0037] US 6,486,231 [0037, 0073] US 7,005,459 [0037, 0073] US 2016 / 0039955 [0037, 0073] US 7,893,145

[0077] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Managing Plastic Waste-Sorting, Recycling, Disposal, and Product Redesign” by Jean-Paul Lange, ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2021, 9, 15722-15738

[0006]

Claims

[1] A reusable blister pack (110) configured to contain at least one product (117), wherein the at least one product (117) is a consumable product in pill, tablet, capsule or powder form, the blister pack comprising: a base (112); and a cover (114) attached to the base (112), the cover (114) and the base (112) in combination forming at least one cavity (118) configured to contain the at least one product (117) therein, characterized by that a multilayer component (115, 116) is attached to the base or positioned in the at least one cavity (118), wherein the multilayer component (115, 116) comprises an active layer (116) and a non-active layer (115), wherein the non-active layer (115) is arranged between the active layer (116) and the base (112); wherein the active layer (116) is a foil. [2] The reusable blister pack of claim 1, wherein the active layer (116) includes a molecular sieve and the total mass of the molecular sieve is 8% or less of the total mass of the blister pack (110). [3] Reusable blister pack according to claim 2, wherein the molecular sieve constitutes between 4-6% of the total mass of the blister pack (110). [4] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-layer component (115, 116) is attached to the base (112) by a heat seal and without a separate adhesive material. [5] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a base of the active layer (116) is formed from a first polyolefin and the cover (114) and the non-active layer (115) are formed from a second polyolefin. [6] A reusable blister pack according to claim 7, wherein the first polyolefin and the second polyolefin are the same. [7] Reusable blister pack according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (112) and the cover (114) have a water vapor transmission rate in the range of 0.07 g / 100 in 2 / d-0.58 g / 100in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and 90% relative humidity. [8] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (112) and the cover (114) have an oxygen transmission rate in the range of 0.18 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d-1.4 cm 3 / 100in 2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. [9] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-active layer (115) is loaded with a particle configured to make the non-active layer (115) brittle. [10] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an adhesive adheres the non-active layer (115) to the active layer (116). [11] Reusable blister pack according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-active layer (115) and the active layer (116) have the same length and width. [12] Reusable blister pack according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active layer (116) has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, optionally from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. [13] Reusable blister pack according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (114) and the base (112) consist of a transparent, deep-drawn film. [14] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blister pack is configured to be reusable. [15] A reusable blister pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap is present around the entire periphery of the non-active layer (115) and an inner surface of the base (112). [16] A reusable package according to claim 15, wherein the gap is 1 mm or less wide.

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