RECYCLABLE BLISTER PACK WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

Abstract

A recyclable blister package configured to sealably enclose at least one multi-layer component and a product includes a backing having a first side and an opposing second side. Each of the first and second sides is flat or planar. The blister package may also include a lid having a first side and an opposing second side. At least a portion of the second side of the lid is adhered to the first side of the backing to form a sealed package for containing the product. The lid may include at least one blister. The blister package may be formed from one or more recyclable materials. (Fig. 3)

Description

Title of the invention: RECYCLABLE CLISTER PACKAGING WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME DOMAIN

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 586,565, entitled "RECYCLABLE BLISTER PACK WITH MULTILAYER COMPONENT, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME" and 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 THE SAME" and 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 THE SAME". DOMAIN

[0002] The presently disclosed technology relates to packaging for sensitive or consumable products. More specifically, in one possible aspect, the presently disclosed technology relates to a blister package for a product, such as one or more pills, tablets, capsules, and the like. Optionally, the presently disclosed technology relates to a package having a recyclable lid bonded to a recyclable backing. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Blister packaging is commonly used to package oral solid 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 lid, which holds the product, and a foil backing attached to an open side thereof to enclose the product. Blister packaging or "blister packs" are generally used by both pharmaceutical companies and healthcare facilities. Blister packs are also manufactured by companies whose business is to provide empty or unfilled blister packs for filling by others.

[0004] It is known to place an extruded desiccant or trap film in a blister pack. The size and shape of the extruded desiccant or trap film may be referred to as the film footprint and, in the prior art, is at least slightly smaller than the opening of the blister containing the product. Such a blister pack blister with desiccant film is described in US Patent No. 6,279,736 (Hekal), International Publication No. WO 2020 / 146556 (Hollinger) and International Publication No. WO 2022 / 236313 (Hollinger).

[0005] [Fig. 1] shows a prior art blister pack 10 having four blisters 18. [Fig. 2] shows a cross-sectional view through line 2-2 of [Fig. 1], and shows a thermoplastic member 14, forming one of the blisters 18, adhered to the sheet backing 12. An extruded desiccant film 16 having a WPA width (see [Fig. 2]) less than that of a single blister 18 is adhered to the sheet backing 12.

[0006] Various techniques are known for recycling plastics. For example, plastic recycling sorting is often based on the process of gravimetric flotation, where particles smaller than 1 g / cm3 are separated from particles larger 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 differentiate between different types of polymers, such as polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and the like. Sorting by weight (e.g., with an air gun), with sensors, and / or with magnets may 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.

[0007] In conventional blister packs, the backing and the lid are made of different materials, which prevents recycling or at least makes it difficult or inefficient. For example, in a conventional blister pack, the backing is made of a foil and the lid is made of a polymer. In addition, blister packs that include an active component further complicate or prevent recycling, due to the different materials used to form the active component. These different materials make recycling of prior art blister packs difficult and, at best, time-consuming. In fact, companies collect used blister packs, but have nowhere to recycle them. There is therefore a need to provide a recyclable blister pack that is capable of preserving and / or protecting the product it contains, and / or functioning as a desiccant or oxygen scavenger. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] The above and other needs are addressed by the presently disclosed technology, which includes, in one aspect, a blister package having a recyclable backing and lid. The lid may be attached or adhered to the backing to form a sealed unitary package for containing a product. The lid may have at least least one shell cavity with one open side. The holder may have one side glued to the lid.

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

[0010] Optionally, the blister pack may further comprise an active component, optionally in the form of an extruded film. Optionally, the extruded film may be adhered to the side of the support adhered to the lid. The extruded film may have a shape approximating the base portion. The extruded film may comprise a desiccant or an oxygen scavenger, for example, 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 the recycling of the blister pack. In particular, the active component may undesirably "contaminate" the blister pack such that it cannot be recycled. For example, in some locations or with at least some known recycling processes, the empty blister pack (i.e., without product) may need to contain 90% or more olefin polymer and / or not contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in order to be recycled. Optionally, the active component of the currently disclosed technology may contain 5 grams of zeolite, which would allow the blister pack to be 90% or more olefin polymer or polyolefin.

[0012] In another possible aspect, the presently disclosed technology may include a method of manufacturing a blister package. Optionally, the method may include placing the product in each blister of the lid. The method may further include securing or adhering a thermoformed lid to a carrier to form a sealed unitary package. A longitudinal axis of each blister may extend parallel to an edge of the carrier.

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

[0014] Optionally, in any embodiment, the product contained in a shell of a blister pack may comprise a pill, which is optionally a drug, a nutritional supplement or a probiotic, for example.

[0015] Optionally, the sheet backing of conventional blister packs is replaced with one or more polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Such polymers or films cause an increase in the water vapor transmission rate, which may require the use of an active component in the blister cavity. The active component may optionally be an active polymer component having a base formed of PE or PET, e.g. example. The active component may optionally be thermally bonded to the polymer carrier. A molecular sieve component of the active component could represent exactly or approximately 5%, or possibly 4-6%, or possibly 2-8%, of the total mass of the blister or blister pack, thus enabling a recycling step.

[0016] Optionally, the blister package is of the push-only type, meaning that the product can be or is designed to be removed from the blister package by pushing the product through the package.

[0017] Optionally, the blister packaging is of the "peel-push" type, meaning that the product can be or is designed to be removed from the blister packaging by peeling back a portion of the packaging to expose the product and / or by pushing the product through the packaging. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The foregoing summary, together with the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, various illustrative embodiments have been shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0019] [Fig.l] is a top plan view of a prior art blister pack;

[0020] [Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional view through line 2-2 of [Fig. 1], which shows an extruded active film (e.g., entrained by a desiccant) having a width less than that of a width of an individual shell;

[0021] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to a possible aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same or similar perspective as line 2-2 of [Fig. 1], and shows a carrier and a lid enclosed around a product and a multi-layer component;

[0022] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to another possible aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same or similar perspective as line 2-2 of [Fig.l], and shows a carrier and a lid enclosed around a product and a multi-layer component;

[0023] [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view of a blister pack according to another possible aspect of the presently disclosed technology, from the same perspective. or a perspective similar to that of line 2-2 of [Fig.l], and shows a support and a cover enclosed around a product and a non-active layer; and

[0024] [Fig.6] shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of portions of a blister pack according to a possible aspect of the presently disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Although systems, devices, and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize 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.

[0026] All headings used herein are for organizational purposes 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 has the potential to) rather than in a mandatory sense (i.e., it must). A first direction Di and a second direction D2 are shown in certain drawings for reference and clarity only, and are not part of the structure of the currently disclosed technology. The terminology includes the words indicated above, their derivatives, and words of similar import.

[0027] One or more features of a particular embodiment may be omitted or included in (e.g., added to) another embodiment, each of which is part of the currently disclosed technology.

[0028] Referring now in detail to the various figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, [Fig. 3] illustrates a recyclable blister pack or blister pack according to one possible aspect of the presently disclosed technology, generally designated 110. Optionally, the recyclable blister pack 110 may be used to provide a sustainable form of packaging that may also preserve or extend the shelf life of the product(s) contained therein.

[0029] Optionally, the blister pack 110 includes a carrier 112 and a lid 114 that is attached to the carrier 112, for example by a heat seal. Further, the lid 114 is attached to the carrier 112 such that at least one cavity is formed therebetween or a plurality of spaced-apart cavities are formed by the lid 114 and the carrier 112 combined. Accordingly, the lid 114 and the carrier 112 form at least one enclosure that is 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 described in WO 2020 / 146556.

[0030] The support 112 may have a first side or surface 112a and an opposing second side or surface 112b. Optionally, at least the first side 112a of the support 112 may be flat or planar. Optionally, each of the first and second sides 112a, 112b of the support 112 is flat or planar, such that each of the first and second sides 112a, 112b extends in a plane, which are at least slightly spaced apart.

[0031] The lid 114, which is optionally made by thermoforming or cold forming, may have a first side or surface 114a and an opposing second side or surface 114b. Optionally, at least a portion of the first and second sides 114a, 114b of the lid 114 is flat or planar. At least a portion of the second side 114b of the lid 114 may be attached or adhered, for example by heat sealing, to the first side 112a of the carrier 112 to form a sealed package for containing one or more products. The lid 114 may have the same thickness or a different thickness (measured in the direction D2) than that of the carrier 112. Optionally, the lid 114 is made or formed from a formable strip. For example, the formable strip is made from a thermoplastic material, such as a thermoformed film.

[0032] The lid 114 includes or is formed to have at least one shell, generally designated 118. For example, the lid 114 may include two or more spaced shells 118. Optionally, the lid 114 may have four or more identical, spaced shells 118, similar to the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 1]. However, the lid 114 may have more or fewer shells and one or more of the shells may have a different size and / or shape than another of the shells 118 of the blister pack 110, depending on the particular need. Optionally, each shell 118 may have at least a partial egg shape or a bulbous shape. Alternatively, each shell 118 may have at least a partial tray shape (e.g., as viewed from the side) or a cylindrical shape. When the cover 114 is attached to the support 112, a sealed cavity is formed within or by each shell 118.

[0033] Optionally, each shell 118 may define a longitudinal or long axis that extends parallel to at least one outer edge of the carrier 112 and the blister pack 110. Optionally and more specifically, the longitudinal axis of each shell 118 may extend parallel to two opposite lateral sides of the blister pack 110 and perpendicular to the top and bottom sides of the back of the shell. However, the arrangement or orientation of the shell(s) 118 within the blister pack 110 is not limited to that shown and described herein, as other configurations according to the currently disclosed technology are possible depending on the particular need.

[0034] The blister package 110 may enclose, preserve and protect one or more products 117 (schematically shown in [Fig. 3]), such as oral solid dose medications, vitamins or other nutritional supplements, foodstuffs, small consumer goods, probiotics, etc. These products may be in the form of pills, for example tablets, capsules, and the like. Optionally, the products 117 may be in powder form.

[0035] Optionally, the lid 114 and the carrier 112 are formed from the same material and / or a recyclable material that allows the blister pack 110 to be readily reused or repurposed, and / or processed in a recycling technique, such as by air classification, gravity flotation sorting, or sensor-based sorting, as described in detail below. The ability to re-use and / or recycle arises from the use of a single material to form both the carrier 112 and the lid 114. In such an embodiment, the shell 118 of the present embodiment is distinguished from the shell 18 of the prior art in that the shell 118 of the presently disclosed technology has a carrier 112 and a lid 114 that are formed from a single recyclable material rather than different materials and / or two or more materials.

[0036] Optionally, a multi-layer component may be provided between the support 112 and the cover 114 inside each cavity 118. The product 17 may be positioned between the multi-layer component and the cover 114. Optionally, the multi-layer component may comprise at least two distinct 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 may optionally have identical or similar dimensions to the active layer 116. Optionally, the non-active layer 115 may be positioned between the active layer 116 and the support 112.

[0037] The active layer 116 may be configured to provide desirable conditions to the product within the cavity, such as moisture absorption or adsorption via a desiccant. At least a top surface and a side surface of the active layer 116 may be exposed to the cavity 118.

[0038] The non-active layer 115 may be configured to provide an improved barrier to the entry of moisture or gas into the cavity 118 through the carrier 112, and / or reduce the force required to remove the at least one product 117 from the cavity 118 by piercing the carrier 112. The non-active layer 115 adds or increases the thickness of the carrier 112, thereby functioning as at least a partial barrier. The existence of the non-active layer 115 allows the active layer 116 to include less active material and / or be smaller in size (e.g., length, width, and / or thickness), as the non-active layer 115 reduces the amount of moisture and / or gas that enters the cavity 118 through the support 112.

[0039] Optionally, the multilayer component may be a multilayer film thermally attached to the backing to form a thermal seal between the multilayer film and the backing, without requiring 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 interior surface 112a of the backing 112. Optionally, the non-active layer 115 and / or the multilayer component may be coextruded and / or laminated. Optionally, the active layer 116 and the non-active layer 115 may be coextensive with each other, e.g., proportionate in shape (e.g., same thickness, width, and / or length) with each other. In some optional embodiments, the non-active layer 115 is larger than the active layer 116.In some of these embodiments, the non-active layer may have a length and width less than or greater than that of the active layer 116, such that at least a portion of the active layer 116 extends beyond a perimeter of the non-active layer 115.

[0040] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active layer 116, or active film, has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2.00 mm, optionally 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, optionally 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. In one example, the active layer 116 may be of a single-layer or multi-layer construction. In another example, one of the film layers may be an FDA or EU approved layer for direct contact with the pharmaceutical or food product.

[0041] Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 is at least 0.3 mm, and optionally from 0.3 mm to 2 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the active layer 116 may be in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm, from 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm, or from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0042] 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 has a thickness equal to or approximately equal (+ / - 20%) to that of the non-active layer 115. In another optional embodiment, the active layer 116 is of a thickness greater than that of the non-active layer 115. In another optional embodiment, the active layer 116 is of a thickness less than that of the non-active layer 115.

[0043] Optionally, the active film may be produced from a base polymer and an active agent. Optionally, a channeling agent may be added to the mixture of base polymer and active agent, as described in U.S. Pat. 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. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955.

[0044] Further, in some optional embodiments, the non-active layer 115 is laser perforated or loaded with a particle configured to increase the brittleness of the non-active layer 115. In such an embodiment, the non-active layer will assist in the "push" removal of the product from the cavity through the carrier. For example, the non-active layer may be designed to form points and / or lines of force that, when pressed from the side of the cavity, will pierce the carrier to assist a user in removing the product from the blister pack. In effect, the non-active layer in this configuration reduces the force that is required to remove the product from the cavity through the carrier.

[0045] As shown in [Fig. 3], a gap or spacing exists between an outer periphery (e.g., a 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 approximately 1 mm wide around the periphery of the multilayer component. In the same or another possible embodiment, the multi-layer component occupies a predetermined area, such as 95-97% or 92-98%, or 90-99% of the total surface area of ​​the carrier 112 within the cavity 118. The space or spacing allows the multi-layer component and / or the non-active layer to create the point or linear force that allows the carrier to be more easily pierced when a user presses the at least one product 117 from the cover toward the carrier.The smaller the gap or spacing, the better the barrier qualities of the blister package 110. Optionally, the size of the gap or spacing is a function of the accuracy of the film application module used to form the blister package 110.

[0046] The presently disclosed technology may be used with any of a variety of recycling techniques, including mechanical, chemical, or a combination thereof. For example, plastic waste is often sorted according to a sequence of sorting steps. The sorting steps may include sorting by size, either manually or by means of screens, e.g., removing foreign materials (e.g., metal and glass), sorting by types of plastics, and / or sizing and granulating into plastic recyclate.

[0047] Some materials may be removed or separated from other materials using gravity in the air flow (e.g., an air classifier) ​​or in the water stream (e.g., gravimetric flotation). Air classifiers are a type of machine that separates particles of different densities using a airflow and the relationship between inertial and / or gravitational forces and drag. For example, a powerful airflow (e.g., a rising column of air) can be directed or generated from the bottom of a machine upwards, while a stream of material falls in the opposite direction from the top of the machine to the bottom. Optionally, the plastic flakes and / or granules can then pass through a zigzag channel, which can facilitate the separation process. Meanwhile, lighter materials such as labels and dust can be blown upwards and collected in filter bags. Thus, high-quality plastics can be collected without labels or dust.

[0048] Metals in particular can be removed by exploiting their magnetic properties, for example by magnetic attraction of ferrous metals or by induced magnetic repulsion of non-ferrous metals.

[0049] Gravity can also be used to sort certain plastics from each other, for example to separate polyolefins (e.g., density of about 0.9 g / ml) from PET or PVC (e.g., density of about (1.4 g / ml). This can be done inside a machine or a vertical shaft, for example. Gravity sorting can be refined using electrostatic or magnetic fields.

[0050] A gravity flotation separation tank may employ water or another liquid to separate mixed materials (e.g., plastics) based on densities. Water, for example, has a density of 1 g / cm3. When pieces or items (e.g., plastic) enter or are introduced into the separation tank, any items with a density greater than that of the liquid (e.g., water) will sink. The stream of heavy items collects at the bottom of the tank and can be forced out of the machine, possibly using a screw conveyor. Similarly, any material with a density less than that of the liquid will float and exit the machine at the top. Additives may be added to the liquid to enhance the separation process.

[0051] Some sensor-based sorting machines are manufactured by TOMRA™ Recycling in Germany. For example, a visual spectrometric sensor can be used to remove certain materials from a waste stream. An eddy current is another type of separator or sensor that can be used.

[0052] It is perhaps more common to sort various plastics by spreading them on a conveyor belt, optionally identifying the plastic to be sorted using an infrared detector (e.g., near infrared (NIR) or shortwave infrared (SWIR)) and sorting the plastic with an actuator or air jet. The standard infrared (IR) detector can be replaced or supplemented by hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy (HIS) to recognize a product in full form or by an X-ray fluorescence detector to recognize heavy elements, such as chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br).

[0053] New sorting technologies are constantly being developed. For example, trace-based sorting uses fluorescent pigments embedded in the plastic substrate or sleeve. These pigments are only visible under UV light in the sorting plant. Another technology uses digital watermarks, for example, codes that are embedded in the packaging design, and which can be detected by cameras on high-speed sorting lines. A watermark can carry or reveal information about the product and its packaging. Yet another technology is robotic sorting, which applies artificial intelligence to assist cameras and robotic arms in sorting plastics on conveyor belts. Each of the recycling techniques discussed above can be used with the currently disclosed technology.

[0054] Optionally, the backing 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 made of one or the same polyolefin as the liner and backing decreases the ratio of contaminated material from the active layer by increasing the amount of uncontaminated material in the blister package. Alternatively, the second polymer (or second polyolefin) may be different from the first polymer (or first polyolefin).

[0055] As used herein, the term "polyolefin" refers to a polymer that can be considered the product of an olefin (e.g., ethylene, CH2=CH 2) that has reacted to form a polymer (e.g., polyethylene). Some polyolefins can be considered the polymerization product of an α-olefin (CH2=CHR). Some polyolefins have the formula (CH2-CHR)n. The polyolefin need not be obtained by such a reaction. Examples of polyolefins include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl acetate.

[0056] The carrier 112 and the cover 114 may optionally be formed from a thermoformed, optionally transparent, film rather than from a conventional plastic cover and sheet carrier, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603. Alternatively, the carrier 112 and the cover 114 may be formed from copolyester or copolyester film. Examples of copolyester include PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), PCTG (modified polycyclohexylene dimethylene glycol terephthalate) and PCTA (1,4-cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate-co-isophthalate).

[0057] Embodiments of the currently disclosed technology are distinguishable from the technology disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603, at least based on the material used to make the carrier and the manner in which the carrier is constructed or formed. For example, lines 23-37 of column 4 of U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603 ​​disclose sufficient heating of a cover sheet such that a polymer sealant layer becomes flexible, and adhesion of an active film to the softened polymer layer of the cover film. Despite the thin polymer sealant layer, the carrier itself of U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603 ​​includes a foil, which would interfere with or make recycling of this blister package difficult or impossible.

[0058] In one possible embodiment of the disclosed concept, the support 112, the cover 114 and / or the active component 116 are formed from a material manufactured by TEKNLPLEX™ 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 could be one of the PX7 to PX30 produced by TEKNLPLEX™.

[0059] In another possible embodiment of the disclosed concept, the support 112, the cover 114, the non-active layer 115 and / or the active layer 116 do not contain PVC or other chlorinated polymers.

[0060] In another possible embodiment of the disclosed concept, the support 112, the cover 114, the non-active layer 115 and / or the active layer 116 do not contain fluoropolymers.

[0061] In one embodiment, the blister pack 110 of the presently disclosed technology includes a sufficient amount and / or a specific location of active material to preserve or extend the shelf life of the product(s) 117 contained therein without "contaminating" the blister pack 110 with too much non-recyclable material that would prevent or prohibit recycling of the blister pack 110 after removal of the product(s). Optionally, the blister pack 110 contains an active mineral material that has a sufficiently low amount of mineral filler as a proportion of the entire blister pack or package on a mass basis, so as not to prevent recycling of the blister pack 110.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the active layer 116 may be formed of an active polymeric material. In such an embodiment, the support 112 and / or the cover 114 are capable of moderating the environment within the cavity, for example by sorbing moisture, trapping oxygen, trapping volatile compounds, or releasing a gas that affects the product(s) 117 within. of the cavity, for example. In addition, this construction allows the support 112 and / or the cover 114 to preserve or extend the shelf life of the product 117 stored within the cavity. In this possible embodiment, the active polymeric material is a recyclable material and / or a material that has a sufficiently low mass of mineral content relative to the entire package such that it would not “contaminate” the remainder of the blister package 110 in a manner that would prevent or otherwise prohibit recyclability.

[0063] Optionally, the blister pack 110 and / or portions thereof may be formed from one or more biodegradable materials.

[0064] The holder 112 and / or the cover 114 may be constructed such that each of the at least one cavity 118 may be opened to dispense the product 117, for example by pushing only, or by pushing and pulling, on one of the holder 112 and / or the cover 114. Further, each of the at least one cavity may optionally be subsequently sterilized, refilled, and then resealed.

[0065] In one embodiment, the support 112 and the cover 114 may have a water vapor transmission rate ranging from 0.07 g / 100 in2 / d to 0.58 g / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 90%. In another embodiment, the support 112 and the cover 114 may have an oxygen transmission rate ranging from 0.18 cm3 / 100 in2 / d to 1.4 cm3 / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0066] Optionally, the active polymeric material contains a desiccant. This would occur in embodiments where moisture absorption or adsorption is desired. However, when 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 contains a material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, carbon black, ketcham black, and diamond powder. In another embodiment, an active agent comprising one or more layers of the active element 116 contains a material such as absorption microspheres, BaTiO3, SrTiO3, SiO2, Al2O3, ZnO, TiO2, MnO, CuO, Sb2O3, silica, calcium oxide, and ion exchange resins.In yet another embodiment, the layer containing the absorbent or adsorbent agent of the active polymeric material contains two or more types of absorbent or adsorbent agents. The appropriate absorbent or adsorbent agent is selected so as to achieve the desired vapor or gas trapping for the desired end use (e.g., absorption or adsorption of moisture, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other undesirable gases or vapors).

[0067] The active polymeric material (whether a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, a releasing material or agent, etc., or a combination thereof) is capable of acting on, 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., sorption, in general), or release of a selected material.

[0068] The active polymeric material or active component may comprise an "active agent" in a base material. The active agent (i) may be immiscible with the base material (e.g., a polymer, polyolefin, or other synthetic fiber) and when mixed and heated with the base material and a channeling agent, will not melt, i.e., have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the base material or channeling agent, and / or (ii) acts on, interacts, or reacts with a selected material. The term "active agent" may include, but is not limited to, materials that absorb, adsorb, or release the selected material(s).The active agents according to the presently 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 solely to particulate active agents. For example, in some embodiments, an oxygen-scavenging formulation may be made from a resin that acts as the active agent or as a component thereof.

[0069] As used herein, the term "base material" is a component (possibly a polymer or synthetic fiber) of an entrained active material, other than the active agent, that provides structure to the entrained material.

[0070] As used herein, the term "base polymer" is a base material that is a polymer optionally having a gas transmission rate of a selected material that is substantially less, lower, or substantially equivalent to that of the channeling agent (when a channeling agent is used). 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, for example polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, . polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

[0071] Referring to such a comparison of the water vapor transmission rate of the base polymer and the channeling agent, in one embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twice that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least five times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least ten times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least twenty times that of the base polymer. In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least fifty times that of the base polymer.In another embodiment, the channeling agent has a water vapor transmission rate of at least one hundred times that of the base polymer.

[0072] As used herein, the term "channeling agent" or "channeling agents" is defined as a material (preferably a polymeric material) that is immiscible with the base polymer and has an affinity for transporting a gas-phase substance at a faster rate than the base polymer. 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 transmitting a selected material through the entrained polymer at a faster rate than in the base polymer alone.

[0073] As used herein, the term "channels" or "interconnecting channels" is defined as passages formed of the channeling agent that penetrate through the base polymer and can be interconnected with each other.

[0074] As used herein, the term "entrained polymer" is defined as a monolithic material formed from at least one base polymer with an active agent dispersed therein and optionally also a channeling agent entrained or distributed throughout. An entrained polymer thus includes two-phase polymers and three-phase polymers. A "mineral-filled polymer" is a type of entrained polymer, the active agent being in the form of minerals, for example, 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, wherein the base material may or may not be polymeric.

[0075] As used herein, the term "monolithic", "monolithic structure" or "monolithic composition" is defined as a composition or material that does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers or parts. Accordingly, a "monolithic composition" does not comprise a multi-layer composite, although it may constitute one layer of such a composite.

[0076] As used herein, the term "phase" is defined as a part or component of a monolithic structure or composition that is uniformly distributed throughout the structure or composition, to give the structure or composition its monolithic characteristics.

[0077] As used herein, the term "selected material" is defined as a material that is acted upon, interacted with, or reacted with an active agent and is capable of being transmitted through the channels of an entrained polymer. For example, in embodiments in which 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 in which a release material is used as the active agent, the selected material may be an agent released by the release material, such as moisture, a fragrance, or an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorine dioxide).In embodiments wherein 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.

[0078] 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 currently disclosed technology would be an entrained polymer formed from a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent. Optionally, a three-phase composition or structure may comprise an additional phase, for example, a colorant.

[0079] The entrained polymers may be two-phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer and an active agent, without a channeling agent) or three-phase formulations (i.e., comprising a base polymer, an active agent, and a channeling agent). The 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. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0039955.

[0080] An entrained material or polymer comprises a base material (e.g., a polymer) to provide a structure, optionally a channeling agent, and an active agent. The channeling agent forms microscopic interconnecting channels through the entrained polymer. At least a portion of the active agent is contained within these channels, such that the channels communicate between the active agent and the exterior of the entrained polymer via microscopic channel openings formed on external surfaces of the entrained polymer. The active agent may be, for example, example, any of a variety of absorbent, adsorbent, or release materials, as described in more detail below. Although a channeling agent is preferred, the invention broadly includes entrained materials that optionally do not include channeling agents, e.g., biphasic polymers.

[0081] In any embodiment, suitable channeling agents may include a polyglycol such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), glycerin 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 monobutyl ether of propylene oxide polymer, such as Polyglykol B01 / 240, produced by CLARIANT. In other embodiments, the channeling agent could be a monobutyl ether of propylene oxide polymer, such as Polyglykol B01 / 20, produced by CLARIANT, a propylene oxide polymer, such as Polyglykol DO 1 / 240, produced by CLARIANT, of ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon 6, nylon 66, or any combination of the above.

[0082] Suitable active agents according to the presently disclosed technology include absorbent or adsorbent materials (generally, sorbents), such as dehydrating compounds. If the active agent is a desiccant, any desiccant suitable for a given application may be used. Generally, physically sorbing desiccants are preferred for many applications. These may include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays, and starches. Alternatively, the desiccant may be a chemical compound that forms water-containing crystals or compounds that react with water to form new compounds.

[0083] Optionally, in any embodiment, the active agent may be an oxygen scavenger, for example, an oxygen scavenger resin formulation such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,893,145.

[0084] In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a metal-based oxygen scavenger. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises a zero-valent metal. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises a zero-valent metal in particulate or nanoparticle form. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises an ionic metal, optionally in the +1 or +2 oxidation state. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a metal complex comprising an organic ligand.

[0085] In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a non-metal. In some embodiments, the non-metal is an organic compound. In some embodiments, the organic compound is a polyolefin. In In some embodiments, the organic compound is selected from a phenol and a hydroquinone. In some embodiments, the organic compound comprises a porphyrin. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a naturally occurring substance.

[0086] In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises a polyene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises a conjugated polyene. In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenger is a free radical scavenger. Some free radical scavengers contain phenolic moieties, such as BHA, BHT, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and α-tocopherol. Some free radical scavengers are enols, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Some free radical scavengers contain a weak XH bond (X=N, O, S), including, but not limited to, thiols, uric acid, and bilirubin. Some free radical scavengers contain polyene moieties, such as [3-carotene and other carotenoids. Some free radical scavengers contain conjugated or unconjugated dienes, such as α-terpinene and γ-terpinene, respectively, as well as certain fats and unsaturated fatty acids.In some optional embodiments, the oxygen scavenger comprises ascorbic acid, or a salt, ester, lactone or stereoisomer thereof.

[0087] Optionally, in any embodiment, to facilitate recyclability of the blister pack 110, an active of the active component or the active within the entire blister pack 110 may represent exactly or approximately 5%, or optionally 4-6%, or optionally 2-8%, of the total mass of the blister pack 110. More specifically, the active component 116 may comprise a molecular sieve, and the total mass of the entire 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.

[0088] Optionally, to facilitate the recyclability of the blister packaging 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.

[0089] Optionally, a low mineral filler as described herein, used in the active component 116 in proportion to the total mass of the blister pack, with the substantial remainder of the blister pack being made of the same polymeric material, prevents “contamination” of the blister pack 110 for recycling purposes, while 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 types of materials (including foils, paper, plastic, etc.) and are therefore not recyclable or difficult to recycle. In other words, the disclosed concept is unique at least in that it relates to a blister pack which is primarily composed of a polymer or the same polymer with a relatively small particulate component (or other active component) in proportion to the total mass of the blister pack. This enables blister packs according to the disclosed concept to be recycled, whereas prior art blister packs containing active components are not recyclable or are difficult to recycle.

[0090] The presently disclosed technology includes methods of making, using, and / or recycling the blister package(s) 110. One of the methods includes (i) providing and / or forming a lid 114 having at least one shell 118 having one or more of the features described above, (ii) placing a product 117 in each shell 118, (iii) attaching one or more spaced active components 116 to a carrier 112, and (iii) attaching or adhering the carrier 112 to the lid 114 to form a sealed package around the product 117 and the multi-layer component.

[0091] As used herein, the term "provide" is broadly defined to include receiving, taking, placing, positioning, placing, locating, and / or using. When a user desires to access the product 117, at least a portion of the holder 112 may be separated from the cover 114 (e.g., by push / pull or pull only) or broken to expose the product 117.

[0092] Optionally, any of the films used with the presently disclosed technology can be formed in various ways, such as by extrusion, blowing, or molding.

[0093] [Fig. 4] shows another embodiment of the blister package 110 of the presently disclosed technology. The blister package 110 illustrated in [Fig. 4] has certain components or aspects that are similar or identical to those illustrated in [Fig. 3] and discussed above. Thus, the description of certain similarities between the embodiment of [Fig. 4] and the embodiment of [Fig. 3] may be omitted herein solely for convenience and brevity.

[0094] A distinguishing feature of the present embodiment is that the cover 114 includes a dome portion 120 and a base portion 122, and a multi-layer 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-entrained polymer film or an oxygen scavenger-entrained polymer film.

[0095] The multilayer component may be thermally attached (without adhesive) to the first side 112a of the backing 112. The method of thermally attaching a film to a substrate is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 8,142,603. It is contemplated that, either by thermal attachment or otherwise, the multilayer component may be attached to the support 112 by heat sealing (via thermal bonding) and without a separate adhesive material. The multilayer component may be attached to the support 112 or otherwise substantially limited in its mobility within the cavity by other mechanical or chemical means, such as by adhesive or interference fit.

[0096] Optionally, the multi-layer component is not attached or fixed to the support 112, but the multi-layer component may be movable relative to the support 112.

[0097] [Fig. 5] shows another embodiment of the blister package 110 of the presently disclosed technology. The blister package 110 illustrated in [Fig. 5] has certain components or aspects that are similar or identical to those illustrated in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4] and discussed above. Thus, the description of certain similarities between the embodiment of [Fig. 5] and the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4 may be omitted herein solely for convenience and brevity.

[0098] A distinctive feature of the blister package 110 illustrated in [Fig. 5] is the inclusion of only the product 117 and the non-active layer 115 within the cavity 118. Thus, the active layer 116 of the previous embodiments is omitted. One advantage of this embodiment is the cost reduction achieved by omitting the active layer 116. The single non-active layer provides additional barrier protection to the product 117. The non-active layer 115 may be formed from polyethylene or polypropylene, for example.

[0099] [Fig. 6] shows the carrier 112 and the lid 114 of a possible embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. The carrier 112 and / or the lid 114 may include one or more spaced portions of increased thickness 113, 119, respectively. When the carrier 112 and / or the lid 114 are used to form the blister package, the portions of increased thickness correspond to the cavities, thereby increasing the barrier properties at the cavities. This improves the ability of the blister package to reduce penetration and preserve the product(s) contained therein. A multi-layer component or a single non-active layer may be included or omitted from each cavity.

[0100] The following exemplary embodiments describe in more detail possible aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this detailed description. These exemplary embodiments are presented in a format substantially similar to the claims, although they do not technically constitute claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as "embodiments" rather than "claims."

[0101] IA. A recyclable blister pack, the blister pack comprising:

[0102] a support;

[0103] a lid attached to the holder, wherein the lid and the holder in combination form at least one cavity for containing at least one product therein; and

[0104] a multilayer component located inside or in fluid communication with the interior of the cavity, the active component comprising a base,

[0105] wherein the cover, the support and the multi-layer component are formed from the same material.

[0106] 2A. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IA, wherein the material is recyclable.

[0107] 3A. The recyclable blister packaging according to embodiment IA or IB, in which the material is a polyolefin.

[0108] 4A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 3A, wherein the cover and the support are formed from a transparent thermoformed film.

[0109] 5A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 4A, wherein the support and the cover are formed from a copolyester film.

[0110] 6A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 5A, wherein the carrier and cover have a moisture vapor transmission rate ranging from 0.07 g / 100 in2 / d to 0.58 g / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 90%.

[0111] 7A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 6A, wherein the support and cover have an oxygen transmission rate ranging from 0.18 cm3 / 100 in2 / d to 1.4 cm3 / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0112] 8A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 7A, wherein the carrier and the cover are an extruded film, the multilayer component comprises at least one of a desiccant and an oxygen scavenger.

[0113] 9A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 8A, wherein the support 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, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylonitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane, polyacetal, copolymers thereof or mixtures thereof.

[0114] 10A. The recyclable blister packaging according to any one of the embodiments IA to 9A, wherein the multilayer component has an active layer under the form of an active polymer film superimposed on a non-active layer of the multilayer component.

[0115] 1 IA. The method according to embodiment 10A, wherein the active polymer film is made of recyclable material.

[0116] IB. A method of recycling a blister pack without product inside or after the product has been removed from the blister pack, the method comprising:

[0117] obtaining a blister pack comprising a support, a cover and a multilayer component formed from a polyolefin; and

[0118] the treatment of the blister packaging by a recycling sorting process.

[0119] 2B. The method according to embodiment IB, in which the component multi-layer comprises an active layer comprising a molecular sieve having a mass of 5% or less relative to a total mass of the blister pack.

[0120] 3B. The method according to embodiment IB, in which the active layer comprises a molecular sieve having a mass of 4 to 6% of a total mass of the blister pack.

[0121] 4B. The method according to embodiment IB, in which the active layer comprises a molecular sieve having a mass of 2 to 8% of a total mass of the blister pack.

[0122] 5B. The method according to any one of embodiments 1B to 4B, wherein The recycling sorting process is one of air classifier, gravity flotation sorter and sensor-based sorting.

[0123] IC. A method of recycling a blister pack without product inside or after the product has been removed from the blister pack, the method comprising:

[0124] obtaining a blister pack comprising a support, a cover and a multilayer component formed from a synthetic fiber; and

[0125] the treatment of the blister packaging through a recycling sorting process.

[0126] 1D. A method of forming at least a portion of a blister pack recyclable, the process comprising:

[0127] thermal fixing of one or more multilayer components on a polymer support, each multilayer component comprising an active layer comprising a polymer base.

[0128] 2D. The method according to embodiment 1D, wherein the active layer comprises an active component or a molecular sieve, the active component or molecular sieve having a mass of 8% or less of a total mass of the blister pack.

[0129] 1F. A method of recycling used blister packaging, the method comprising:

[0130] processing a plurality of used articles through a sorting process, the plurality of used articles comprising one or more blister packs; and

[0131] wherein the polymeric components of the plurality of used articles are separated from the non-polymeric components of the plurality of used articles.

[0132] 2F. The method according to embodiment 1F, wherein each of the one or Multiple blister packs include a backing, a lid, and a multi-layer component made of a polymer.

[0133] 3F. The method according to embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the process of sorting is one of air classification, gravity flotation sorting or sensor-based sorting.

[0134] 4F. The method according to embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the sorting process involves creating a column of rising air to separate the plurality of used items.

[0135] 5F. The method according to embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the process of sorting includes using one or more magnets to separate the metal components of the plurality of used items from the polymer components of the plurality of used items.

[0136] 6F. The method according to embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the process of sorting includes dropping the plurality of used articles to use gravity to separate the polyolefin components of the plurality of used articles from the non-polyolefin components of the plurality of used articles.

[0137] 7F. The method according to embodiment 1F or 2F, wherein the process sorting comprises 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.

[0138] IG. A recyclable blister pack configured to contain at least one product, the at least one product being a consumable product in pill, tablet, capsule, or powder form, the blister pack comprising:

[0139] a support;

[0140] a lid attached to the holder, the lid and the holder in combination form at least one cavity configured to contain the at least one product therein; and

[0141] a multilayer component attached to the support or positioned within the at least one cavity, the multilayer component comprising an active layer and a non-active layer, the non-active layer being disposed between the active layer and the support,

[0142] wherein the active layer comprises a molecular sieve, a total mass of the molecular sieve being 8% or less of a total mass of the blister package, and

[0143] wherein the blister pack is configured to be recycled.

[0144] 2G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the molecular sieve represents between 2 and 8% of the total mass of the blister pack.

[0145] 3G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the molecular sieve represents between 4 and 6% of the total mass of the blister pack.

[0146] 4G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the non-active layer is attached to the support.

[0147] 5G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the multi-layer component is attached to the substrate by a thermal seal and without separate adhesive material.

[0148] 6G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the active layer is a film entrained by a desiccant.

[0149] 7G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the active layer contains zeolite.

[0150] 8G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein a base of the active layer is formed from a first polyolefin.

[0151] 9G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment 8G, wherein the non-active layer and the cover are formed from a second polyolefin.

[0152] 10G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment 9G, wherein the first polyolefin is the same polyolefin as the second polyolefin.

[0153] 1 IG. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment 9G, wherein the first polyolefin is a different polyolefin from the second polyolefin.

[0154] 12G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the backing and cover have a water vapor transmission rate ranging from 0.07 g / 100 in2 / d to 0.58 g / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 90%.

[0155] 13G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the support and cover have an oxygen transmission rate ranging from 0.18 cm3 / 100 in2 / d to 1.4 cm3 / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0156] 14G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the non-active layer is loaded with a particle configured to make the non-active layer brittle.

[0157] 15G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the non-active layer provides at least one force point, configured to pierce the cover.

[0158] 16G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein a adhesive adheres the non-active layer to the active layer.

[0159] 17G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the non-active layer is of equivalent length and equivalent width to those of the active layer.

[0160] 18G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the non-active layer has a length and width less than those of the active layer.

[0161] 19G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the active layer has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0162] 20G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the active layer has a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.

[0163] 21 G. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment IG, wherein the The cover and the support are made of a transparent thermoformed film.

[0164] 1H. A method of manufacturing a recyclable blister pack, the method including:

[0165] attaching a plurality of multi-layer components to a backing, the multi-layer components being attached to the backing in a spaced-apart arrangement, each multi-layer component comprising an active layer having a base formed of a first polyolefin, each active layer comprising a molecular sieve, a total mass of the molecular sieve being 8% or less relative to a total mass of the blister package;

[0166] placing a product within each shell of a lid that has a plurality of shells in a spaced-apart arrangement, the lid being formed of a second polyolefin; and

[0167] securing the combined active components and the support to the cover such that each active component is located in one of the shells.

[0168] 2H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein a sealed cavity surrounds each pairing of product and active ingredient.

[0169] 3H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein a sealed cavity surrounds each pairing of product and active ingredient.

[0170] 4H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein a longitudinal axis of each shell extends parallel to one edge of the support.

[0171] 5H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein the support and the cover have a water vapor transmission rate ranging from 0.07 g / 100 in2 / d to 0.58 g / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 90%.

[0172] 6H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein the support and the cover have an oxygen transmission rate ranging from 0.18 cm3 / 100 in2 / d to 1.4 cm3 / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0173] 7H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein the first polyolefin is the same polyolefin as the second polyolefin.

[0174] 8H. The method according to embodiment 1H, wherein the first polyolefin is different from the second polyolefin.

[0175] II. A recyclable blister pack configured to contain at least one product, the at least one product 117 being a consumable product in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule or powder, the blister pack comprising:

[0176] a support 112; and

[0177] a cover 114 attached to the support 112, the cover 114 and the support 112 in combination forming at least one cavity configured to contain the at least one product 117 therein,

[0178] characterized in that a non-active layer 115 is attached to the support 112 or configured to be positioned inside the at least one cavity between the at least one product 117 and the support 112, the non-active layer 115 being devoid of active component,

[0179] wherein a space or gap exists around an entire periphery of the non-active layer 115 and an interior surface of the support 112 within the at least one cavity.

[0180] 21. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment II, wherein the non-active layer 115 is formed of polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0181] 31. The recyclable blister pack according to embodiment II or 21, wherein the gap or spacing is 1 mm or less wide.

[0182] 41. The recyclable blister packaging according to any of the embodiments previous II to 31, in which the blister packaging 110 is configured to be recycled.

[0183] IJ. A method of manufacturing a recyclable blister pack, the method comprising:

[0184] placing a product 117 within each shell 118 of a lid 114 that includes a plurality of shells 118 in a spaced arrangement, the lid 114 being formed of a polyolefin and

[0185] fixing a support 112 to the cover 114, the support 112 being formed from a polyolefin, each product 117 being located inside one of the shells 118.

[0186] 2J. The method according to embodiment IJ, further comprising: fixing of a plurality of active layers 116 to the support 112 in a spaced arrangement prior to attaching the support 112 to the cover 114.

[0187] 3J. The method according to embodiment IJ or 2J, in which the cover 114 has one or more spaced portions of increased thickness.

[0188] 4L The method according to any one of embodiments IJ to 3J, wherein the support 112 comprises one or more spaced portions of increased thickness.

[0189] Although the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is therefore understood that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A recyclable blister pack (110) configured to contain at least one product (117), the at least one product (117) being a consumable product in the form of a pill, tablet, capsule or powder, the blister pack comprising: a carrier (112); and a lid (114) attached to the carrier (112), the lid (114) and the carrier (112) in combination forming at least one cavity (118) configured to contain the at least one product (117) therein, characterized in that a multi-layer component (115, 116) is attached to the carrier or positioned within the at least one cavity (118), the multi-layer component (115, 116) comprising an active layer (116) and a non-active layer (115), the non-active layer (115) being disposed between the active layer (116) and the carrier (112); wherein the active layer (116) is a film.

2. The recyclable blister pack of claim 1, wherein the active layer (116) comprises a molecular sieve, a total mass of the molecular sieve being 8% or less of a total mass of the blister pack (110).

3. A recyclable blister pack according to claim 2, wherein the molecular sieve represents between 4 and 6% of the total mass of the blister pack (110).

4. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the multi-layer component (115, 116) is attached to the backing (112) by a heat seal and without a separate adhesive material.

5. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein a base of the active layer (116) is formed from a first polyolefin and the lid (114) and the non-active layer (115) are formed from a second polyolefin.

6. A recyclable blister pack according to claim 5, wherein the first polyolefin and the second polyolefin are the same.

7. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier (112) and the lid (114) have a moisture vapor transmission rate ranging from 0.07 g / 100 in2 / d to 0.58 g / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 90%.

8. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrier (112) and the lid (114) have an oxygen transmission rate ranging from 0.18 cm3 / 100 in2 / d to 1.4 cm3 / 100 in2 / d at an ambient temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

9. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-active layer (115) is loaded with a particle configured to render the non-active layer (115) brittle.

10. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein an adhesive adheres the non-active layer (115) to the active layer (116).

11. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-active layer (115) and the active layer (116) have the same length and width.

12. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the active layer (116) has a thickness of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, optionally 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.

13. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid (114) and the support (112) are formed from a transparent thermoformed film.

14. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the blister pack is configured to be recycled.

15. A recyclable blister pack according to any preceding claim, wherein a gap exists around an entire periphery of the non-active layer (115) and an interior surface of the backing (112).

16. A recyclable package according to claim 15, wherein the gap is 1 mm or less wide.

17. A method of recycling the recyclable packaging according to any preceding claim without product inside or after the product has been removed from the blister pack, the method comprising treating the blister pack by a recycling sorting process.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the recycling sorting method is one of an air classifier, a gravity flotation sorter, and a sensor-based sorting.