Pharmaceutical packaging materials play an important role in protecting products from environmental factors that may affect their quality and stability. Depending on the product and packaging system, the transmission of oxygen, water vapor and other gases can be an important factor when evaluating material performance.
Barrier testing for pharmaceutical packaging helps laboratories characterize the transmission properties of packaging materials and compare different materials and structures under defined test conditions.
ExtraSolution provides instruments for measuring oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO₂TR) through films and barrier materials.
Why Evaluate the Barrier Properties of Pharmaceutical Packaging?
Packaging materials must be selected according to the requirements of the product, the packaging design and the intended storage conditions. Understanding their barrier properties can support material selection, development and quality control.
Permeability testing helps laboratories:
- Characterize the gas and moisture barrier properties of packaging materials.
- Compare films, laminates and multilayer structures.
- Evaluate alternative packaging materials during research and development.
- Support material qualification activities.
- Monitor material performance as part of quality control.
- Generate measurement data for packaging development and evaluation.
The relevance of each measurement depends on the pharmaceutical product, the packaging configuration and the requirements established for the application.
Which Permeability Parameters Are Relevant?
Different measurements provide information about the transmission of specific substances through packaging materials.
Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)
OTR measures the amount of oxygen passing through a material under specified test conditions.
Oxygen transmission may be relevant when evaluating packaging materials for products that require protection from oxygen exposure. OTR testing helps characterize and compare the oxygen barrier performance of different films and packaging structures.
Learn more about Oxygen Permeability and OTR: Measurement and Analysis.
Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)
WVTR measures the amount of water vapor passing through a material under specified test conditions.
Moisture barrier performance can be an important consideration when evaluating packaging materials for products sensitive to moisture. WVTR testing helps characterize the resistance of films and other suitable materials to water vapor transmission.
Learn more about Water Vapor Permeability and WVTR: Measurement and Analysis.
Carbon Dioxide Transmission Rate (CO₂TR)
CO₂TR measures the amount of carbon dioxide passing through a material under specified test conditions.
Although oxygen and water vapor measurements are often central to pharmaceutical packaging evaluation, CO₂TR can be relevant for selected materials or specific testing requirements.
Learn more about CO₂ Permeability and CO₂TR: Measurement and Analysis.
Which Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials Can Be Tested?
Depending on the instrument configuration, sample characteristics and applicable test method, permeability testing can be used to characterize materials such as:
- Plastic films
- Barrier films
- Multilayer films and laminates
- Metallized films
- Co-extruded structures
- Flexible packaging materials
The suitability of a material for a particular test depends on its composition, structure, thickness and the measurement requirements.
The Importance of Barrier Properties in Packaging Materials
Packaging structures may combine multiple materials to achieve the required combination of barrier, mechanical and processing properties.
When evaluating pharmaceutical packaging, laboratories may need to consider:
Material Composition
Different materials can exhibit different transmission characteristics. Characterizing the selected material helps establish its barrier performance under the test conditions used.
Multilayer Structures
Laminates and multilayer films combine different layers to achieve specific material properties. Testing the complete structure helps evaluate its overall gas and moisture barrier performance.
Temperature and Relative Humidity
Environmental conditions can affect transmission measurements. Test temperature and relative humidity should be selected and documented according to the material and the applicable test method.
Consistency Between Materials
Comparative testing can help laboratories evaluate alternative materials or investigate differences between samples. Meaningful comparisons require consistent, clearly defined test conditions.
How Is Pharmaceutical Packaging Permeability Measured?
Permeability testing measures the transmission of a selected gas or water vapor through a sample under defined conditions.
The appropriate measurement depends on the material, the parameter being evaluated and the applicable test method.
Important considerations include:
- Measurement parameter: determine whether OTR, WVTR or CO₂TR is required.
- Material and structure: consider the composition, thickness and construction of the packaging material.
- Test conditions: establish the appropriate temperature and relative humidity.
- Sample preparation: follow the preparation and mounting requirements of the selected method.
- Measurement range: ensure that the instrument is suitable for the expected transmission values.
- Documentation: record the test conditions and results so that measurements can be interpreted and compared appropriately.
Permeability results should be evaluated alongside the specific requirements of the packaging application. A permeability measurement alone does not establish the overall suitability, safety or regulatory compliance of a pharmaceutical package.
How to Choose a Permeability Tester for Pharmaceutical Packaging
The most suitable instrument depends on the materials being tested and the measurement requirements of the laboratory.
When selecting a permeability tester, consider:
- Which transmission parameters are required: OTR, WVTR, CO₂TR or a combination.
- The types of films and barrier materials to be evaluated.
- The required temperature and humidity conditions.
- The expected measurement range.
- The applicable test methods and documentation requirements.
- Whether the laboratory needs to evaluate multiple barrier properties using one instrument.
Defining these requirements helps identify a suitable testing configuration for material development, qualification and quality control.
ExtraSolution Instruments for Pharmaceutical Packaging Barrier Testing
ExtraSolution offers permeability testing solutions for characterizing films and barrier materials. The appropriate instrument depends on the transmission parameters required for the application.
MultiPerm O2-CO2
Measures oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO₂TR).
Explore MultiPerm O2-CO2.
MultiPerm O2-H2O
Measures oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).
Explore MultiPerm O2-H2O.
MultiPerm H2O-CO2
Measures water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO₂TR).
Explore MultiPerm H2O-CO2.
TotalPerm
Combines OTR, CO₂TR and WVTR measurement capabilities in one integrated system.
Explore TotalPerm.
PermeH2O
Provides a dedicated solution for measuring water vapor transmission rate (WVTR).
Explore PermeH2O.
Characterize Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials with ExtraSolution
Permeability testing can support the characterization and comparison of pharmaceutical packaging materials by providing data on gas and moisture transmission under defined test conditions.
ExtraSolution offers solutions for measuring OTR, WVTR and CO₂TR in films and barrier materials.
Contact ExtraSolution to discuss your material testing requirements and identify a suitable permeability measurement solution for your application.