Clariant Healthcare Packaging, the controlled atmosphere packaging division of specialist chemicals company Clariant, is collaborating with French company PumpArt System in the introduction of the Tubairless dispensing technology to the pharmaceutical industry.
Tubairless combines an air chamber and a soft plastic pouch sealed within a flexible tube and helps protect sensitive cream-based products from the adverse effects of outside air.
The tube's internal pump prevents air-intake and product flow-back during dispensing, reducing the ingress of unwanted elements that can contaminate the contents. Protection can be further enhanced by integrating multiple protective barrier or active layers into the package.
'The Tubairless design appeals to both healthcare providers and patients,' said Elisa Le Floch, Business Development Manager at Clariant Healthcare Packaging. 'It not only can help address preservation issues as formulators look for ways to reduce or eliminate preservatives from formulations, but also can improve patient compliance with a user friendly experience.'
According to Clariant Healthcare Packaging, patients in studies have been shown to appreciate the ability to control the dosage more accurately without unexpected release or splashing.
Tubairless also allows for the almost complete evacuation of the product – at least 95% – providing a clear economic benefit.
Tubairless has only three parts compared with up to 20 with a piston pump system, which also contributes to its cost-effectiveness. From a sustainability perspective, it uses 25–50% less plastic than a conventional airless tube pump.
