A study presented at HealthPack 2006 by acrylic sheet manufacturer CYRO Industries, Dallas, (cyro.com) examines the challenges of rigid medical packaging and provides a comparative material analysis of acrylic-based multipolymers and copolyester.

The study showed that acrylic-based multipolymers can provide unambiguous tamper-evidence with a change in color after perforation. The study demonstrated the need for medical-part integrity with fail-proof packaging that reduces part failure and infection risks.

In rigid medical packaging, a breach in the seal area between the tray and lidstock currently serves as the traditional tampering indicator. The new color-change system gives medical personnel a second means to detect tampering. Acrylic-based multipolymers also offer a balance of properties that meets demands of the rigid medical packaging industry, such as down-gauging, stiffness, ease of inspection, durability, and sterilization compatibility.