What Is PVDC Coating? | High-Barrier Solution for Pharmaceutical Packaging

PVDC Coating Why Moisture, Oxygen, and Gas Matter in Pharmaceutical Packaging

PVDC Coating -Moisture, oxygen, and gas ingress pose serious risks in pharmaceutical packaging. Even very small exposure can reduce drug potency, shorten shelf life, or cause stability failures. This risk becomes even higher for tablets and capsules.

In practice, many pharmaceutical manufacturers discover that standard PVC or PET films cannot provide enough protection for moisture-sensitive formulations. As a result, packaging engineers often turn to PVDC coating as a proven and reliable barrier solution.

What Is PVDC Coating?

PVDC coating is a high-performance barrier layer made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). Manufacturers apply it as a thin coating onto base materials such as PVC film, PET film, or aluminum foil to significantly improve barrier performance.

Unlike ordinary plastic films, PVDC coating offers very low permeability to water vapor and gases. Therefore, the pharmaceutical industry widely uses it in blister packaging applications.

Simply put, PVDC-coated films provide strong moisture and oxygen protection while still maintaining transparency and good formability.

 

Why the Pharmaceutical Industry Widely Uses PVDC Coating

Over many years, the industry has recognized PVDC for its excellent barrier properties. When manufacturers use PVDC as a coating layer, it delivers a balanced combination of protection, processability, and cost efficiency.

Key performance advantages include:

Extremely low Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)

Strong oxygen and aroma barrier

Excellent adhesion to PVC, PET, and aluminum substrates

Reliable performance during thermoforming and heat sealing

Because of these benefits, pharmaceutical companies frequently select PVDC-coated films for solid oral dosage packaging that requires long-term stability.

 

Common PVDC-Coated Structures and Their Benefits

Different pharmaceutical products require different barrier levels. For this reason, manufacturers can adjust PVDC coating weight and substrate type to meet specific requirements.

PVC/PVDC Film

This structure remains the most common blister material worldwide. Compared with plain PVC, it offers a much better moisture barrier. In addition, it provides a cost-effective solution for moderately moisture-sensitive drugs.

PET/PVDC Film

PET/PVDC film delivers higher mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Moreover, it suits applications that demand better barrier performance and clarity. As a result, it performs well on high-speed blister forming lines.

Aluminum Foil with PVDC Coating

PVDC-coated aluminum foil improves sealing performance and interlayer adhesion. At the same time, it enhances compatibility with heat-seal lacquers. Therefore, manufacturers often use it in specialty blister or cold-form structures.

Together, these structures help pharmaceutical manufacturers optimize protection without unnecessary material cost.

 

PVDC Coating vs. Other Barrier Solutions

When selecting a barrier material, packaging engineers often compare PVDC coating with plain PVC, PCTFE (Aclar®), and full aluminum blister structures.

Compared with plain PVC, PVDC coating provides significantly better moisture protection.

Compared with PCTFE, PVDC offers a more economical option for medium-barrier requirements.

Compared with aluminum foil, PVDC-coated films retain transparency and formability.

For many pharmaceutical products, PVDC coating delivers the best balance between performance and cost, especially in large-scale commercial production.

 

Why Choose PVDC-Coated Materials from HealthPlast?

At HealthPlast, we supply pharmaceutical-grade PVDC-coated films and aluminum foil structures that meet global packaging standards.

Our solutions provide:

Consistent coating weight and uniform barrier performance

Smooth compatibility with standard blister forming and sealing equipment

Reliable quality control for long-term supply stability

Flexible support for customized structures based on drug requirements

Whether you package moisture-sensitive tablets or upgrade an existing blister structure, our technical team can help you select the right PVDC coating solution.

 

Contact HealthPlast for Technical Support and Samples

If you want to learn more about PVDC coating or need help choosing the right barrier structure, HealthPlast is ready to support you.

Contact us today to request technical data, samples, or a customized packaging solution for your pharmaceutical application.

FAQ: PVDC Film in Pharmaceutical Packaging

What is PVDC film used for?

PVDC coating improves the moisture and oxygen barrier performance of pharmaceutical packaging materials. Manufacturers commonly apply it to PVC or PET films in blister packaging to protect moisture-sensitive tablets and capsules.

Is PVDC coating suitable for all pharmaceutical products?

PVDC coating works well for medium to high moisture-sensitive drugs. However, extremely hygroscopic products may require PCTFE or aluminum-based structures, depending on stability targets and budget.

What is the difference between PVC/PVDC film and plain PVC film?

PVC/PVDC film offers a much lower WVTR than plain PVC. As a result, it improves drug stability and shelf life without major changes to forming or sealing processes.

Does PVDC coating affect blister transparency?

No. PVDC-coated films maintain good transparency, which allows clear visual inspection of tablets and capsules while still providing enhanced barrier protection.

Is PVDC coating compliant with pharmaceutical regulations?

Yes. Manufacturers produce pharmaceutical-grade PVDC coatings in compliance with relevant pharmacopoeia and regulatory standards when they follow controlled quality systems.

Can manufacturers customize PVDC coating for different barrier levels?

Yes. By adjusting the PVDC coating weight and substrate type, manufacturers can tailor barrier performance to specific drug stability requirements.