IWK Packaging Systems launches recyclable cardboard blister machine for North American market

GERMANY – IWK Packaging Systems, a German manufacturer specializing in equipment for pharmaceutical, health, and beauty sectors, introduced the Cabliblue 870 Blister System to North America on December 5. 

This new machine produces fully recyclable cardboard blister packs using card-to-card technology, where both the blister cavity and lid consist of the same fiber-based material.

The system operates at a speed of about 22 large-capacity blisters per minute, making it efficient for high-volume production. 

Its modular setup supports customization for various blister formats, including shapes and sizes tailored to tablets, capsules, or cosmetics. 

Operators benefit from ergonomic features, such as accessible workstations and tool-free changeovers that minimize downtime. 

The transport pallet adjusts easily through a click-and-tighten mechanism, with built-in sensors alerting users when it’s securely locked. These elements allow seamless integration with manual or automated feeding lines.

In a company statement, IWK highlighted the machine’s role in shifting from plastic to fiber materials. 

“The Cabliblue 870 supports the move toward fiber-based packaging, which cuts down on single-use plastics,” the firm noted. 

Cardboard’s established recycling infrastructure ensures broad compatibility, and IWK’s handling expertise facilitates straightforward adoption for existing lines.

This launch arrives amid growing demands for eco-friendly options in pharmaceutical packaging, where safety and traceability remain priorities. 

For instance, ACG recently rolled out the DryPod, a desiccant-integrated cold-form blister pack designed for moisture-sensitive drugs. 

Priced at around US$500,000 for installation, it addresses limitations of co-extrusion methods, such as restricted machine compatibility and foil dependencies, while offering better on-site support.

In November, Australia’s Optical by National Pharmacies teamed up with Opticycle on a program to collect and recycle contact lens blister waste in Adelaide, targeting a 20% reduction in landfill contributions. 

Across the UK, Boots pharmacy chain extended its medicine and blister pack return scheme to 800 locations, processing over 100 tons of material annually at no cost to customers.

Further supporting these trends, ALPLA announced a pilot project on December 5 for recycling food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in collaboration with the Dutch government. 

The initiative, funded at US$2.5 million, aims to scale up to 5,000 tons of recycled content yearly by 2027, enhancing options for pharma-grade packaging.

IWK’s entry provides North American firms with a ready solution for compliant, sustainable production. 

Early adopters in the medical device sector report 30% material cost savings over plastic equivalents, with full recyclability verified under ASTM standards. 

As regulations tighten on plastic waste, such innovations help manufacturers meet targets without sacrificing output.

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