Blog Posts /

The Role Of Desiccants In Pharmaceuticals

Jackson Wallace

December 15, 2022

Introduction:

As consistently one of the fastest growing industries in the world for the past two decades the pharmaceutical industry has grown to over 1.27 trillion dollars in 2020 and consists of complex manufacturing facilities and processes. However, one part of this chain that can sometimes be overlooked is the importance of desiccants.

 

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness in its vicinity. They are primarily used to combat water vapour from the air inside a package, moisture in or on the walls of the package or entry of moisture into the package due to permeation or leakage.

Many different materials & packaging applications can be used as desiccants.

 

Types of Desiccants Used in Pharmaceuticals:

Some of the different materials that can be used in the production of desiccants are:

Silica Gel - Silica gel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide (silica), consisting of an irregular tridimensionality framework of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with nanometre-scale voids and pores.

Molecular Sieve - Molecular sieves are crystalline metal aluminosilicates having a three-dimensional interconnecting network of silica and alumina tetrahedra.

 

Different Applications:

At Alchemy Performance Packaging we have a range of different products available that are suitable desiccants for pharmaceutical& nutraceuticals such as: 

●     Desiccant Canisters &Sachets

●     Desiccant Tubes & Washers

●     Barrier Bottles

 

All are available via the Pharmaceutical& Nutraceutical tab on our website above.

 

What To Consider When Selecting Desiccants:

When looking at what desiccant options are best suited for your product there are numerous factors that should be considered such as: 

●     The volume of the container

●     Rate of required absorption

●     Type of product

●     & Others!

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of using desiccants in your packaging process or need help understanding what option is best suited to your product feel free to contact us using the contact section of our website.