Pharmaceutical & healthcare packaging

SiO₂ barrier coating for pharmaceutical and medical packaging

In the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, product safety, hygiene and sterility are critical requirements.
At the same time, sustainability, recyclability and plastic-free packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important in regulated packaging environments.
With NP® SiOPack® , a water-based, inorganic SiObarrier coating technology for pharmaceutical and medical packaging, enabling paper-based packaging materials to achieve a reliable functional barrier against moisture, oils and microorganisms – without the use of polymer-based coating.

The technology enables food-contact compliant and hygienic paper-based packaging solutions that are industrially scalable and process-reliable. It represents an innovative and sustainable alternative to conventional plastic-based barrier systems, while meeting the strict regulatory and functional requirements of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Functional principle of the coating

NP® SiOPack® uses a water-based sol-gel process to apply an ultra-thin SiO​ layer (5-100 nm) to the paper surfaces.
After drying, a chemically stable, glass-like surface is formed, combining hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
The coating remains mechanically flexible and does not affect the tactile properties or visual appearance of the base material. At the same time, it provides a high-performance functional barrier coating for paper-based pharmaceutical and medical packaging, fulfilling the demanding protection and hygiene standards required in regulated packaging applications.

Technical properties:

Applications in pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging

The SiObarrier coating can be integrated into various paper-based pharmaceutical and medical packaging applications, enabling safe, hygienic, recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions that meet industry regulations.

Pharmaceutical packaging

Secondary packaging for tablets, blister packs

Key benefits

Germ resistance, moisture protection and migration control

Medical devices

Packaging for sterile medical instruments

Key benefits

Sterility assurance and antimicrobial barrier performance

Injection and infusion products

Packaging for syringes and infusion systems

Key benefits

Protection against chemical exposure and moisture ingress

Packaging for ointments and cream

Tubes, containers and folding cartons

Key benefits

Migration protection and hygienic barrier performance

The NP® SiOPack®​ approach provides the cosmetics and chemicals industries with a sustainable, food-contact compliant and process-compatible solution that combines functionality with regulatory compliance — ideal for the development of innovative, environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

SiOPack® is a water-based SiO₂ thin-film technology that equips paper and cardboard with functional barrier properties, enabling hygienic and safe packaging solutions.

The technology provides protection against moisture, oils and microorganisms, is recyclable, and at the same time meets the high hygiene and safety requirements of the industry.

Yes. The SiO₂ barrier can offer antimicrobial properties and supports applications where hygiene and sterility are crucial.

  • Secondary packaging for medicines
  • Packaging for medical devices
  • Packaging for injection and infusion products
  • Packaging for ointments and cream
Yes. Applications based on SiOPack® are fully recyclable within the paper recycling stream.

Yes. SiOPack® comes without polymer-based coatings and offers a sustainable alternative to plastic barriers.

Yes. The technology is designed for industrial production processes and can be integrated into existing facilities.

SiOPack® provides protection against moisture, oils, migration and microbiological influences while remaining mechanically flexible.

Yes. The technology meets the requirements for safe packaging and is suitable for applications with high hygiene standards.

The technology is particularly suitable for pharmaceutical secondary packaging, sterile medical products, and hygienic healthcare packaging.