World Applied Sciences Journal 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011ISSN 1818-4952© IDOSI Publications, 2011

Corresponding Author: Anupama Singh, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineeringand Technology, Bypass Road, Baghpat Crossing, NH-58, Meerut-250005, U.P. India.Tel: +91-9720200161.

1703

Eco Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging Material

Anupama Singh, Pramod Kumar Sharma and Rishabha Malviya

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology,Bypass Road, Baghpat Crossing, NH-58, Meerut-250 005, U.P., India

Abstract: Eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging materials are the safe materials for environment whichenclose pharmaceutical product in any of the dosage forms. They may be derived from natural resources,like starches, proteins etc. that inflict little or nearly no harm on the environment and the environmentdependent species. This review highlight the eco friendly materials, their classification, uses, advantages andfinally summarizes the scope and future need in respect of pharmaceutical packaging. Classification hasbeen done under several categories based on their uses, chemical constituents and the type of raw materialused for its manufacturing. This review, details all the above mentioned aspects and the responsibility ofpharmaceutical sector for progressive development of such eco friendly packaging.

Key words: Environment friendly % Pharmaceutical packaging % Biodegradable % Recyclable % Reusable

INTRODUCTION light, oxygen and temperature variations. This type of

Pharmaceutical packaging materials are the collection (Pharma-grade Barrier films and Eco-friendly Halogen-of different components which surround the free films).pharmaceutical product since the time of production tillits use. Thus pharmaceutical packaging, as a Biological Protection: It is meant for the protectioncollective term, may be defined as the science, art against biological contaminants.and technology of enclosing or protecting productsfor distribution, storage, sale and usage including Physical Protection: It is meant for the protection ofprinted material, employed in the finishing of a pharmaceutical dosage forms against physical damage.pharmaceutical product [1, 2]. It serves as aneconomical means of providing identification, Information Communication: In pharmaceutical context,presentation, protection, information and convenience packagings should carry the information on the correctfrom the time of production until it is used or usage of dosage forms, their contents, their provenance,administered [3, 4]. side-effects and warnings.

The type of pharmaceutical packaging useddepends upon its function and type of the material used. Identification: It is meant for identification of the product.All packaging materials must finally be evaluated viatesting of selected materials, sterilization, storage and Security: Pharmaceutical packaging possesses certainstability studies. Packaging of pharmaceutical features to prevent it from counterfeiting. It alsoproducts plays a very significant role in the maintenance prevents small children from accessing the contents ofof their quality [1, 5]. formulations.

Functions of Packaging [6] Convenience: Packaging must be convenient enoughBarrier Protection: It is meant for protection against to increase consumer access to products andall adverse external influences that can alter the improve distribution, handling, selling and usingproperties of the product, which may include moisture, such products.

protection can be provided by using blister packing

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1704

Marketing: It is often used as marketing tool to provides a great alternative to plastic but with similardifferentiate a product and/or to convey a certain hard-wearing properties [13]. Once a product is inmessage or brand image to highlight the pharmaceutical the market it is difficult to improve the environmentalaspects for consumers. characteristics of packaging or a device hence,

The kind of packaging and the materials used must be environmental considerations are taken into accountchosen in such a way that: at an early stage of development [14]. Packaging

C Packaging itself does not produce any adverse for current ecological needs by providing efficienteffect on the quality of the pharmaceutical product ways to package the formulation in pharmaceuticalthrough chemical reactions, leaching of packaging industry [7]. These designs also aim to reduce thematerials, or absorption. amount of packaging material that is ultimately

C Product does not produce any adverse effect on disposed off. Greener packaging designs fulfillsthe quality of pharmaceutical packaging by the needs of most pharmaceutical manufacturerschanging its properties, or affecting its protective without sacrificing our environment. For this variousfunctions [7]. types of eco friendly packaging materials have been

C Packaging as well as the product itself should not developed. Packaging and devices are thereforehave any adverse effect on the environment. designed and manufactured to allow recycling of a

C Another important factor considered must be its certain percentage by weight or have a minimumlow cost, ease of fabrication, availability and calorific value to allow optimization of energyregulatory acceptance of the material as well as the recovery. Characteristics of eco friendlyfinal product used. packaging include that it should be well-designed,

The key philosophy of packaging is that it must be reusable [8].gentle to the environment and thus, most of the Pharma industry too is progressing towards thepharmaceutical companies are willing to accept this as use of such reusable materials to meet the growingtheir prime responsibility [8]. As a result pharmaceutical challenges of the present century. Two major conceptscompanies have also started the use of recycled of eco-friendly pharmaceutical packaging material areresources for packaging and made their packaging easier that they are either recyclable or biodegradable.to recycle [8]. With the advent of new technology and increasing

Eco Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging: The word cost-effective and many companies are boosting theireco friendly, also known as environmental friendly or sales due to their switch over to biodegradablenature friendly or green packaging materials are packaging. Cosmetics and natural health products arepackaging that uses environment safe materials in also enhancing their brand image by adopting suchits production thus to inflict minimal or no harm on type of packaging since, eco friendlythe environment. Such environmental friendly pharmaceutical packaging is one of the hottestpharmaceutical packaging materials often are marked ethical global trends. It also adds brand value to awith eco-labels. Various research and development particular product [15].projects are on the way to introduce the use of The development of environment friendlybiodegradable and eco friendly packaging materials. pharmaceutical packaging material technology is still inThe design of such biodegradable and eco friendly the phase of growth [14].packaging materials are the present day need andthus must be used to replace an existing packaging CLASSIFICATIONmaterial, or to complement one which are available inmarket [7, 8, 10-12]. Products for eco friendly packaging Environment friendly pharmaceutical packagingprovides options which include paper/ cardboard materials can be classified in several ways:(preferably recycled or from sustainable sources)and corn starch which are biodegradable in nature. C Based on their uses (given in Table 1) [16].Corn starch can be used to make a wide variety of C Based on the chemical constituent used.different products including bags, trays and boxes and C Polysaccharide.

design is challenging enough to provide a solution

streamlined, biodegradable and easily recyclable or

demand, biodegradable packaging has become

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1705

Table 1: Functional parameters of eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging material1

Parameters Description

Barrier protection Provides protection against moisture, light, oxygen and temperature variations

Biological protection Provides protection against biological contaminants

Physical protection Ensures protection against any physical damage

Information communication Conveys information on the correct usage of dosage forms, their contents, their provenance, side-effects and warnings

Identification Easy identification of the product

Security Protection from small children and against counterfeiting

Convenience Increase consumer access to products and improve distribution, handling, selling and using such products

Marketing Differentiate a product and/or to convey a certain message or brand image to highlight the

pharmaceutical aspects for consumers

Starch: Starch, a polysaccharide, is a renewable, eco cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and cellulose acetate.friendly and widely available raw material. It is Among these derivatives cellulose acetate is widelyobtained from various sources such as legumes, used in pharmaceutical packaging and other laboratorytubers, cereals. The primary source of starch is corn, works [17, 22, 24, 28-30].potato, wheat and rice. It can be pressed into sheetsfor packing thin walled products such as trays, Xylan: It forms a group of substances called hemi-disposable dishes etc [17-24]. It is used as a loose cellulose. It is a naturally occurring most commonfill for packaging, bags and sacks, flexible packaging, carbohydrate found in plant cell walls and some algae.rigid packaging. Since starch packaging materials are It is also obtained as residue from agricultural industries.brittle in nature when a high concentration of starch is Like cardboard, xylan is biodegradable, compostable andused, various biodegradable plasticizers like glycerol hence eco friendly. Xylophane is thus used as anand other low-molecular weight polyhydroxy compounds, environment friendly packaging material [31-32].polyethers and urea are added. Plasticizers inhibit themicrobial growth by lowering the water activity [17]. Chitin/Chitosan: It occurs in the exoskeleton ofIn recent years, compostable materials involving invertebrates. It forms the second most abundantstarch based thermoplastic materials are dominating the polysaccharide resource after cellulose. Chitin ismarket [17]. The blend of biodegradable starch based widely used in packaging due to its antimicrobialpolymers like polylactide, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), property, thus maintains the preservative action andpolyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and a copolymer of PHB protects the product from unnecessary microbialand valeric acid (V) with aliphatic polyesters or polyvinyl growth. It has the unique property to absorb heavy metalalcohol has increased some of their properties with ions and is mostly used as packaging material in ediblesignificant use in various industrial applications. coatings. Chitosan-cellulose and polycaprolactone forms

Four types of starch based polymers are available [24-27]: packaging of fresh product [17, 19].

C Starch synthetic aliphatic polyester blends. Protein: A protein is formed of repeating units ofC Thermoplastic starch products. amino acids. The chemical modification of side chain ofC Starch-Polyvinyl alcohol blends. these polymers through grafting help in tailoring theC Starch polybutylene succinate or polybutylene properties of packaging material. Cross linking of

succinate adipate (PBSA) polyester blends. polymer and graft copolymerization of natural polymer

Cellulose: Cellophane is the most common advancement towards biodegradable packaging filmscellulose-based biopolymer. Cellulose is a linear [17, 33]. Protein based raw materials are derived frompolymer of anhydroglucose that occurs most replenishable, agricultural feed stocks often calledabundantly in nature. Cellulose derivatives widely agricultural materials or agro-packaging materials that areused for packaging, are commercially produced; renewable and biodegradable and used in edibleexamples of which include methyl cellulose, ethyl packaging. The concept of agro-packaging refers tocellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl the use of renewable products and control of the end

the biodegradable laminate in modified atmosphere

with synthetic monomer is better alternative

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1706

Table 2: Classification on basis of uses

Type of packaging material Examples Properties

Multi use packaging Glass bottles for medicines, injection syringes Refilled

Plastic bottles for medicated hand wash

Material or chemical recycling packaging Glass, metal, paper and plastics for instance bottles Recycled

from polyethylene terephthalate i.e. PET

Packaging meant for burning i.e. energy recovery with energetic recycling Paper, cardboard, plastics Recycled

Single-use packaging Paper and biodegradable plastics (PVC sheets) Biodegradable

Edible packaging Starch, gelatin, pectins, wheat bran etc. Biodegradable

products. Numerous plant and animal proteins are Plastics can be molded to desired shape, protectcommonly used as raw material for agro-packaging against contamination and serves as the perfectmaterials. Thus proteins can be divided into proteins materials for shipping and storing intricate medicalfrom plant origin (e.g. soy, gluten, pea, potato etc.) instruments. The flexibility of plastics are particularlyand proteins from animal origin (e.g. casein, whey, suitable in the field of pharmaceutical packaging forcollagen, keratin etc.).The classification on the basis of molded packaging with sealing systems for controlledorigin has been illustrated in Table 2 [34-48]. dosage [55-58]. The two main types of biodegradable

Based on the Type of Raw Material biodegradable plastics (HBP) and oxo-biodegradablePlastics: Plastic packaging constitutes 20% of the plastics (OBP). Hydro-biodegradable plastics (HBP) areweight of all packaging. Plastic coating and made up of agricultural resources like corn, wheat,packaging materials are often signaled out as the sugarcane. Some of the commonly used polymers includemain environmental culprits hence technological polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate-advancements are now in the growth phase to find out valerate (PHBV), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactonemore innovative ways to reduce the environmental (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethyleneimpact of packaging thus making more biodegradable terephthalate (PET) etc. HBPs degrade and biodegradeand hence eco friendly materials out of the existing one somewhat more quickly to carbon dioxide (CO ),[49-53]. Previously plastics were produced from water (H O) and biomass. Oxo-biodegradable plasticspetrochemicals but they had contributed to (OBP) consists of a mixture of small proportion ofenvironmental crisis due to their non recyclability, compounds of specific transition metals (iron, manganese,hence, as an alternative eco friendly bio plastics have cobalt and nickel) and polyolefins such as polypropylenenow been obtained from plant sources like plant (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS). OBP hasderived polysaccharides (corn, wheat, potatoes) and an advantage over HBP that they do not emit methaneproteins which are recyclable, as already discussed in anaerobic conditions [59]. Plastic packaging material[15, 54]. Polymers isolated from natural sources are comes in various forms like PET, PVC, PS, polyamide,processed to produce plastics. For example, lactic acid is polyester, polyolefins and ethylene vinyl alcohol;extracted from corn to produce plastic, long chain which are used for various types of pharmaceuticalpolymers like poly lactic acids obtained by microbial products. It also involves preparation of flexibletransformation of starch extracted from plant sources. packaging [6]. The main use of such containers is forHydrophilic synthetic polymer molecules are blended bags for parenteral solutions. Hence they must bewith these natural products to give environment friendly safe enough to maintain the drug properties as well asplastics [15]. Plastic forms the most versatile groups of not to impose any environmental adverse effect [60-61].materials used in packaging because they can be easily Among the above mentioned examples, polyolefins andmodified to satisfy a broad spectrum of packaging and polyesters are the most commonly used eco friendlyother demands. Child-resistant plastic closures and plastic packaging materials.leak-proof plastic containers for medicines and chemicalsprovide safety, convenience, ergonomics and ease of use. Polyolefins: It is a collective term for polypropyleneIt is one of the most energy efficient, robust, eco friendly and polyethylene, the two most commonly usedand economic pharmaceutical packaging material due to plastics in pharmaceutical packaging. They both offersits light weight and relative strength [54]. flexibility, lightness, strength, chemical resistance,

plastics are available in the market viz. hydro-

2

2

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1707

stability, moisture, easy processability and are well opted degradation of light sensitive drugs. Also most of thefor recycling and reuse. The two basic categories of parts of analytical instruments used in pharmaceuticalspolyethylene are high density polyethylene and low are made of glass to increase the visibility [64, 68].density polyethylene. The high density polyethyleneplastic containers are the most recycled among these two Metals: Metal is the most versatile of all pharmaceuticalplastic packaging materials [25, 62, 63]. packaging material. These have excellent barrier

Polyesters: Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), decorative potential, consumer potential and recyclabilitypolycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE [15, 68]. Metals are used as containers for pharmaceuticalor PET) are the condensation polymers that are formed products for non parenteral administration such asfrom ester monomers through reaction between carboxylic tubes, cans, aerosol and gas cylinders and packs madeacid and alcohol. PETE is the most commonly used from foils or blisters. Different types of metals used inpolyester in packaging as containers (bottles, jars and pharmaceutical packaging materials include aluminum,tubs), semi rigid sheets for thermoforming (trays and tin plate, steel etc.blisters) and thin oriented films (bags). PETE is recyclableto various other packaging applications. Aluminum: It is mainly used for making seamless

Polystyrene: Polystyrene is used in protective recyclable into new products and hence forms the ecoapplications such as containers, disposable plastic friendly pharmaceutical packaging material [25, 69, 70].syringes and for cushioning. It can be recycled or It has high intrinsic worth to reclaim the metal fromincinerated [62, 64]. Polystyrene in its pure form is non packaging waste with less economic expense. Also thebiodegradable, hence oxo-degradable polystyrene recycling process does not degrade the metal, so that newfoam containers are formed which uses totally degradable aluminum packs can be prepared from 100% recycledplastic additives (TDPAC), mixed with the base resin that material [64]. Pure aluminum metal can be rolled into thinacts as a catalyst to promote degradation, without sheets, followed by annealing to prepare aluminum foilscompromising performance [64]. used for variety of pharmaceutical applications such as

Glass: Glass accounts for 20% of the weight of all containers which provide tamper evident and a hermeticpackaging. Its raw materials are present in abundant barrier. Binding of aluminum foil to plastic film or paperquantity in nature hence it is considered greener. It can forms laminates of packaging which improve barrierbe reused and recycled easily to make new containers properties. Another alternative to laminate packaging iswhich further reduce its untoward environmental impact. metalized film, which are plastics containing a thin layerGlass is the only packaging material rated 'GRAS' or of aluminum metal. The individual components of'generally regarded as safe' by the U.S. Food & Drug laminates and metallized films are recyclable butAdministration [25, 64-66]. Glass is widely used as an eco separating them is difficult and hence this prevents theirfriendly pharmaceutical packaging material. Various economic feasible recycling. The main advantage ofgrades of glasses are classified official in pharmacopoeias these films is that they provide improved barrierbased on their utility and chemical characteristics [67]. protection to dosage forms against moisture, air, oils andThey are used as the first choice containers in cosmetics odors. They also have high reflective surface thatand certain pharmaceuticals including medicinal products increases its acceptability to patients [64, 71].for oral and local administration, for example, bottles fortablets, injections syringes for unit or multi-dose Tinplate: Tinplate is produced from low carbon steeladministration [6, 68]. coated on both sides with thin layers of tin. It is

Recycling of glass in the manufacture of new bottles widely used to form aerosol containers and packageand jars requires substantially less energy and is thus closures [25, 69]. It is easily recyclable many times topreferred from the resource conservation standpoint. new packaging products without loss of quality and isGlass containers are more preferred for parenterals due cheaper than aluminum. It provides excellent barrierto ease of sterilization and clear visibility. Although they protection, amenability for printing, graphics, retorting,can be processed in different forms according to the need, strength, formability, longer shelf life to the dosage forme.g. amber glass bottles are produced to prevent photo and above all eco friendliness [70, 71].

properties, physical protection, formability, durablility,

containers, as aluminum foils and laminates. It is

alu-alu blister packs, inner seals for pharmaceutical

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1708

Steel: Traditionally as much as 40% of steel scrap was opted for eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging [15].recycled for the production of new steel. There are They have a good environmental image because theydifferent types of steels such as Carbon Steels, Alloy are completely biodegradable and their raw materialsSteels, Tool Steels, Stainless Steels. From an are renewable. Paper and board are often coated andenvironmental standpoint, it can be readily and laminated with impermeable materials to improve theircheaply separated from mixed waste using magnets strength and rigidity when wet. Though this makes their[64, 72]. Steel containers are used as both primary and recycling technically difficult and costly but notsecondary packaging for pharmaceutical products impossible to re-pulp these materials for use in similarsuch as aerosols. It is also used in bottle caps and applications [64, 76, 77]. Paperboard materials are widelyclosures as a tamper proof packaging material. Steel used as secondary pharmaceutical packaging in therecycling is more economical to aluminum [27, 71-73]. construction of corrugated boxes [6, 71, 78].

Paper and Paperboard: Paper and paperboard are Rubber: Rubber is obtained from latex found in themade up of interlaced network of cellulose fibers,obtained from wood. In late 19 century there occurredth

increase in the use of paper and boards for packaging.Paper is always treated, coated, laminated or impregnatedwith materials such as waxes, resins or lacquers whenused as primary packaging to improve functional andprotective properties [6, 54, 74-75]. Different types ofpapers used in packaging are kraft paper, sulfite paper,grease proof paper, glassine and parchment paper.Having all the properties combined, paperboard isthicker than paper and in multiple layers with high weightper unit area. Paperboards can be classified as:

Solid Board: It has multiple layers of bleached sulfateboard. It is used to create liquid cartons (known as milkboard) when laminated with polyethylene.

White Board: It is made of several layers of bleachedchemical pulp. It is used as primary packaging materialwhen coated with wax or laminated with polyethylenefor heat sealability. Moreover, white board paper is alsoused as the inner layer of a carton.

Chipboard: It is lined with white board to improveappearance and strength and is made from recycledpaper to make the outer layers of cartons.

Fiberboard: It occurs in two forms: solid or corrugated.The solid board has an inner layer of white board andan outer layer of kraft. On laminating with aluminum orplastics barrier protection is improved to pack productsin dry form. On the other hand, corrugated type is madeof two layers of kraft paper with a central corrugating(or fluting) material. It has high resistance to impactabrasion which makes it suitable for packing productsduring shipping [25]. Paper forms to be the mostrecyclable naturally occurring material and hence suitably

sap of some plants. It is used in pharmaceuticalpackaging as closures [79, 80]. Eco friendly rubbercontains a high percentage (up to 80 %) of recycledrubber and no such substances that harm theenvironment [80].

Mixed Material Packaging: It is a new type ofpackaging consisting of a mixture of several types ofpackaging material. Although each material used isrecyclable yet combination of these materials makesrecycling technically difficult but not impossible.Mixed material packaging are more resource andenergy efficient than single material packaging. Anexample of this type of packaging is ‘Tetra Pak’ whichconsists of 75% paper, 20% polyethylene and 5%aluminum foil. The mixed material packaging can bereprocessed into other new packs (all data depicted inFigure 1) [79-81].

Historically, packaging was used to transport theformulations from their place of manufacture till its use.Later the use of packaging became prominent in thepreservation, identification and protection offormulations for longer shelf life. Since then variousrevolutionary changes have occurred according tolatest WHO and cGMP guidelines catering to the everexpanding range of pharmaceutical products that are inthe market. Previously, the packages were obtainedfrom natural resources originated from plant material[64]. These materials were then processed to formpackages that have improved properties according tothe requirements of the dosage form. Although glassmaking began in 7000 B.C. but it was first industrializedin Egypt in 1500 B.C. Then glass containers of allshapes and sizes dominated the market from early 1900still late 1960s for liquid formulations. The glass used inpackaging today is the only type of glass accepted inUS recycling programs. Other packaging materials

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1709

gained popularity in 1970s such as plastics and metals. development of pharmaceutical packaging involvesMetals e.g. iron and tin plated steel were also used as considerations for environmental responsibility,packaging materials in the early 19 century. sustainability and certain applicable environmental andth

Development of other metals like aluminum incorporated recycling regulations.their use into pharmaceutical packaging to improve More attention has been paid to the disposal andperformance and functionality [54, 72, 83]. The first recycling of packaging waste in many countries [79].aluminum foil containers were designed in the early Traditionally used eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging1950s while the use of aluminum can appeared in 1959. covers a very small percentage of waste, but its disposalSoon after paperboard, cartons and corrugated can cause environmental problem too. Provisions shouldfiberboard boxes were introduced later in the 19 century. be made to introduce newer eco friendly packagingth

Their popularity gained pace throughout much of the materials with the aim of [79, 85]:20 century.th

Advancements in packaging in the early 20 century Reduction of the Quantity of Packaging Material:th

introduced other packaging materials such as bakelite Attempts should be made to reduce the bulk ofclosures on bottles, transparent cellophane overwraps pharmaceutical packaging material so that lesser wasteand panels on cartons. The advent of plastics between will be generated which can be easily biodegradable,late 1970s and early 1980s significantly replaced paper reusable, nontoxic and inert.and its related products in many pharmaceutical uses.Several plastics were discovered in the nineteenth Recycling of Pharmaceutical Packaging Material:century such as styrene in 1831, vinyl chloride in 1835 The use of recyclable or biodegradable packagingand celluloid in the late 1860’s but, these materials did material such as aluminum, paper and glass creates lessnot become practical for packaging until twentieth or no waste and hence they are environmentally safe.century [84]. Currently, focus on newer packagingmaterials are in progress that incorporates recyclable Elimination and Incineration of Pharmaceuticaland reusable resources. Research in the production of Packaging: Incineration is recommended to eliminatebiodegradable packaging materials is the current aspect contaminated packaging. The combustion heat thusof developing eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging generated can be used for various purposes. For example,materials [49, 85]. To overcome the problem of those plastic materials that cannot be recycled arebiodegradation, more emphasis is now paid on flexible therefore incinerated. This process involves the wastepackaging. It is the source-reduced form of packaging treatment process done by combustion of organicthat incorporates the least amount of material. substances contained in waste materials that coverts theMoreover, it reduces the weight of overall formulation waste into ash, flue gas and heat. This process alsoas well as creates very little waste to be discarded. reduces the solid mass of the original waste by 80-85%Cloth and paper are the oldest forms of flexible packaging. and the volume by 95-96 %. Thus incineration does notDecreasing the amount of material in pharmaceutical completely replace land filling, but significantly reducespackaging is usually more important than the composition the necessary volume for disposal.of the package to obtain the best eco friendly form of Recently, more attention is paid on the developmentpackaging. Other flexible pharmaceutical packagings of eco friendly biodegradable pharmaceutical packagingintroduced recently include collapsible, soft metal tubes materials from natural renewable resources such as,made up of plastic [54]. agro-based materials [86-88]. As these materials are

Need for the Development of Eco Friendly Pharmaceutical development of pharmaceutical sustainable packagingPackaging Material: The primary function of any and this reduces their environmental impact uponpharmaceutical packaging material is the protection of disposal. Such biodegradable packaging materials areformulation against ambient environment to enhance suitable for single use disposable packaging applications.its shelf life and conserve its contents. The focus mustalso be paid on the protection of the environment Qualities of Eco Friendly Pharmaceutical Packagingagainst the undesirable effect of pharmaceutical Materialpackaging materials. Environment protection is also a Reduce: It is the property of eco friendly packagingmatter of great concern in many countries. The material to minimize the bulk of packaging. This reduces

renewable and biodegradable they contribute to

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1710

the unnecessary dumping of degradation products. Reuse: The property of eco friendly packaging material toMoreover, certain legislative standards also prevent the be used over and over again is termed as reuse. Thisover packaging of some formulations. For example, it is property involves the use of packaging material in itsgood to use one large bottle of formulation instead of original form. For example a number of toiletries fromindividual small bottles, multiple dosage containers the body shop and cleaning liquids are sold inrather than single use containers. Three most important reusable or returnable containers. Similarly, buyingaspects of reducing pharmaceutical packaging material milk in reusable bottles avoids the creation of plasticinclude [72, 74, 79, 81, 82]: waste [72, 79].

C Reduction of quantity of packaging waste Renew: It is the property of eco friendly packagingC Supporting eco friendly marketing campaigns material obtained from renewable natural resourcesC Increasing shipping efficiency that can be reprocessed into new packaging, e.g.

Recycle: It is the property of eco friendly packagingmaterial to turn used packaging material into newer Repurpose: This is the property of eco friendlypackaging. The examples include glass, metal, packaging material to be molded in another new formthermoplastic, paper and paperboards, which are with another pharmaceutical purpose in mind [79].recyclable eco friendly packaging material. Also materials Based upon these environmental issues andreclaimed through glass and metal recycling are properties eco friendly pharmaceutical packagingconsiderably safer for formulations against materials are represented in table form as shown inmicroorganisms [25, 79]. Table 3 [25].

thermoplastic.

Table 3: Classification on basis of origin

Plant Derived Proteins Animal Derived Proteins

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Type Description Type Description

Gluten Main storage protein in wheat and corn, plastic exhibits Casein Milk derived protein, easily processable.

high gloss, resistant to water, does not dissolve in Used as a thermoset plastic, for bottle labeling

water but absorb water during immersion, have low price. due to excellent adhesive properties.

Used in edible films, adhesives, molded biodegradable

thermoplastic films for agricultural uses, windows in envelopes,

surface coatings on paper, water-soluble bags with

fertilizers, detergents, cosmetics.

Soy protein Commercially available as soy concentrate, soy flour Keratin Structural protein extracted from waste streams

and soy isolate have different protein content. such as hair, nails and feathers, poor

Used as adhesives or biodegradable plastics produced mechanical properties, cheapest protein.

from soy isolate and concentrate by thermomolding process, Used to produce fully biodegradable water

as inks, paper coatings, oil for lubrication, soy films as insoluble plastic.

coating materials for preservation.

Whey By-product of cheese industry, rich in "-lactoglobulin Collagen Fibrous, flexible and structural protein with

which forms the basis for its use in packaging as common repeating unit: proline, glycine and

edible coatings and films. hydroproline, found in animal tissues particularly

tendons, skin and bones.

Used as packaging material in several

pharmaceutical applications.

Zein Comprises a group of alcohol soluble proteins Gelatin Obtained from skin and bones.

(prolamines) found in corn endosperm. Used as a packaging material for improving

Zein based films used as biobased packaging material moisture sensitivity, as a raw material for

and in pharmaceutical coatings. photographic films, for microencapsulating aromas,

vitamins and sweeteners, as gelatin films in

pharmaceutical industry to fabricate tablets and capsules.

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1711

Table 4: General Properties and environmental issues

Types of packaging material Properties of packaging material Environmental Issues

-------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------

Glass Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages

# Inert # Needs separate closure # Recyclable #Heavy

# Withstand heat process # Easily breakable # Reusable # Bulky to transport

# Impermeable to moisture and gases # Refillable

Metals Tin plate # Strong and formable #Reacts with formulations #Recyclable # Heavier than aluminum

# Impermeable to moisture and gases and hence coating required # Magnetic thus can

# Resistance to corrosion be separated

# Withstands heat process

Aluminum # Impermeable to moisture and gases # Limited structural strength # Recyclable # Separation difficulties

# Withstands heat process # Cannot be welded # Economic incentive in laminated form

# Resistance to corrosion to recycle

# Light weight

Tin free steel # Strong and formable # Reacts with formulations

# Impermeable to moisture and gases and hence coating required

# Resistance to corrosion

# Withstands heat process

Paper # Light in weight # Permeable to moisture # Recyclable

# More resourceful and and gases # Reusable

hence easily available # Easy to tear # Bio-degradable

# Less ability of processing

Plastic Poly-olefins #Impermeable to moisture # Poor gas barrier # High energy source # Easily recyclable in semi

# Resistant to chemicals for incineration rigid form but

# Strong # Recyclable identification and separation

more difficult for films

Poly-esters # Good barrier properties # Easily recyclable in

# Strong semi rigid form but

# Withstand for filling # Recyclable identification and separation

more difficult for films

Poly-vinyl # Moldable # Recyclable # Contains chlorine

chloride # Resistant to chemicals # Requires separation from

other waste

Poly-vinylidene # Impermeable to # Recyclable # Contains chlorine

chloride moisture and gases # Requires separation from

# Heat sealable other waste

# Withstands filling

Mechanism of Action of Their Eco Friendly Character: Then the split portions are metabolized leading to theThe main concept of eco friendly and user friendly enzymatic dissimilation of the macromolecule from thepackaging material is based upon its biodegradable chain ends. Oxidative cleavage of macromoleculesefficacy. The total biodegradability of raw materials constituting the basic skeleton of pharmaceuticalderived from replenishable agricultural feedstock packaging material often leads to better metabolizationsuch as starch, cellulose and proteins occurs to of the fragments which are smaller enough to beenvironment friendly benign products such as carbon converted by microorganisms [9, 89, 90]. Ideally thedioxide, water and quality compost [19]. The simple eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging material will bemechanism of biodegradation of pharmaceutical decomposed in a bio waste collection and the later getspackaging materials is the initial direct enzymatic composted into environment friendly byproducts suchscission of digestible macromolecules forming a chain. as carbon dioxide and water.

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1712

Another mechanism is photo degradation of industries are emphasizing more and more onpharmaceutical packaging material to smaller environmental responsibility so it is an ideal time fordisposable materials which do not create any further growth of eco friendly pharmaceutical packagingenvironmental hazard. materials [9]. Although this is great news for the

Some biodegradable pharmaceutical packaging environment, it may be somewhat surprising to material experience rapid dissolution when exposed to pharmaceutical marketers that the benefits from ecoparticular chemical based aqueous solutions. This is friendly packaging may not stop there.then followed by full biodegradation of the aqueoussolutions through microbial digestion. Such packaging CONCLUSIONmaterials that disintegrate upon exposure to aqueoussolutions are utilized for the transport and disposal of There are a seemingly limitless number of areaspharmaceutical wastes. where eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging materials

Scope of Eco Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging packaging is increasingly coming under scrutiny, itsMaterial: Government of China and Germany are positive contribution towards protecting pharmaceuticalencouraging the research activities towards the wide products and hence the environment is the area whichspread application of biodegradable materials to reduce can be explored. Before modifying any one among thethe waste thus generated. A world leading chemical new eco friendly packaging substances, they shouldand plastic industry, BASF, is working on further find a standard ground for usage. Organizationsdevelopment of starch and polyester based such as ISO and WHO have already laid down normsbiodegradable plastic materials like Ecoflex [49-51]. for safe and effective packaging materials andPolyvinyl alcohol product known as Depart is another technologies which are to be followed. Therefore,eco friendly pharmaceutical packaging material Pharma sector has to be specific enough while utilizingfinding wider range of applications in hospital laundry such eco friendly materials for packaging. As thebags and catheter bags. Developed countries like history illustrates, these substances which can beEngland already have a plastic department in London, safely and effectively employed, have been in use sincewhich is now actively participating in the development ages in pharmaceutical industry. The applications ofof biocomposite pharmaceutical packaging [49]. several aspects of such substances have alreadyThey follow the European packaging directives for considered biodegradation and biocompatibility asmaterial recovery of packaging waste. Though European illustrated in the review. Present day need focuses on thenations are the front runners in eco friendly development of a new trend towards the generation ofpharmaceutical packaging material research and environmental friendly packaging material that addsdevelopment activities but impressive development value to the pharmaceutical product as well as creates awork is still in progress in other developing countries [50]. new outlook into the concept of eco friendlyThe ultimate goal of developments is to find an optimum pharmaceutical packaging material. The target remainspharmaceutical packaging material with full for pharmaceutical companies to focus on thebiodegradability. Biodegradable packaging is a latest development of a single such eco friendly packagingstep in sustainable packaging design. Moreover, some material that bears the combined characteristics of glass,packaging also bears eco-friendly labeling which serve as metal, plastic, paper and rubber.an essential point of differentiation for formulations. It isrequired where biodegradable packaging becomes a REFERENCEStangible expression of a pharmaceutical products brandpromise [49]. Nowadays standard organizations such as 1. World Health Organization, 2002. Guidelines onthe ASTM and ISO have published methods for material packaging for pharmaceutical Product, Annex 9, 2002.tests on biodegradable plastic materials. The eco friendly (WHO Technical Report Series, No. 902)pharmaceutical packaging industry has a positive http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safetyfuture, along with the environmental benefits of using /quality_assurance/regulatory_standards/en/index.natural renewable resources. Currently pharmaceutical html.

may find use. Though environmental impact of

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1713

2. World Health Organization, 2003. Good 13. http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/eco-friendly-manufacturing practices for pharmaceutical products, packaging.html [14] http:// www.astrazeneca.com/Annex 1, 2003. WHO Expert Committee on r e s p o n s i b i l i t y / s u s t a i n a b l e - p r o d u c t i o n /Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations. ?itemId=8453757.Thirty-second report. Geneva. (WHO Technical 15. http://www.Product Packaging.html.Report Series, No. 908). http:// www.who.int/ 16. Hunt, J., 2010. All the Types of Packaging.medicines/areas/quality_safety/quality_assurance/ EzineArticles.production/en/index.html.s 17. Weber, C.J., 2000. Biobased Packaging Materials

3. Lockhart, H. and F.A. Paine, 1996. Packaging of for the Food Industry, Status and Perspectives.pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. Blackie A European Concerted Action, pp: 3-39.Academic and Professional, an imprint of Chapman 18. http://www.starch.dk/isi/applic/applic.html.and Hall, pp: 1-5. 19. Srinivasa, P.C. and R.N. Tharanathan, 2007.

4. Florence, A.T., 1993. New Drug Delivery Systems. Chitin/Chitosan - Safe, Eco friendly PackagingChemistry and Industry, pp: 1000-1004. Materials with Multiple Potential Uses. Food

5. World Health Organization, 1996. Guidelines for Reviews International, 23(1): 53-72.stability testing of pharmaceutical products 20. Anon, 1989. Focus on natural fibre. Foodcontaining well established drug substances in Processing, 58(2): 38.conventional dosage forms, Annex 5, 1996. WHO 21. Bastioli, C., 2000. Global status of the production ofExpert Committee on Specifications for biobased packaging materials. In: ConferencePharmaceutical Preparations. Thirty-fourth report. Proceedings. The Food Biopack Conference:Geneva. (WHO Technical Report Series, No. 863). Denmark, pp: 2-7.http://apps.who.int/prequal/info_applicants/info_f 22. Haugaard, V.K. and R.M. Festersen, 2000.or_applicants_participation.html. Biobased packaging materials for foods. In:

6. Sustainability Team Discussion Paper, 2009. Conference Proceedings. The Food BiopackBack to Sustainable Value Creation. How Sustainable Conference: Denmark, pp: 119-120.Is Packaging?, pp: 2-3. 23. Helen, H., 2000. A Finish study of biobased

7. http://www.Eco-Friendly Packaging Concepts Design packaging materials for food applications. In:Reviver.html. Conference Proceedings. The Food Biopack

8. Bird, K., 2009. Green Packaging is more about Conference: Denmark, pp: 69-72.improving recycling than new materials. 24. Gross, A. and B. Kalra, 2002. Biodegradableht tp: / /www.cosmeticsdesign.com/On-your- Polymers for the Environment Richard. Sci.,radar/Green-packaging/Green-packaging-is-more- 97(2): 803-806.about-improving-recycling-than-new-materials. 25. Kennethmarsh and B. Bugusu, 2007. Food

9. Kolybaba, M., L.G. Tabil, S. Panigrahi, W.J. Crerar, Packaging-Roles, Materials and EnvironmentalT. Powell and B. Wang, 2003. Biodegradable Issues. Journal of Food Sci., 72(3): 39-53.Polymers: Past, Present and Future. The Society for 26. Stilwell, E.J., R.C. Canty, P.W. Kopf andEngineering in Agricultural, Food and Biological A.M. Montrone, 1991. Packaging for theSystems, pp: 8-12. environment: a partnership for progress. New York:

10. Aminabhavi, T.M., R.H. Balundgi and American Management Assn. (Amacom)P.E. Cassidy, 1990. Review on biodegradable Publishing, pp: 262.plastics. Polymer Plastics Technology and 27. Edward, J.B., 2009. Pharmaceutical PackagingEngineering, 29(3): 235-262. Handbook. Informa Healthcare, pp: 200-240.

11. Andreopoulos, A.G., 1994. Degradable plastics: 28. Fischer, S., J. Vlieger De, T. Kock, J. Gilberts,A smart approach to various applications. H. Fischer and L. Batenburg, 2000. Green composites-Journal of Elastomers and Plastics, 24(4): 308-326. The materials of the future- A combination of

12. Boustead, I., 1998. Plastics and the natural polymers and inorganic particles.environment. Radiation and Physical Chemistry, Proceedings of the Food Biopack Conference.51(1): 23-30. Copenhagen: Denmark, pp: 109.

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1714

29. Brown, R.M., 1996. The biosynthesis of cellulose. 44. Herald, T.J., K.A. Hachmeister, S. HuangPure and Applied Chemistry, 33(10): 1345-1373. and J.R. Bowers, 1996. Corn zein packaging

30. Ayranci, E. and S. Tunc, 1997. Cellulose-based edible materials for cooked turkey. Journal of Food Sci.,films and their effects on fresh beans and 61: 415-421.strawberries. Zeitschrift für Lebensmittel 45. Mahmoud, R. and P.A. Savello, 1992. MechanicalUntersuchung und Forschung A., 205: 470-473. properties of and water vapor transferability

31. Eliasson, A., 1996. Packaging for a Better Planet. through whey protein films. Journal of Dairy Sci.,Swedish Innovations at the Forefront of Sustainable 75: 942-946.Packaging, 25: 26-30. 46. McHugh, T.H. and J.M. Krochta, 1994. Sorbitol- vs

32. http://www.Xylan® Coatings Metal Coatings glycerol-plasticized whey protein edible films:Corp.html. Integrated oxygen permeability and tensile property

33. Platt, D.K., 2006. Biodegradable polymers: market evaluation. Journal of Agricultural and Foodreport. Smithers Rapra Press, 4: 57-60. Chemistry, 42: 841-845.

34. Cuq, B., N. Gontard and S. Guilbert, 1998. Proteins as 47. Grouber, B., 1983. Les gélatines: propriétés, contrôlesAgricultural Polymers for Packaging Production. et principales applications. Labo-Pharm. Problèm,Cereal Chemistry, 75(1): 1-9. Technol., 337: 909-916.

35. Langmaier, F., M. Mladek, P. Mokrejs and 48. Rose, P.I., 1987. Gelatin. In: Encyclopedia of

K. Kolomazník, 2008. Biodegradable packing Polymer Science and Engineering, Eds., H.F. Mark,materials based on waste collagen hydrolysate N.M. Bikales, C.G. Overberger and G. Menges,cured with dialdehyde starch. Journal of Thermal John Wiley and Sons: New York, pp: 488-513.Analysis and Calorimetry, 93(2): 547-552. 19. http://www.Eco Friendly Packaging,Biodegradable

36. Farnum, C., D.W. Stanley and J.I. Gray, 1976. Packaging, Environmental Friendly Packaging,Protein-lipid interactions in soy films. Canadian Biodegradable Plastic Packaging.html.Institute of Food Science and Technology Journal, 50. International Standard ISO, 3826-3: Plastics9: 201-206. collapsible containers for human blood and blood

37. Rodenas, G., C.L. Cuq and C. Aymard, 1994. components, 2006. Blood bag systems withComparison of in-vitro proteolysis of casein and integrated features. http:// www.iso.org/ iso/gluten as edible films or as untreated proteins. iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?Food Chemistry, 51: 275-280. csnumber=38795.

38. Gennadios, A., C.L. Weller and R.F. Testin, 1990. 51. International Standard ISO, 8362-6: InjectionModification of properties of edible wheat gluten containers for injectables and accessories, 2010.films. ASAE Paper, 90-6504. Caps made of aluminium–plastics combinations for

39. Gennadios, A., A.H. Brandenburg, C.L. Weller and injection vials. http:// www.iso.org/ iso/R.F. Testin, 1993. Effect of pH on properties of wheat iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?gluten and soy protein isolate films. Journal of csnumber=52806.Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 41: 1835-1839. 52. International Standard ISO, 8536-7: Infusion

40. Cavallaro, J.F., P.D. Kemp and K.H. Kraus, 1994. equipment for medical use, 2009. Caps made ofCollagen fabrics as biomaterials. Biotechnol. aluminium–plastics combinations for infusionBioeng, 43: 781-791. bottles. http:// www.iso.org /iso/iso_catalogue/

41. Motoki, M., H. Aso, K. Seguro and N. Nio, 1987. catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=52178." S1-Casein film prepared using transglutaminase. 53. International Standard ISO 10985, 2009. Caps made ofAgricultural and Biological Chemistry, 51: 993-996. aluminium–plastics combinations for infusion bottles

42 Fraser, R.D., T.P. McRae and G.E. Rogers, and injection vials — requirements and test methods.1972. Keratins. Their Composition, Structure http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tcand Biosynthesis. Thomas CC. Springfield: IL. /catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=52179.

43. Oshlack, B., M. Chasin, J. Mcginity and R. Bodmeier, 54. Hook, P. and J.E. Heimlich, 0000. A History of1992. Aqueous dispersions of zein and preparation Packaging, CDFS-133. http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-thereof. U.S. Patent, 5: 324-351. fact/0133.html.

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1715

55. Carraher, A. and E. Jr. Charles, 1983. Polymer 69. http://www.metals 2.html.Applications of Renewable-Resource Materials, 70. http://www.metal.html [71] http://Eds., Sperling, L.H. New York: Plenum Press. www.news.thomasnet.com/IMT/archives/2002/10/g

56. Carraher and E Jr. Charles, 1986. Renewable-Resource reen_packaging.html.Materials New Polymer Sources. Eds., L.H. Sperling, 72. http://www.Eco Friendly Packaging News You CanNew York: Plenum Press. Use.html.

57. Ching, C.D., 1993. Biodegradable Polymers 73. Dean, D.A., 2007. Pharmaceutical packagingand Packaging. Eds., Kaplan and E. Thomas. technology. Routledge, USA: Taylor and FrancisLancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing Group, pp: 406-415.Company, Inc. 74. Pumping Up Recycling, 1990. Food

58. Butschli, J., 2004. Packagers embrace renewable Business (Report), 14-15. [75] http://resources. Packaging World Magazine. www.boramikang.com/ processbookwebsite/

59. Diaz, E., 2008. Microbial Biodegradation: 1research/tea_researchsustain.Genomics and Molecular Biology. Caister 76. Narciso, J.A. and M.E. Parish, 1997. EndogenousAcademic Press. mycoflora of gable-top carton paperboard used

60. World Health Organization, 1998. Plastic primary for packaging fruit juice. Journal of Food Sci.,packaging materials. In: The rules governing 62: 1223-1229.medicinal products in the European Union. 77. Yam, K.L. and D.S. Lee, 1995. Design ofGuidelines on the quality, safety and efficacy of modified atmosphere packaging for freshmedicinal products for human use. Brussels: produce. In: Active Food Packaging, Eds., M.L.European Commission, 3: 75-82. Rooney, Blac. Glasgow: Academic and Professional,

61. Cooper, J., 1974. Plastic containers for pp: 55-73.pharmaceuticals: testing and control. Geneva: 78. http://www.option.com.WHO Offset Publication, pp: 4. 79. http://www.recycling packaging.html.

62. Krishnan, V.K. and G.S. Bhuvaneshwar, 2004. 80. http://www.rephouse.html.The toxicological quandary in the use of plasticizers 81. Higgins, K.T., 2009. Packaging Trends Survey.in medical devices. Indian Journal of Medical Res., Food Engineering Magazine.119: 6-8. 82. Dewes, D.N. and M.J. Hare, 1998. Economic

63. Arlington, V.A., 2006. American Plastics Analysis of Packaging Waste Reduction.Council. Resin identification codes-plastic Canadian Public Policy- Analyse De Politiques,recycling codes. http:// 24: 4-5.www.americanplasticscouncil.org/s apc/ sec.asp? 83. Soroka, W., 2000. Fundamentals ofTRACKID=&CID=313&DID=931. Packaging Technology. Institute of Packaging

64. International Trade Centre. Making Your Professionals.Packaging Environmentally Friendly. International 84. Steeman, A., 2005. Best In Packaging. WineTrade Forum. http:// www.tradeforum.org/ news/ Bottle Closures - Screw Caps for Winefullstory.php/aid/272/Making_Your_Packaging_En Bottles (part 5). http:// bestinpackaging.vironmentally_Friendly.html 2001. wordpress.com.

65. h t tp : / /www.Glass -packaging-bes t - for - the- 85. Scholten, L., C. Midden and A. Bor, 1997.environment.html. Environmental impact of packaging: effects of the

66. http://www. 'Green' Packaging is Growing IMT natural-bias on consumer appreciation. TheIndustry Market Trends.html. Netherlands: Draft publication - University of

67. http://www.Glass-is-greener-on-the-other-side-says- Eindhoven.trade-body.html. 86. Zabaniotou, A. and Kassidi, 2003.

68. International Standard ISO 595-1, 1986. Reusable all- Life cycle assessment applied to eggglass or metal-and-glass syringes for medical use. packaging made from polystyrene andhttp://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc recycled paper. Journal of Cleaner Production,/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=4696. 11(5): 549-559.

World Appl. Sci. J., 14 (11): 1703-1716, 2011

1716

87. US Environmental Protection Agency, 2008. 89. Meijnders, A.L., C.J.H. Midden and H.A.M. Wilke,http://www.epa.gov/smartway/transport/document 1995. The role of emotion in environmentals/faqs/partnership_overview.pdf. information: The effect of fear on information

88. Central Pollution Control Board, 1995. The Gazette processing (Draft version). The Netherlands:of India. (Extraordinary, Part II-Section 3(i), No. 364) Eindhoven University of Technology.ECOMARK CRITERIA FOR PACKAGING 90. Petkewich, R., 2003. Microbes manufacture plasticMATERIAL/ PACKAGE. Paper Boards & Plastics from food waste. Environmental Science andexcluding Laminates. http://www.cpcb.nic.in/ Technol., 5: 175-176.oldwebsite/Eco-mark%20Scheme/Packaging%20Materials.html.