In the world of pharmaceuticals, packaging is far more than a protective layer — it’s a scientific barrier that safeguards purity, potency, and patient safety. Every tablet, capsule, and medical device must be sealed against moisture, oxygen, and light to preserve its integrity from factory to pharmacy shelf.
This is where high barrier polyester films from Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC) play a critical role. Engineered with advanced coatings and precise converting technology, these films form the invisible shield that modern healthcare depends on.
Since 1904, PHC has been a leader in polyester film converting, blending technical mastery, reliability, and innovation. From our headquarters at 850 South Buncombe Road, Greer, South Carolina, we’ve supported converters and manufacturers across the nation who search for “polyester near me” — providing performance-driven films and rapid delivery backed by over a century of expertise.
The Role of Barrier Packaging in Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical products are highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Even trace amounts of oxygen or moisture can degrade active ingredients, reduce shelf life, or compromise efficacy. High barrier packaging is designed to prevent these risks through a combination of material engineering and coating technology.
PHC’s polyester-based barrier films deliver superior protection through multiple functional layers, offering:
- Excellent moisture resistance (MVTR)
- Outstanding oxygen transmission control (OTR)
- Chemical inertness and non-reactivity
- Thermal stability for heat sealing and sterilization
- Compatibility with blister, pouch, and sachet packaging
These properties make polyester films ideal for use in pharmaceutical laminates, medical devices, and diagnostic product packaging — where consistency and compliance are non-negotiable.
Explore our related technologies:
👉 Barrier Films
👉 PVDC-Coated Films
👉 Acrylic-Coated Films
👉 Metallized Films
The Science of High Barrier Polyester Films
High barrier films achieve their performance through a combination of substrate selection and functional coatings. Polyester (PET) serves as the base due to its strength, dimensional stability, and clarity — while coatings such as PVDC, Acrylic, or AlOx enhance its protective and chemical resistance properties.
At PHC, we precisely control the coating and curing process to ensure uniform film thickness, excellent adhesion, and predictable barrier levels. Our converting lines maintain tight tolerances, producing films that perform flawlessly under the demanding conditions of pharmaceutical production.
Whether used in blister lidding foils, sachet laminations, or sterile pouch liners, PHC’s high barrier PET films are engineered to perform — preserving product efficacy while meeting FDA and cGMP compliance standards.
PHC’s Expertise in Converting and Coating
For over a century, PHC has perfected the art and science of film converting. Our facilities are equipped with advanced systems for:
- Slitting for precise roll-to-roll control
- Sheeting for medical-grade sheet packaging
- Winding & Rewinding for consistent film tension
- Toll Converting for customer-supplied materials
- Coating and Corona Treating for advanced surface modifications
Every step in PHC’s process is governed by rigorous quality assurance testing — from thickness measurement and surface energy analysis to peel strength and transmission rate verification.
This precision ensures that every roll of PHC barrier film performs identically — whether it’s protecting life-saving medication or medical adhesives in clinical environments.
Why Polyester Is the Perfect Base for Pharma Packaging
While many materials can be used for pharmaceutical barriers, polyester (PET) offers unmatched balance between mechanical performance, clarity, and sustainability.
- Dimensional Stability – PET maintains structure during heat sealing, lamination, and sterilization.
- Optical Clarity – Enables visibility of labels, tablets, and branding through transparent layers.
- Superior Mechanical Strength – Resists tearing, punctures, and stress during transport.
- Barrier Coating Compatibility – Works seamlessly with PVDC, AlOx, or metallized finishes.
- Recyclability and Sustainability – PET can incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) content for eco-friendly production.
At PHC, we combine these strengths into highly customized solutions, tailored for each client’s packaging structure, coating system, and performance requirement.
Applications of High Barrier Polyester Films in Pharma
PHC’s high barrier polyester films are used in a variety of pharmaceutical and healthcare applications, including:
- Blister Pack Lidding Films – For tablets and capsules requiring moisture and oxygen protection.
- Sachet and Stick Pack Laminates – For powdered or liquid pharmaceuticals.
- Medical Device Packaging – Ensuring sterilized integrity and clean release.
- Transdermal and Adhesive Liners – Requiring consistent barrier and peel performance.
- Diagnostic Kit Films – Maintaining sensitivity and reagent protection.
Each of these applications benefits from PHC’s expertise in coating uniformity, converting precision, and speed-to-market delivery.
Sustainability and the Circular Future of Barrier Films
Sustainability and performance are no longer opposing goals — they are integrated pillars of PHC’s innovation. Our high barrier PET films can be engineered using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials while maintaining full barrier and aesthetic properties.
Through our Sustainability First Program, PHC helps converters and pharmaceutical manufacturers reduce environmental impact while maintaining compliance and product quality.
We’re committed to a future where packaging materials protect both people and the planet — one roll of polyester at a time.
Partner With Pilcher Hamilton Corporation
For over 120 years, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation has partnered with industries that demand the highest levels of precision, reliability, and performance. From pharmaceutical barrier films to heat-sealable packaging, metallized coatings, and eco-friendly PET, we provide full-spectrum converting services that meet your most exacting needs.
Our Greer, South Carolina facility combines American engineering with modern efficiency, ensuring national coverage with 24–48-hour delivery and unparalleled customer support.
To discuss your next pharmaceutical packaging project, visit our All Products or Contact Us page.Because when precision, protection, and performance matter — PHC delivers.