as far as pharmaceuticals are concerned, blister packs are a sensitive subject, as expected so when it is related to the protection of kids. in the us, this method of packaging was used first in the early 70s. however, still it is far from perfect. over the years, the lawmakers and consumer watchdogs have been quite demanding. both users and suppliers have had a difficult time of it however, with latest ec legislation on the scope, it is likely to get a lot tougher. as per dieter janek of uhlmann, who was one of the founders of blister packing, the term of child resistance, as far as blisters is concerned, started in the us in 1970 as the poison prevention packaging act came into force. this resulted in producing many variations of the blister, plus some that were difficult to manufacture and open. therefore, in the us, only 20 of products are packed in blisters. the pharmaceutical blister is far more omnipresent in the uk. the reason is because it has always been lowpriced than reclosables and never required to be child resistant has, states stephen wilkins who is from the childsafe packaging group. others fight over that the blister pack provides enhanced patient compliance, particularly calendar packs, protection and product stability, tamper evidence, convenience, low cost and hygiene, specifically for small packs. however, when initial ec legislation materialises, many feared that prices could increase all the way down the chain of packaging. this is thought as whatever child resistance solutions are implemented, the likelihood is that sizes of blister will increase and be depended on the german model involving different substrates or higher gauge and perforation of lidding foil. therefore, the smallest amount of workable space between pockets will be increased and, for few, base substrates the angle of pocket will require to be shallower, contributing to a considerable increment in general blister size. costs of materials&39 downstream as well as there will be an increase on the blister machine, with larger cases and cartons required. this will have an influence right through the supply chain, influencing storage, transport as well as distribution functions for both retailers and suppliers. one more challenge facing the segment is how to attain childresistance and limit the irritation of those who are in the third age 5570. for the over 70s, no provision is made. however, there are many people who believe that, after this age, medication should be examined by a responsible adult pago has resolved this issue by numbing the adhesive in the core and putting a rip around the pocket. once the perforation is rupture, a tab is exposed as well as peeled back in order that the pill is accessible. apart from the prescription drugs, the american marketplace is still very much a bottle market. the lawmakers are active in tightening up the rules. the medicines control agency updated rules and regulations on blister labelling at the beginning of last month in the uk. these guidelines make it apparent that, where feasible, the strength and name of the product should be oriented centrally throughout the pack or materialize over each blister pocket. this is because it is essential that the details remain accessible to the user up to the time till which the last dose is dispensed from the blister pack. source of information httpwww.packagingtoday.co.ukfeaturesfeaturebattleofthebulge