Honeywell Expands Aclar Production For Pharmaceutical Industry

Honeywell announced recently that it will expand production of Aclar film to meet growing demand for the clear, moisture-barrier material, which is used extensively in pharmaceutical packaging.

An upgrade of existing production capability, combined with overall productivity improvements, is expected to boost Aclar production by up to 23 percent by end of 2008 at the business' Pottsville, Pa. facility.

"This is another step in our continued strategy to invest to meet the packaging needs of the pharmaceutical industry now and in the future," said Jeff Czarnecki, global segment leader for the specialty films segment of Honeywell Performance Products. Czarnecki noted that the business implemented productivity improvements at the Pottsville site in 2007 which also boosted capacity.

Rick Knight, global business manager for healthcare, said pharmaceutical companies worldwide continue to demand thermoformed packaging material with superior barrier capabilities. "Honeywell is committed to supporting pharmaceutical companies globally as they introduce new products to the marketplace," Knight said.

The announcement was made at INTERPHEX, the world's largest and most comprehensive pharmaceutical conference and exhibition. The event focuses on leading-edge technology, education, and sourcing of products and services that drive scientific innovation for life sciences manufacturing.

As part of its commitment to the pharmaceutical industry, Honeywell is continuing its technical training and educational series to address critical aspects of thermoform packaging. The program consists of half- and one-day workshops.

Aclar is a polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) fluoropolymer film that has excellent moisture barrier and chemical stability. Aclar film is crystal clear, biochemically inert, chemical-resistant, nonflammable, and plasticizer- and stabilizer-free.

In addition to Aclar, Honeywell Specialty Films manufactures Capran biaxially oriented nylon film, also known as biaxially oriented polyamide (BOPA) film; Capran heat stabilized nylon film; Aclon fluoropolymer resins, which provide the highest moisture barrier of any clear thermoplastic resins; and Honeywell PCTFE, ECTFE and PMP barrier films for high performance industrial applications.

Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $4.9B, global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.

About Honeywell
Honeywell International is a $36B diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com.

SOURCE: Honeywell