 Chris Heezen Sealed Air Medical Applications Executive Director, Global Medical Flexibles Visit Website |
Named Executive Director, Global Medical Flexibles for Sealed Air Medical Applications in September 2008, Chris Heezen is responsible for the business management of Sealed Air’s technically advanced Nexcel Films. These high-performance materials designed for pharmaceutical and medical applications include non-PVC film used in the packaging of IV injectable solutions, high barrier films, and medical device packaging materials.
Heezen has worked in sales and marketing positions involving medical device and pharmaceutical packaging since 1986. Prior to joining Sealed Air Medical Applications, Heezen held the position of Director of Regional Sales at Amcor Flexibles; worked in the role of Business Development Manager for Laminations at Rexam Medical Packaging; held positions including Key Account Manager, Product Manager for Films, Film Specialist and Sales Representative at Perfecseal, a Bemis Company; and worked as a Technical Sales Representative at Rollprint Packaging Products. Heezen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Norbert College, as well as a Master’s of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. Sealed Air develops packaging and performance-based materials and equipment systems that serve an array of food, industrial, medical and consumer applications. Operating in 52 countries, Sealed Air’s international reach generated revenue of US$4.8 billion in 2008. With widely recognized brands such as Bubble Wrap brand cushioning, Jiffy protective mailers, Nelipak custom thermoformed products and Cryovac packaging technology, Sealed Air continues to identify new trends, foster new markets, and deliver innovative solutions to its customers. |
Medical and Pharmaceutical Packaging, Primary Films and Flexible Packaging Materials Q&A
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I currently use a foil pouch for packaging a moisture-sensitive device. What clear alternatives are available?Answered June 11th, 2009 by Expert:Foil pouches are often used for moisture-sensitive products, as they have the highest barrier properties available today. One possible disadvantage to the user is that they are opaque.
In some cases, clear polymer-based structures can replace foil, but the moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR), until recently, has been worse by a factor of 1000-approximately 1g/m2 versus 0.001g/m2 for foil. Aclar is the only material that has been able to offer levels of MVTR anywhere near this at 0.4g/m2 down to 0.04g/m2, depending on gauge. However, it is not as popular because of its high price.
Advances in EVOH and PVdC processing have resulted in extruded materials that attain MVTR levels down to 0.5g/m2. Some of these materials can also be engineered to filter out UV light, which can affect the efficacy of some devices. Finally, there are coated materials using aluminium or silicone oxide that offer similar barrier properties.
The choice of alternatives is slowly growing, and the most suitable choice for you will depend on the exact demands that your packaging must meet.