Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in shelf-life preservation solutions to protect pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and diagnostic products from moisture and oxygen, reports that its site expansions in Changshu, China, and Cuddalore, India, are nearing completion, ready to serve a growing customer base in the region. In addition, the company’s manufacturing plant in Belen, New Mexico, USA, is being modernized with state-of-the-art equipment and a new production line expected to go on stream in 2022.

“The demand for safe pharma and healthcare packaging keeps rising,” says Dr. Matthias Brommer, President & Managing Director at Airnov. “In fact, the global desiccants and modified atmosphere packaging industry is expected to grow at annual rates of five percent. We are investing heavily to seize these opportunities, as we continue our four-pillar strategy designed to enhance productivity, drive product innovation, open attractive new and emerging market segments, and support further growth.”

While these investments will help the company offset some of the recent cost increases in energy and transportation, the global supply chains have come under significant pressure, resulting in steeply rising raw material prices. Another cost driver is seen in ever more severe safety and environmental regulations. At the same time, customers need to address the growing sustainability awareness of consumers, which permits no faltering in the development and implementation of innovative new product technology. “Despite all efforts to mitigate the cost increases a price adaptation by at least 5% and up to 11% if exposed to certain raw materials had therefore become inevitable to stay ahead and meet these challenges without compromising the competitive benefits of our superior products for customers,” explains Dr. Brommer.

Airnov Healthcare Packaging has established itself in the global market as a trusted supplier with key added value propositions across a diversified range of desiccant, oxygen barrier, equilibrium stabilizer and odor control products. Determined to maintain the highest standards of product quality, consistency and supply security, along with industry leading R&D and customer support, the company is extending its market reach and technology scope. In Asia, it has expanded its manufacturing sites in Changshu, China, with added capacity e.g. for bottles and vials, and in Cuddalore, India, with added capacity e.g. for canister products. At Belen in the United States, Airnov is in the process of modernizing its plant to boost productivity and develop new technologies in 2022, such as laser marking. Upcoming innovations will also include a new line of products for the diagnostics market.