Swiss rigid films and foils producer Bilcare Research (Allschwil; www.bilcaresolutions.com) has opened its first legal entity in China so that it can provide local sales, services and technical support to the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. Based in Shanghai, Bilcare Research (Shanghai) offers assistance in fully using its technology, products and services such as Bilcare "Optima", a tool that identifies a drug’s optimal packaging materials taking into account cost and barrier-protection requirements.

Andreas Pfefferle, business unit head of global Pharma Packaging Innovations (PPI) at Bilcare Research, said the move shows its focus on customers producing in China or for the Chinese market.

The company has undertaken a strategic investment programme in recent years, with projects in Europe, the US and Asia. An additional laminator was added at Bilcare’s site in Wilmington, Delaware / USA – see Plasteurope.com of 24.03.2016 – and its facility in Bötzingen / Germany was expanded to meet growing demand from the pharmaceutical market – see Plasteurope.com of 10.09.2015. In August 2015, the company acquired a new site in Singapore for producing high-barrier pharmaceutical film – see Plasteurope.com of 20.08.2015.