the nature of the breach and the
container’s design. Permeable leaks
involve breaches that permit the
passage of liquids. They result in
a loss of product content, leading
to potential contamination. Non-
permeable leaks, on the other
hand, refer to breaches that allow
the passage of gases or vapors
through the container wall without
a significant flow of liquid. They
can also weaken the container’s
material. Over time, the container
becomes more prone to breakage
or failure, which can lead to leaks
while processing.

H ow HVLD ensures
leak-free containers
HVLD is a precise, non-destructive
method used to assess the integrity
of pharmaceutical containers. For
the process to work effectively, the
liquid inside the container must
be conductive. If the container
is intact, only a minimal amount
of high voltage current can
flow through it. If, however, the
container has a small crack or hole,
the conductive liquid allows a large
current to pass through, triggering
the system to detect the leak. The
container is then automatically
rejected. Implementing HVLD technology
calls for thorough training for
operators and maintenance staff
to deliver the safest and most
reliable leak detection. Apart from
training, histograms and batch
reports can offer valuable insights
and help to collect experiences
in key measurements and critical
parameters. Finally, a rigorous
validation of the system makes
sure that the inspection process
functions correctly and meets
safety standards. It involves
calibrating the system with test
containers, which have known
leaks and setting the appropriate
sensitivity and high voltage.

B enefits of integrating
HVLD with AVI
HVLD supplements visual
inspection by detecting leaks that
neither cameras in Automated
Visual Inspection (AVI) systems nor
the human eye in manual inspection
can. In the past, both AVI and
HVLD inspection were performed
with stand-alone machines that
required a larger footprint, higher
investments, and the connection
to either upstream processes
or additional transportation.

By integrating HVLD into AVI,
pharmaceutical manufacturers
receive a seamless process in one
single system that operates at the
same speed as the AVI machine.

Safety standards in the industry
are evolving, and visual inspection
is no longer sufficient for many
pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The combination of AVI and
HVLD is increasingly becoming a
requirement for the investment
in new inspection machines
and contributes significantly to
improving quality standards and
ensuring patient safety. HVLD aligns
seamlessly with the updated EU
GMP Annex 1 guidelines, which
focus on contamination control
and sterility in pharmaceutical
manufacturing. By providing
sensitive and real-time detection
of leaks, HVLD plays a crucial role
in ensuring safety, sterility, and
integrity. www.syntegon.com
PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR EMBRACES
AVANTIUM’S RELEAF
Avantium N.V. has announced a collaboration with Parfums Christian Dior to implement Releaf in its packaging.

Dior will be the first in the cosmetics industry to use this cutting-edge, 100% plant-based material for its primary
packaging. Avantium’s PEF (polyethylene furanoate), known under the brand name Releaf, is a fossil-free polymer material,
which is fully recyclable through existing recycling streams. Releaf distinguishes itself through exceptional
performance providing optimal protection for formulations while preserving their qualities.

Tom van Aken, CEO of Avantium, adds: “We are excited to see our partnership with Parfums Christian Dior
become a reality. Using PEF in Dior’s packaging highlights our mutual commitment to a sustainable future and
showcases how Releaf can transform the cosmetics industry. For consumers, this means that they can enjoy high-
quality, luxurious products that are also environmentally responsible, making a positive impact on the planet and
supporting eco-friendly innovation.”
CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update 03