Many medical device OEMs are looking to get out of PVC and for medical-grade material alternatives due to the EU’s pledge to ban the use of harmful chemical groups like PFAS, BPA and PVC by 2030. PVC is a common plastic-type, especially within life-saving medical device applications such as tubing and containers, IV sets, surgical products, fluid bags (especially blood bags), and many other products.
The EU’s top concerns include chemicals that are increasingly linked to cancer, developmental disruption in childhood, life-long endocrine disruption and environmental damage.
First applied to medical applications during WWII, PVC is the most widely used plastic in healthcare, accounting for approximately 25% of all medical-plastic compounds. – Plastics Today
Historically, praised for its unique technical properties, low-cost, high biocompatibility and recyclability, it is the most common, but other medical device polymers include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and ABS. PVC was first introduced in medical applications during World War II to replace glass, metal, ceramics, and rubber medical devices, which required cleaning and sterilization between uses.
PVC Alternatives & Sustainable Solutions
Fast-forward to today and many device manufacturers are actively searching for medical-grade PVC alternatives to continue to innovate and make vital contributions to human health.
One of the film suppliers meeting the challenge is RENOLIT Healthcare Solutions. Their custom-made solutions and tailor-made films are offering device manufacturers sustainable solutions to minimize their carbon footprint. When it comes to medical device, many OEMS have very specific specifications for films for their innovative products. Qualities like specific barriers, puncture resistance, gas and liquid barriers, specific mechanical properties, optical properties and transparency.
RENOLIT Healthcare Solutions is a market leader for medical-grade high-value non-PVC films for flexible polymer single-use products such as blood bags, biotechnology applications, IV bags, dialysis applications, nutrition devices, high-quality components likes ports and caps, multi-layer polyolefin secondary packaging and other tailor-made solutions.
They are making vital contributions to human health in many areas of the healthcare including 3D printing, biotechnology, blood and blood components, drug manufacturing and delivery, food, medical equipment, orthopedic implants, and pharmaceuticals.
Stumped by a Materials Challenge?
Over our three decades, the Genesis Plastics Welding engineering team has often seen OEMs stumped by a materials challenge. Due to our extensive database of medical-grade raw materials, we’re able to keep customers on track with quick and efficient product development and testing. Our engineers work with clients across the globe to select the best material that will meet business objectives, promote cost savings and accelerate the production process.
Is your team stumped by a fluid bag materials challenge? We can help. Let’s chat.
