TekniPlex Healthcare has announced the launch of innovative bio-based PVC compounds for medical applications, marking a significant advancement in the healthcare materials sector. These new compounds feature performance and composition that match those of conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, enabling manufacturers to maintain high standards of functionality while enhancing sustainability.
Certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification PLUS (ISCC PLUS) system, TekniPlex’s bio-based PVC compounds utilize resins and plasticizers derived from renewable energy sources. This certification guarantees their compliance with environmental sustainability standards, ensuring a responsible production process that emphasizes reduced carbon footprints.
As healthcare continues to prioritize sustainability, TekniPlex’s introduction of these medical-grade compounds supports the industry’s shift toward greener practices without compromising the reliability and effectiveness associated with traditional PVC materials. The bio-based compounds serve as direct replacements within various applications, including intravenous therapy, drip chambers, peristaltic pump tubing, and medical-grade films used in packaging.
The new bio-based PVC compounds offer significant environmental advantages, notably the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to standard PVC resins, and around 60% when compared to traditional PVC plasticizers. These compounds are manufactured at TekniPlex’s facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland, ensuring that both production and distribution processes uphold a transparent and traceable supply chain.
Meg Henke, Global Head of Product Management for TekniPlex Healthcare, commented on this development, stating that the ability to produce medical-grade PVC solutions using bio-based materials is a notable achievement in the advancement of sustainable healthcare solutions. Henke emphasized the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while prioritizing improved patient outcomes.