Swedish compounder inaugurates production line for medical-grade TPEs

Elasto Sweden, part of the Hexpol TPE family, announced that it has completed installation of a new production line for its medical-grade thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The TPE compounder also has expanded the technical center at its facility in Åmål.

The new line is dedicated to the company's Mediprene TPE compounds for medical applications. Described as a viable PVC alternative, Mediprene TPE withstands gamma, EtO and steam sterilization. Applications include medical tubing, IV systems, catheters, respiratory equipment, syringe plunger seals and wound-care products.

To support a growing customer base, Elasto also has added technical resources at its Swedish facility. "Our teams of chemists and polymer engineers use advanced polymer testing and analysis equipment to develop progressive TPE compounds customized to customer requirements," explains Klas Dannäs, Global R&D coordinator for Hexpol TPE. Consequently, the company has installed a new pilot line and invested in advanced analytical systems at its technical center.
 
The company's medical strategy is predicated on high-quality materials produced under consistent conditions with a strict raw material selection policy, all backed by specialist technical support, according to Niklas Ottosson, Elasto Medical Technical Manager. "Our strong heritage in this sector gives us a deep understanding of medical device regulations and requirements, such as traceability, reproducibility and formulation stability," said Ottosson.
 
ELASTO Sweden is the first European TPE compounder to be certified to ISO 13485 for the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of TPE compounds for the medical device industry.

The company will exhibit at Compamed in Düsseldorf, Germany, next week. Co-located with Medica, the largest medical technology trade show in the world, Compamed runs from Nov. 16 to 19 at Messe Düsseldorf.