• Latest developments like a new drip chamber, IV tube and a new generation of ABS grades have been showcased
• New partnerships and collaborations have been established and meetings with existing customers have taken place
• INEOS Styrolution meets challenges of the healthcare market with new materials of choice

INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, exhibited at Pharmapack, the leading exhibition and conference in Europe for packaging solution providers and drug delivery technology suppliers, in Paris, France, February 10-11. At the trade fair INEOS Styrolution showcased its latest development materials for the healthcare industry, including a new drip chamber, IV tube and a new generation of ABS grades.

„As the worldwide leader in styrenics, we want to support our stakeholders in the healthcare sector in meeting the challenges of this agile market. Based on in-depth understanding of the medical industry, its applications, value chains and regulatory requirements, we continuously renew and improve our portfolio and services to generate further value for our customers”, says Pieter Bekaert, Head of Healthcare EMEA. The new developmental ABS grades focus on the broad range of medical end-use applications in the market. The glass fiber reinforced development grade offers improved stiffness to fulfil the requirements for medical spikes. Also, a new ABS development grade with improved chemical resistance against alcohols and hospital cleaners for housing applications, injection pens and other medical devices was introduced. Both grades are currently in the sampling phase to finalize the property profile according to the market requirements.

In addition to the ABS grades, INEOS Styrolution presents IV tubes made of styrene-butadiene block copolymer resins (SBC/S-TPE) like Styrolux and Styroflex. Those grades feature the right material properties for flexible applications like IV tubing, multilumen-, and coextruded tubings. Their processability and high flowability as well as the excellent transparency make them a suitable material solution.

Moreover, as an alternative to commonly used materials like PVC or polybutadiene, more and more alternatives are being evaluated. INEOS Styrolution develops a special SBC grade intended for drip chambers. This innovative material solution offers an outstanding bonding performance and excellent processability with highest quality standards. The excellent flow properties allow customers to use more cavities for injection molding and reduce cycle times.

„Continually we are facing new challenges in the agile global healthcare market. Whenever specialized innovation is required, we work hand in hand with our customers to help them achieve an unparalleled competitive advantage. INEOS Styrolution is a development partner for innovative customers”, says Bernd Elbert, Business Development Manager Healthcare at INEOS Styrolution. “The well-attended trade show indicates that styrenics become increasingly attractive for healthcare solution providers. We also have the chance to meet many of our customers exchanging their challenges and possibilities. Additionally, we are glad that also new customers are interested in our wide-reaching expertise and services, which results in new partnerships and collaborations. Altogether we are very pleased with this year’s performance at the Pharmapack.”

IMAGE:

From left to right: Pieter Bekaert, Head of Healthcare EMEA, Dr. Daria Demers, Global Consumer Safety Manager Healthcare, Bernd Elbert, Business Development Manager Healthcare