Dr Bryan Hauger, Ph.D’s Post

The medical device industry faces growing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, but transitioning to eco-friendly materials isn't without its challenges. From navigating regulatory requirements to maintaining product safety and performance, the journey toward sustainability is complex yet vital. In our latest blog post we have teamed up with Okos Diagnostics to explore: ✅ The role of biobased and recycled materials in medical device manufacturing ✅ The environmental impact of single-use devices, such as COVID-19 test kits ✅ The challenges manufacturers face in creating a circular economy for medical plastics ✅ How innovations like our CircuLab polymer & Okos Diagnostic's biobased material, are paving the way for sustainable solutions As the demand for sustainable practices grows, collaboration and innovation will be key to reducing the environmental footprint of medical devices. 🔗 Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/dm-2zPPV We’d love to hear your thoughts what do you see as the biggest hurdles or opportunities in sustainable medical device manufacturing? And finally a big shout out to EcoLife Alliance for bringing together organisations and indviduals who all have a shared mission of driving sustainable innovation and creating a healthier planet for future generations!

Read our blog post together with RecycleLab 🧪 ♻️ "Both RecycleLab and Okos Diagnostics are committed to driving change for sustainable alternatives to single-use oil based plastics. By embracing innovation and sustainability, the medical device industry can lead the way in building a healthier future for both patients and the planet 🌏 " Don't forget to follow EcoLife Alliance for green start-ups & innovative ideas regarding sustainability in the medical sector 💚

Selecting the right manufacturing partner is crucial, especially in healthcare, where safety and quality cannot be compromised. Central Plastics exceeds these expectations, offering more than a decade of expertise in medical device production. Our latest guide goes deeper into what makes us the right partner for your manufacturing needs by identifying six key considerations essential to achieving superior results. Discover the “Central” difference in choosing a plastic manufacturing partner: https://lnkd.in/gBT2Wcfi #CentralPlastics #InjectionMolding #PlasticInjectionMolding #MedicalDeviceManufacturing

In what ways do our innovations, technologies, and processes translate into meaningful benefits for our customers? Colleagues from Weidmann Medical Technology discuss our commitment to patient safety, product quality, and continuous improvement in injection molding technologies. They explore how we leverage global facilities, advanced processes, and innovation to deliver competitive, customer-focused solutions. #MedicalTechnology #InjectionMolding #PatientSafety #MedicalInnovation #Weidmann

The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – how will medical devices be packaged in future? The European Parliament has voted to adopt the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (#PPWR), with final approval expected by early 2025. Let’s unpack the PPWR’s key points and its implications, particularly for the medical technology sector. 📜 What is the PPWR? The PPWR is a bold step toward harmonized sustainability standards across the EU, directly impacting all member states and businesses importing products into the #EU. Covering recyclability, packaging content, and labelling, this regulation aims to drastically reduce packaging waste and foster a circular economy. Key Highlights 1️⃣ Recyclability Requirements Article 6 establishes rigorous standards for packaging recyclability: - Recycled materials must meet high-quality benchmarks to replace primary materials. - Recyclability standards will increase in three stages by 2038. - Exemptions exist for medical devices and in-vitro diagnostics under Regulations (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and 2017/746 (IVDR) until 2035, with a review scheduled thereafter. 2️⃣ Recycled Content Mandates Article 7 mandates minimum percentages of recycled plastic in packaging by 2030, gradually increasing over time. - Exemptions include contact-sensitive packaging for medical devices, research-exclusive products, and test products under MDR/IVDR. - Businesses must assess the scope of these rules across all packaging levels. 3️⃣ Packaging Minimization Packaging minimization is essential (Art. 24): - The ratio of empty space in relation to the packaged product(s) shall not exceed 40%, with documentation required. - Weight and volume must be reduced to ensure only necessary components are included without compromising product performance. 4️⃣ Labelling & Digitalization Article 11 introduces standardized labels: - Packaging must display details on material composition, recyclability, and reusability via QR codes or similar digital carriers. - MDR/IVDR-aligned medical device packaging is exempt where labelling compromises safety or space is insufficient. - Future implementing acts will clarify compatibility with UDI codes. https://lnkd.in/d9qyP_xK #CircularEconomy #PPWR #Sustainability #MedicalDevices #EURegulations #Innovation #MedicalTechnology #EURegulations #RegulatoryAffairs #MedTech #UDI #Waste #MDR #IVDR #Packaging #Labelling

🏗️ Understanding Medical Device Manufacturing Medical device manufacturing is more than just assembly—it involves designing, fabricating, sterilizing, and packaging products under stringent standards. This field demands engineering expertise, top-tier facilities, and rigorous testing to meet safety and regulatory requirements. From cleanrooms to precision machining, specialized equipment is crucial. Quality and compliance can’t be compromised—what do you think is the most challenging aspect of this process? #MedTech #ManufacturingStandards #QualityControl

The Ultrapolymers Group #Healthcare Team is excited as today is the day our 'Innovating Healthcare Together' Event kicks off. We're bringing together a great group of customers, suppliers, partners, and industry leaders to dive into key innovations, sustainability, and the latest trends in medical plastics. We are pleased to have a great panel of speakers discussing all aspects of development and production in Healthcare, Diagnostics, and MedTech with a focus on key innovations and sustainability initiatives in the healthcare and medical plastics sectors. Topics include Plastics Europe's exploration of how a circular economy model can be applied to medical plastics, while INEOS Styrolution discusses the role of styrenics in healthcare innovation. LyondellBasell highlights the sustainability potential of polyolefins in healthcare, and BIOVOX GmbH emphasises the importance of collaboration in overcoming the complexities of sustainable healthcare plastics. Ultrapolymers examines the future role of polymer distributors in the healthcare industry by 2025. On Day 2, we'll hear from Ypsomed AG on the path to achieving CO2 neutrality, RAUMEDIC’s journey towards overcoming sustainability obstacles in plastic conversion, and ENGEL energy-efficient, zero-defect injection moulding solutions. Team Consulting delves into the challenges of designing reusable medical devices, while Moldex3D (CoreTech System Co., Ltd.) offers insights into optimising multi-cavity moulds for medical device manufacturing through a case study. This will be an interesting couple of days set in the beautiful surroundings of the Bad Hindelang region of Germany. We look forward to sharing some of the valuable takeaways with all our customers in the coming weeks. #AskUltra #Innovation #Sustainability #MedTech

The future is automated 🤖   Everyone agrees that packaging automation has become a necessity for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.   But more often than not, automation stops after the primary packaging. At best, after secondary packaging. End-of-line packaging? Is often overlooked – a big mistake.   Automating the end-of-line packaging not only optimizes efficiency for the whole line, but also positions your business for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.   Christ's packaging machines cover the entire spectrum of secondary & end-of-line packaging processes: From cartoning and film wrapping to case packing and palletizing.   What sets our machines apart, beyond their unique design? · Versatility: They're designed to handle diverse packaging needs with ease. · Format flexibility: Quick and easy format changeovers ensure seamless transitions. · Compact footprint: Maximizing space efficiency without compromising performance. · Ergonomic design: Creating safe and comfortable working environments for your team.   Ready to transform your pharma packaging process? Let’s talk AUTOMATION.   Write us 📧: [email protected] Call us 📞: +49 8332 9100 Meet us 🤝: FACHPACK, Hall 2, Booth 416 #FACHPACK2024 #christ_ps #automatingyoursuccess #pharma #medicaldevices #packaging #automation #robotics

Sustainable medical packaging—a pipe dream? No more! Bioplastics and recycling technology are making medical packaging more sustainable. Imagine a world where eco-friendly materials preserve medical supplies without harming the environment. All parties must cooperate on this change. Manufacturers should prioritize sustainable materials and design, and practitioners should practice responsible disposal. Together, we can rewrite the story of medical packaging. What do you think of this interesting change? #Packypedia #sustainablehealthcare #medicalpackaging #innovation

🔬 Ensuring Compliance in Medical Device Production 🔍 As a plastic engineer in the medical device sector, my role is pivotal in marrying innovation with safety. It's a dance of precision, where every step is critical to ensure that the products we create not only push the boundaries of what's possible but also adhere strictly to international safety standards. Here's how we do it: 📐 Design with Standards in Mind From the outset, every medical device is designed with compliance as a cornerstone. We meticulously consider regulations like ISO 13485 for quality management and ISO 10993 for biocompatibility. These aren't just checkboxes; they're the blueprint that shapes our work. 🔎 Rigorous Material Selection The materials we choose must meet stringent safety criteria. We scrutinize everything from the polymer's molecular structure to its performance under stress. It's not just about finding a material that works; it's about ensuring it's safe for patients, even with long-term contact. 🧪 In-Depth Testing and Validation Validation isn't a one-off event; it's a continuous process. We simulate real-world conditions, subjecting our devices to thermal, chemical, and mechanical testing. Only through exhaustive validation can we confidently say our products are safe and reliable. 🔄 Continuous Improvement Compliance isn't static. As standards evolve, so do our processes. We're committed to continuous improvement, learning from each device we launch, and feeding that knowledge back into our development cycle. It's a relentless pursuit of excellence. 🤝 Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies We don't work in isolation. Collaborating with regulatory bodies helps us stay ahead of changes in the compliance landscape. It's a partnership where dialogue and transparency are key to navigating the complex web of international standards. 🌐 Global Perspective Our devices aren't just for one country; they're for the world. We ensure our compliance is not just local but global, respecting the nuances of international standards. It's a challenging but necessary part of our work to ensure patient safety worldwide. #MedicalDevices #PlasticEngineering #SafetyStandards By focusing on these pillars, we not only uphold our responsibility to patient safety but also foster trust in the devices that are integral to modern healthcare. It's a responsibility we take seriously, and one that drives us to be better, every single day.