Medical Plastics; Improving Quality of Life

As people live longer and live more actively, the demands on medical equipment have increased, too. Increasingly, innovative medical applications place further importance on the success of the materials they use. When patients’ health, mobility and comfort are involved, reliability and durability are crucial.

In the health care sector, wearable medical devices increasingly are called upon to perform a variety of important tasks, such as monitoring vital signs or delivering drugs. The tasks they perform are highly diverse, as are the demands imposed on the materials used to make them. Their popularity continues to grow as does the need for materials that satisfy the unique requirements of these devices.

The obvious aging of the U.S. population, continuing cost-reduction pressures in the healthcare field, advances in polymer performance, introduction of new and often life-saving devices and the ever-present environmental/disposable/Non disposable medical devices.

Market Synopsis

The medical plastics global market has advanced, with the global market value projected to hit $25.6 billion in 2023 to reach $41.2 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2023 through 2028. The increasing use of these medical plastics continues transforming the health market, with plastic medical products replacing medical instruments originally fabricated with ceramics, steel, or glass where applicable. This is because they are more cost-effective, durable, lightweight, and compatible with various manufacturing processes.

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Types of Medical Plastics

Polycarbonates (PC)
- Polycarbonates are, in many respects, the ideal clear plastic for medical applications due to their outstanding impact resistance, good heat resistance, high strength, exceptional purity and biocompatibility, and good transparency.
Polypropylene (PP)
- Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer widely used in various applications due to its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and relatively low cost.
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used plastic in the medical industry due to its thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and flame retardancy. It can be molded into rigid or flexible parts, depending on plasticizer content, making it ideal for catheters, feeding tubes, and infusion bags.
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
- It is also called acrylic. This plastic material comprises specific glass properties. As such, the medical grade plastic can reflect and transmit beams of light, and this inherent characteristic makes it an excellent choice for fabricating endoscopic implants.

Benefits of Medical Plastic

Biocompatibility: Medical plastics are designed to be compatible with biological systems, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions when used in contact with tissues or bodily fluids.
Sterilizability: Many medical plastics can withstand various sterilization methods such as steam autoclaving, ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization, and gamma irradiation, ensuring the safety and sterility of medical devices and equipment.
Versatility: Medical plastics come in a variety of forms, including rigid and flexible materials, allowing for the fabrication of a wide range of medical devices, implants, packaging, and equipment.
Durability: Medical plastics offer excellent durability and resistance to wear, chemicals, and environmental factors, ensuring the longevity and reliability of medical products.
Infection Control: Disposable medical devices and supplies made from plastics help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections, contributing to better infection control practices in healthcare settings.

Leading players in the Medical Plastics Market

Evonik Industries AG

Evonik is a specialty chemicals company that offers a range of materials for medical applications, including biocompatible polymers, implantable materials, and drug delivery systems. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of medical device manufacturers, contributing to advancements in patient care and treatment outcomes.

CELANESE CORP.

Celanese Corporation is a global chemical company that produces a variety of chemical products, including plastics, fibers, and other specialty materials. The company was founded in 1918 as the American Cellulose Corporation, later renamed Celanese Corporation in 2005.The company operates its manufacturing facilities in North America, Asia, and Europe.

EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO.

Eastman Chemical Company is a global specialty chemical company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, United States. It was founded in 1920 and has since grown to become a leading producer of a wide range of advanced materials, including specialty plastics, chemicals, fibers, and additives.

SUMITOMO CHEMICAL CO. LTD.

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. is a global chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1913 and has since grown to become one of the largest chemical manufacturers in the world. Sumitomo Chemical operates across a wide range of sectors, including petrochemicals, energy and functional materials, IT-related chemicals, health and crop sciences, and pharmaceuticals.

TORAY INDUSTRIES INC.

Toray Industries, Inc. is a multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1926, Toray has grown to become one of the world's leading producers of advanced materials and chemicals. Toray develops and manufactures a diverse range of healthcare products, including medical textiles, surgical materials, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic equipment.

Future of Medical Plastics Market

The future outlook for the medical plastics industry appears promising, with the global market expected to surge to $41.2 billion by 2028, boasting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2023 to 2028. The medical plastics market continues to evolve in response to dynamic healthcare needs and technological advancements. With a growing emphasis on patient safety, performance, and sustainability, medical plastics are poised to play an increasingly integral role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and staying attuned to market trends, stakeholders can capitalize on the myriad opportunities presented by this thriving sector.

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