5 Questions for Colorite at Medica/CompaMed 2019

Once again, I find myself wandering the many halls of the Medica and CompaMed trade events. Between checking out the latest and greatest from the medtech elite, discovering new firms displaying their first products at the show, or catching up with those I’ve met before, I took a moment to reach out to representatives at several companies exhibiting at the medical device gathering this year. Hopefully, these questions provide useful information for anyone unable to meet with them at the event or those who are not headed to Germany this year. With that in mind, Ian Kenny, global managing director at Colorite, a Tekni-Plex business, shared the following insights to help you determine if the firm is a potential services partner for you in 2020 or beyond.
 
Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/CompaMed this year?
Ian Kenny: Many companies are trying to proactively address new regulatory dynamics around the world. Pressure is being applied by healthcare systems that are already implementing strategic initiatives for phthalate-free patient environments. TPEs are being viewed as a replacement for PVC in applications where phthalate- or plasticizer-free materials are desired.
 
As a result, we have engineered our Cellene thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound line, which is suitable for a wide variety of uses in medical devices, packaging, and other regulated markets. Cellene compounds are formulated to be silicone-, latex-, phthalate-, halogen-, and PVC-free using FDA-compliant raw materials to meet USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards.
 
Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?
Kenny: Changes in regulations and market conditions are prompting medical device manufacturers to look for solutions for non-phthalate PVC compounds or alternatives to PVC. To address this need, we offer a non-phthalate line of PVC compounds, as well as our Cellene range mentioned previously. The Cellene TPE compound line is ideal for medical device manufacturers looking for alternatives to PVC, phthalate-plasticized compounds, and various rubber materials.
 
Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?
Kenny: What type of experience does the supplier have with medical compounds? Do they have a strong track record of successful medical company partnerships?
 
Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?
Kenny: Creating compounds suitable for disposable medical devices requires significant technology-based expertise. Typically, medical device companies don’t have the expertise to create compounds in-house.
 
Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?
Kenny: Because of Colorite’s significant global expertise and manufacturing footprint, we are positioned to meet the demands of challenging go-to-market timelines.
 
Colorite, a Tekni-Plex business, is located at Medica/Compamed in Hall 6, Booth/Stand H30.