On September 25, 2024, Avient Corporation unveiled a significant expansion of its NEU™ Custom Capabilities and NEUSoft™ Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) production at its Suzhou, China facility. This strategic move underscores Avient’s commitment to meeting the burgeoning demand for medical materials across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The timing of this announcement is particularly opportune, aligning with the company’s upcoming showcase at Medtec China 2024, a premier medical technology exhibition.
The expansion mainly focuses on enhancing Avient’s production capacity for NEUSoft TPUs. NEUSoft TPUs are increasingly integral in short-term in-vivo catheter applications, including cardiovascular and intravenous devices. Known for their high elasticity, abrasion resistance, UV stability, and biocompatibility, these materials comply with rigorous ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards. With the ability to customize these TPUs with a variety of additives to suit specific applications, Avient is well-positioned to address diverse medical needs. Additionally, NEUSoft TPUs can be adeptly overmolded onto substrates like TPU and Nylon, furthering their utility in the medical industry.
Expansion and Technological Enhancements
Matt Mitchell, Global Marketing Director for Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient, emphasized that this expansion represents Avient’s unwavering commitment to improving response times and fostering closer collaboration with customers. The goal is to tailor solutions that meet specific requirements more effectively. The Suzhou facility is certified under ISO 13485 and is designed with climate-controlled environments and specialized production areas. These measures ensure product consistency and adherence to the highest standards of medical device manufacturing.
Avient’s Suzhou expansion is not just about capacity but also cutting-edge technology. The company has invested in state-of-the-art machinery and processes to provide high-quality NEUSoft TPUs consistently. By incorporating advanced production techniques, Avient aims to reduce lead times significantly, providing quicker turnaround for medical device manufacturers. This level of efficiency is critical in the fast-paced medical industry, where timely delivery of materials can impact patient outcomes.
Strategic Position in the Market
Avient’s expansion in Suzhou aligns with a broader trend of increasing investments in the TPU market in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, Covestro is establishing a new TPU Application Development Center in Guangzhou, China. These expansions indicate a growing consensus on the importance of regional production capabilities and sustainable innovation in the medical and materials sectors. Avient’s investment positions the company as a key player in this competitive landscape, providing local and regional manufacturers with faster access to essential materials.
Moreover, Avient’s broader mission is evident in its diverse product portfolio. The company’s commitment to enhancing product recyclability, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting energy efficiency is reflected in all its technologies. Products like Dyneema, the world’s strongest fiber used in ballistic protection and sustainable infrastructure, showcase Avient’s innovative approach to material science. By focusing on lightweight solutions that replace heavier materials, Avient aims to improve fuel efficiency across transportation modes, contributing to a more circular economy and sustainable future.
The Future of Medical Materials
On September 25, 2024, Avient Corporation announced a major expansion of its NEU™ Custom Capabilities and NEUSoft™ Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) production at its Suzhou, China facility. This strategic move highlights Avient’s dedication to addressing the growing demand for medical materials across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The timing of this announcement is well-chosen, coinciding with the company’s upcoming participation in Medtec China 2024, a leading medical technology exhibition.
The expansion prominently aims to boost Avient’s production capacity for NEUSoft TPUs. These TPUs are increasingly vital in short-term in-vivo catheter applications, such as cardiovascular and intravenous devices. Renowned for their high elasticity, abrasion resistance, UV stability, and biocompatibility, these materials meet stringent ISO 10993 and USP Class VI standards. Additionally, Avient can customize these TPUs with various additives to meet specific application requirements. NEUSoft TPUs can also be expertly overmolded onto substrates like TPU and Nylon, enhancing their versatility in the medical industry.
