Increasing Safety Concerns Spur Scrutiny of Device Plastics Use

With new regulations limiting the use of plastics popping up worldwide, the medtech industry sees arguments on both sides. Some argue hasty bans of PFAS ("forever chemicals") would harm patients, while others say phthalates should be phased out to protect the public.

(zimmytws/Shutterstock)

It’s no surprise that as for most other industries, use of plastic materials is deeply embedded in the medtech sector. But as regulators on both sides of the Atlantic step up scrutiny of the use of plastics in consumer goods, device manufacturers find themselves trying to balance health and safety concerns with the benefits those materials have in device production.

Key Takeaways
  • Regulators are increasing scrutiny over plastics in medical devices due to health concerns, particularly regarding PFAS and phthalates.

To Medtech Alley CEO Roberta “Bobbie” Dressen, it’s clear that government actions to limit the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl...

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