Healthcare - Expertise that supports healing

At Freudenberg Performance Materials, we develop and manufacture a broad range of high-performance nonwovens, foams and laminates. Our materials are engineered to meet specific performance criteria, addressing the unique needs of healthcare providers and patients alike. With the ability to adjust or tune product properties, we create innovative solutions that target unmet needs in the market. Highlights are:

• New silicone dressings combine the unique properties wound bed contouring, superior flexibility and improved anti-adherency.
• Highly elastic super absorbers increase comfort and wear time.
• Microbial capturing nonwovens reduce the need for excessive antimicrobial substances in wound care.

Today's healthcare landscape demands products that support the body's natural healing processes, accelerate recovery, and enhance patient wellbeing. Our nonwovens and polyurethane foams are designed with these goals in mind, offering biocompatibility and safety. Whether in first aid dressings or advanced multi-layer solutions for chronic wounds, our products help contribute to faster recovery. Freudenberg's components are used in Class 1-3 medical devices and FDA-certified products, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.

What are some of the key technologies used in our products?

We are the expert in designing and manufacturing material systems for advanced and traditional wound care as well as for stoma care applications. Our technology portfolio includes nonwovens, PU foams, knits and laminates. These materials can be complemented with additional functionality, such as antimicrobial solutions or activated carbon.

What are the current key trends in the healthcare sector?

• Supply chain resilience: Ensuring stable and reliable sourcing for critical medical products and its components.
• Affordability: Balancing cost with performance to meet patient and healthcare provider expectations.
• Regulatory requirements: Rising regulations drive the need for compliant, high-performing medical products.
• Reimbursement changes: Adaptations to reimbursement models are influencing product development and availability.

What challenges in the healthcare industry have influenced recent product developments, and how are we addressing them?

• Cost pressure and affordability: We prioritize the efficiency of care in our innovations. Whether by simplifying products, making them more affordable, or improving performance, our goal is to enhance care outcomes—such as faster healing—while controlling costs.
• Insufficient wear time of medical devices: We develop highly flexible carriers for glucose sensors and our border silicone dressings feature a two-type silicone technology, both increase the wear-time and the comfort for the patient.

How will the healthcare sector change in the next years?

• Nearshoring: Manufacturing will shift closer to markets to ensure supply chain stability.
• Digitalization: Technological advancements will streamline patient care and product development.
• Sustainability: Environmental considerations will become increasingly important in healthcare.
• Outsourcing: Collaboration with specialized partners will drive innovation and efficiency.

Expert Insights

In the coming weeks, we will feature an exclusive interview with our healthcare expert, Nils Dorn , who will share deeper insights into the sector and our latest innovations. Be sure to follow him on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

COMPAMED 2024

COMPAMED is the world’s leading platform for advanced medical technology. This year, we will showcase our innovative nonwovens and polyurethane foams. Meet our healthcare experts and discover our latest developments at Hall 8b, Booth H01 from November 11-14 in Düsseldorf.

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