Covestro has launched production of its new Desmopan® Rx medical-grade Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) at its Changhua site in Taiwan, which has recently been qualified for medical–grade TPU manufacturing. As Covestro’s second facility worldwide—after New Martinsville in North America—qualified to produce medical–grade TPU, the Changhua site localized production of these high-standard materials in Asia Pacific, enabling more flexible and efficient regional supply to meet growing demand.
“With rising healthcare standards worldwide and an aging population, we’re seeing accelerated demand for medical–grade TPU solutions. With our Changhua site, we can now serve customers with such materials at shorter lead times and with enhanced supply security,” says Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development TPU Asia Pacific at Covestro. “By leveraging our Zhuhai production site and the new application development center in Guangzhou, we are enhancing regional synergies to support our customers with high-performance, globally compliant TPU solutions.”
Local production, global standards
Produced at the Changhua site in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles, the new Desmopan® Rx grades are engineered to meet stringent international requirements for medical applications and minimize contamination risks. The materials are verified for biocompatibility in accordance with ISO 10993 and China’s YY/T 1557 standards for TPU used in infusion, transfusion and injection equipment. They are free from added plasticizers, exhibit low extractables and are compatible with multiple sterilization.
“Our Desmopan® Rx grades meet established industry requirements for medical applications,” explains Dr. Frank Yang, Head of Asia-Pacific Innovation TPU at Covestro. “We’re committed to ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance while helping customers across Asia Pacific unlock greater value in regulated medical markets.”
Enabling advanced healthcare solutions
Desmopan® Rx grades are specifically developed for medical device components such as thin-walled flexible tubing, catheters, connectors, component housings, endoscopes, healthcare devices and wearables. Tubing made with Desmopan® Rx can be effectively used in a wide range of clinical applications, including surgical procedures, hemodialysis, drug delivery systems and wound care.
In addition, Desmopan® Rx grades are well-suited for medical nonwoven applications due to their compatibility with melt-blown processes. Nonwovens made from these grades combine functional performance with compliance to medical waste regulations, making them ideal for surgical drapes, wound dressings, gowns, sterile packaging and protective equipment.
Key material benefits include:
• Biocompatible formulation suitable for direct patient contact applications
• High clarity for medical observation
• Excellent kink resistance to reduce tubing blockage risk
• Superior flexibility and dimensional stability
• Strong chemical resistance against oils, cleaning agents and disinfectants
• Outstanding abrasion resistance for demanding applications
Covestro is presenting the new Desmopan® Rx TPU grades at Booth N5E24 at CPHI & PMEC China, Asia’s premier pharmaceutical event, running through June 26 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.
