Specialty materials provider Eastman and Exolon Group have started a collaboration for the extrusion of solid sheet materials based on Eastman’s healthcare copolyester resins.

Made using Eastar 6763, Vivak Med caters for the increasing demand for thermoplastic solid sheet products and meets ISO 10993/USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements.

Vivak Med heavy gauge sheet for rigid medical packaging from the Exolon Group is extruded using Eastar 6763. The product is available in thicknesses from 0.6 to 8 millimetres.

Michael Burkardt, Eastman’s business development manager, specialty plastics, said: “Eastar 6763 has been the standard for decades in rigid medical packaging applications. For Eastman, it is crucial to team up with renowned partners like Exolon Group, who have the industry experience and expertise needed to deliver superior value to their customers.”

Wim Van Eynde, head of product management at Exolon Group, said: “With this collaboration and the development of Vivak Med as an expansion of our Vivak portfolio, we’re proving our commitment to innovation and our desire to enter new markets. The medical packaging industry will now have access to thicker and wider sheet material than ever before. Eastman medical-grade materials offer several advantages such as reduced material usage and freedom from substances of concern compared to other materials like high-impact polystyrene. We’re very excited about the possibilities of Vivak Med.”