Few sectors face as many critical challenges, are as dynamic, or as vitally important to humankind, as healthcare. By 2050, it is anticipated that approximately 2 billion of the world's population will be elderly (60 years and older), according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and 1 billion people will be waiting to be integrated into the healthcare system. In mature economies, disease prevention and self-medication in aging populations will drive a need for low-cost, easy-to-use devices. Developing economies will present great opportunities for medical device manufacturers - but equipment must combine high performance with affordability.Healthcare is becoming more personalized, from advanced drug delivery systems to home-use health monitors. And individuals will come to increasingly rely on mobile devices to monitor and manage their health. Meanwhile, the healthcare community today faces a very serious challenge - the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control estimates that more than 4 million patients in the EU alone acquire an HAI each year. And, according to the WHO, such infections are thought to contribute to almost 150,000 deaths each year.
With a focus on addressing affordability, the healthcare industry is turning to the materials sector to provide solutions that can help manage costs while also meeting high performance requirements requested by device manufacturers - materials that are biocompatible, impact resistant, easy-to-clean, as well as resistant to chemicals, aesthetically pleasing, lightweight and sustainable.
A broad medical materials portfolio
SABIC will display an impressive array of innovative healthcare materials and applications on Stand D42 in Hall 6 at the K 2016 trade show in Düsseldorf this fall."With the underlying theme of 'Chemistry that Matters'," said Cathleen Hess, Healthcare business leader for SABIC, "We will demonstrate at K 2016 how SABIC collaborates with strategic healthcare partners, develops new technologies and materials, and delivers solutions with a dedicated team that is focused on servicing customers in every region."
Some of SABIC's recent developments address important healthcare trends, including the need for portable technologies, the reduction of HAIs, and increased affordability and accessibility.
SABIC offers a broad healthcare materials portfolio spanning from polyolefins to high-performance plastics and a variety of specialty compounds. It also has an established Healthcare Product Policy that covers more than 70 materials, designed to help customers meet global safety standards and achieve regulatory compliance.
