SABIC, a global chemical producer, is presenting medical-grade thermoplastic materials at MD&M West 2026 for use in drug delivery, patient testing and surgery. The company emphasizes that its new material solutions are intended to help medical device manufacturers meet requirements related to performance, regulatory compliance and production efficiency. At booth no. 3251, SABIC is showcasing a new family of polycarbonate copolymers certified in accordance with UL746G and new biocompatible Siltem HU materials, which can potentially replace fluoropolymers in medical tubing. In parallel, the company is presenting its approach to accelerating application development by supporting plastic part design, prototyping, testing and processing consulting.
Technical support and SABIC competence centers
SABIC stresses that it offers customers not only materials, but also advanced technical and advisory support. As highlighted by Sergi Monros, vice president SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU: "SABIC goes beyond material expertise and innovation to support customer success. We offer advanced technical capabilities and practical guidance at our worldwide Centers of Excellence. These resources help customers to optimize part performance, reduce costly design changes and accelerate time to market."
The company points to the role of its Centers of Excellence and Global Application Technology (GApT) facilities, which provide tools and expertise in plastic component design, prototype development, material selection and validation against specific application requirements in medical devices. This support is intended to complement the material offering and facilitate the use of SABIC's broad healthcare portfolio by medical device manufacturers.
Fluoropolymer alternatives and PFAS-free materials
One of the key areas presented at MD&M West is fluoropolymer alternatives, linked to tightening restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). SABIC offers materials formulated without fluorine or other PFAS compounds that can be used in selected medical applications.
This group includes Ultem HU materials and new Siltem HU copolymers for selected applications in medical tubing. The company also highlights a new LNP Elcres NPCRX9612U resin, certified according to UL746G as a non-PFAS material for use in device housings. In addition, Sabic offers internally lubricated LNP Lubriloy compounds, formulated without PTFE, for components exposed to wear and friction.
Improved device performance and extended service life
Among the solutions aimed at improving the performance and durability of medical equipment, Sabic lists copolymers from the LNP Elcres CRX family. These materials are designed to provide a high level of chemical resistance in applications involving equipment and device housings. LNP SLX materials, in turn, offer impact and UV resistance, for example in applications such as the transparent cover of Rotaid's AED cabinet.
Rotaid AED cabinet cover made from LNP Elcres SLX material providing impact and UV protection.
SABIC's solutions also address the requirements of modern surgical robotics. Ultem HU materials, belonging to the polyetherimide (PEI) family, are used in lightweight yet strong components such as robot wrist elements and arm base parts. These materials are compatible with popular sterilization methods used in healthcare, which is important for their applicability in reusable medical devices.
To illustrate the scope of its medical materials offering for drug delivery applications, SABIC is displaying an autoinjector demonstrator. This solution is intended to show the possibilities of combining different materials from the company's portfolio in a single medical device, taking into account functional and regulatory requirements.
Product policy and healthcare portfolio
SABIC supports its material offering for the medical sector with a dedicated Healthcare Product Policy. This policy is intended to define rules relating to, among others, formulation stability, scope of applications and availability of documentation required by medical device manufacturers. Combined with the technical resources at the Centers of Excellence and GApT facilities, this policy forms the framework for cooperation with manufacturers of devices and components.
SABIC's material portfolio includes, among others, medical grades of thermoplastic materials for device housings, structural components, tubing and products used in drug delivery. Combined with services in design, prototyping, testing and processing optimization, this is intended to enable medical device manufacturers to implement new solutions based on engineering plastics and specialty materials more quickly.
MD&M West 2026 trade fair
MD&M West 2026 is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, from February 3 to 5. SABIC is presenting its specialty materials and application development support services at booth no. 3251, addressing current challenges faced by the medical device industry in the areas of materials, regulation and production efficiency.
