Thermoplastic Elastomers
Medical devices come of age with TPEs Incorporating TPEs in the manufacture of medical devices allows for easier processing, just like thermoplastics, and imitating the performance and feel of thermoset rubbers, as well as lower scrap rates, thus assuring end-users of safe, hygienic, light weight and cost effective medical and health management solutions.
Teknor Apex has expanded its Medalist range of TPEs for applications like therapy bands
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MARCH / APRIL 2017
Market growth of TPEs In a report titled The Future Thermoplastic Elastomers to 2022  research firm Smithers Rapra estimates that the market has grown at a compound average rate (CAGR) of 5.45% from 2012-2017. The market is expected to grow at about the same rate for 2017-22, with a CAGR of 5.58%. The Asia-Pacific region will occupy an estimated 49.7% in 2017, and will likely grow to a market share of 25.5%. The NAFTA region is the second-largest market, but its estimated market share of 25.5% is expected to recede slightly to 24.5% by 2022. The European market share is third in line at 19.7% in 2017, but will likely fall to 17.8% in 2022. Meanwhile, the South American market is faring rather badly and will do so right up to 2022. Innovations in medical devices Health management will not be as advanced as it is today without the innovations in medical devices. Opportunity growth is driven by the introduction of innovative devices into the market, forecast to reach US$398 billion in the current year, from US$321 billion in 2012, and its revenue will show strong growth to 2023. This is stated by UK-based Visiongain in its report titled Medical Devices Industry and Market Prospects 2013-2023. The research entity also attributes market expansions to the demand generated by illnesses associated with the ageing global population, including cardiac and respiratory diseases that generally affect the over-65 population. Plus, the growing middle class in emerging economies will result in a larger proportion of the population being able to afford procedures and treatments that were previously deemed too expensive, the report states. On the other hand, the medical devices market is a boost to the TPE market for these kinds of applications. Currently, TPE manufacturers have been actively innovating products that will replace traditional elastomers and thermoplastics in a variety of applications. Essentially latex-free solutions In Visiongain’s TPE report, it cites that demand for PVCfree or non-latex medical applications are creating an impetus for the TPE market to grow, as well as given its advantage of being a cost-effective alternative to silicone. Cast film products, such as tourniquets and straps, therapy bands and sheeting, and dental dams, now have new latex-free options from US firm Teknor Apex