5 Materials to Consider for Your Next Medical Device: Reclaimed PET

Reclaimed Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

This thermoplastic polymer resin is made from recycled products such as beverage bottles.
 

Benefits: “The fact that it’s PET makes it a good product, and the fact that it’s reclaimed means we’re keeping it out of the landfill,” Czuba says.

He says many people incorrectly believe recycled products are not good for use in medical devices, but in fact, the reclaiming process clears all contaminants from the material.

PET is also good for packaging because it’s clear.

Potential Drawbacks: Anytime you use a reprocessed material, there’s a tendency for yellowing or degrading, though Czuba says that doesn’t seem to be the case with reclaimed PET.

“It’s as clear and colorless as virgin material,” he says. 

Applications: Packaging trays

[image courtesy of FOTO76/FREEDIGITALPHOTOS.NET]