March 19, 2025 – Sinopec South Korea has recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully developing and producing a specialized novel polypropylene material capable of withstanding enhanced “light-based” sterilization processes, marking a revolutionary advancement for the domestic medical device manufacturing industry.
This innovative polypropylene material maintains its transparency and performance integrity even after undergoing gamma ray irradiation sterilization. Such characteristics make it an ideal choice for manufacturing medical devices like disposable syringes, needle caps, needle hubs, and transparent face shields. Unlike traditional materials, this new polypropylene does not yellow or become brittle post-sterilization, significantly enhancing the quality and safety of medical devices.
According to industry insights from ColorMasterbatch.com, China previously lacked commercially viable irradiated sterilization-resistant medical polypropylene. Consequently, most plastic medical devices were sterilized using disinfectants like ethylene oxide, which pose potential risks such as carcinogenicity and respiratory irritation, along with environmental pollution and inefficiency concerns. Sinopec South Korea’s new material, however, employs a unique formula and structural design that “absorbs” a portion of the radiation, thereby substantially improving its radiation resistance.
Since its successful development in 2020, this new material has undergone continuous improvements and enhancements, securing relevant certification reports for medical device materials and experiencing consecutive years of production growth. Currently, the material has been expanded from Wuhan to specialized medical departments and bioengineering research institutions nationwide. Notably, products made from this material by downstream manufacturers have even received approval from EU clients, designating it as a preferred resin.
In the first quarter of this year, sales of this new material increased by 10% compared to the same period last year, indicating robust market demand. Sinopec South Korea representatives express their commitment to striving for a doubling of annual sales to meet the escalating market needs. The successful development and application of this novel polypropylene material undoubtedly promise a broader development horizon for the domestic medical device manufacturing industry.