There are myriad reasons to attend this year’s Interplas (28–30 September 2021, Birmingham, UK) event; we at MPN are keen to meet you — exhibitors and visitors who have a keen interest in all things medical plastics. The highly specialised area of manufacturing plastic parts for the medical industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the plastics industry.
Interplas provides visitors to opportunity to meet exhibitors showcasing technologies, materials and services relevant to their field.
In addition, the event will be complemented by a conference track on the Main Stage programme where experts will deliver sound advice crucial to medical device designers and manufacturers on a range of issues. Come along, it’ll be great to see you there!
Redefining the Hygiene, Cleanliness and Sustainability of Plastics with Built-In Antimicrobial Technology
Speaker: Jonathan Clapp, International Senior Technical Manager, Microban
Date and time: Wednesday 29 September, 12:30–13:00
The emergence of the global pandemic combined with a call for greater environmental responsibility is shaping the future of plastics. 72% of consumers admit they now worry about exposure to bacteria, while 85% are actively making choices to protect the environment. That’s why manufacturers worldwide are looking to create smarter plastic products that address both cleanliness and sustainability concerns.
Backed by a wealth of scientific data, built-in antimicrobial technologies provide 24/7 surface protection against bacteria, mould, and some viruses. These proven formulations become a permanent feature of a product, delivering added peace of mind when it’s needed most. What’s more, the continuous inhibition of damaging microbes on a surface means antimicrobials prevent material degradation, visual discoloration and odours that may otherwise lead to the premature disposal of a plastic product. This presents countless sustainability benefits for both consumers and manufacturers alike.
Jonathan Clapp, International Senior Technical Manager at Microban International, will be educating Interplas delegates on built-in antimicrobial technologies for plastics. The presentation will cover compatible additive formulations, methods for testing antimicrobial performance, and global regulatory considerations. Jonathan will also explore common industry applications including plastics in healthcare, automotive, consumer electronics, construction, food service, and packaging.
Can Attention to the Design of Plastics in Medical Devices Support Patient Safety?
Speaker: Sarah Jennings, National Patient Safety Lead, NHS England & NHS Improvement
Date and time: Wednesday 29 September, 14:00–14:30
The National Patient Safety Team at NHS England & NHS Improvement provide clinical and non-clinical patient safety expertise for the NHS. We utilise information from within healthcare, and patient safety incident data reported into the National Reporting & Learning System (NRLS) when things go wrong in healthcare. This enables identification of new and under recognised patient safety themes and trends. Reviewing medical devices within the ‘system’ of use, including users and the environment, can identify design features that may support the user in maintaining patient safety or present hazards due to the environment in which it is used. This talk will outline the role of the National Patient Safety team and provide examples of how designers and manufacturers of plastic components can support patient safety.
Innovative Drug Delivery for Improved Patient Compliance
Speaker: Gillian Smith, Global Lead for Healthcare, Berry Global
Date and time: Wednesday 29 September, 14:30–15:00
The patient and provider relationship has never evolved so quickly as we observed in 2020. What the future holds in patient care is still to be written, but the use of technology for improved communication and improved patient outcomes across the healthcare system will only grow. This is exactly where some of the greatest innovation and leading patient-centred design is taking hold with Berry Global’s Healthcare Division. Join this seminar to hear how a global leader in inhalation devices has identified a path to bring patient–centred design with the needs of healthcare systems around the world.
Manufacturing Technologies for a Post-Pandemic World — Injection Moulded 3D Micro and Nano-Structured Surfaces for Reduced Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity on Consumer Goods
Speaker: Ben Whiteside, Director, Centre for Polymer Micro and Nano Technology, University of Bradford
Date and time: Wednesday 29 September, 15:00–15:30
The University of Bradford is pioneering research into the production of functional nanostructures on injection moulded components with 3D surfaces. By making significant developments in tooling approaches, processing technologies and characterisation methods, they can produce highly detailed yet robust surface structures using standard engineering polymers that have been proved to reduce droplet adhesion, bacterial attachment and the subsequent formation of biofilms. This approach offers a low-cost method for adding physical functionality to moulded products while avoiding the need for additives or coatings which add cost and reduce recycling options.
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