Covestro begins localized production of medical-grade TPU in Taiwan to enhance regional supply and support Asia Pacific healthcare demands.
Covestro has initiated local production of its new Desmopan® Rx medical-grade Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) at its Changhua site in Taiwan. This marks a significant step as the facility becomes Covestro’s second globally—after New Martinsville in North America—qualified to produce medical-grade TPU. The localization of production in the Asia-Pacific region enables more responsive, efficient, and flexible supply to meet the rising demand for medical-grade materials in the region.
“With increasing global healthcare standards and an aging population, the need for high-quality medical-grade TPU is growing rapidly,” said Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development TPU Asia Pacific at Covestro. “By utilizing our Changhua site, we can offer faster delivery times and improved supply chain reliability to customers across Asia Pacific. In addition, we are leveraging synergies with our Zhuhai production site and the newly established application development center in Guangzhou to deliver comprehensive support with globally compliant, high-performance TPU solutions.”
The Desmopan® Rx TPU grades produced at Changhua adhere strictly to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. These materials are designed to fulfill stringent global medical requirements while minimizing contamination risks. They are certified for biocompatibility based on ISO 10993 and China’s YY/T 1557 standards, making them suitable for infusion, transfusion, and injection equipment. Free from added plasticizers, the TPU grades show low extractables and are compatible with various sterilization methods.
“Our Desmopan® Rx materials are tailored for the demanding requirements of medical applications,” stated Dr. Frank Yang, Head of Asia-Pacific Innovation TPU at Covestro. “We’re committed to ensuring the highest safety and regulatory compliance standards, helping customers in the Asia Pacific region access reliable solutions for regulated medical markets.”
Desmopan® Rx TPUs are developed for a wide range of medical device components, including thin-walled tubing, catheters, connectors, endoscopes, component housings, wearable health devices, and healthcare equipment. Tubing made with Desmopan® Rx is suitable for applications in surgical procedures, drug delivery systems, hemodialysis, and wound management.
Moreover, these TPU grades are also ideal for medical nonwoven applications due to their melt-blown process compatibility. Products such as surgical drapes, gowns, sterile packaging, wound dressings, and protective gear benefit from their functional properties and compliance with medical waste regulations.
Key performance attributes include:
• Biocompatibility for direct patient contact
• High transparency for clinical observation
• Excellent kink resistance
• Superior flexibility and dimensional stability
• Strong resistance to chemicals and abrasion
Covestro is showcasing Desmopan® Rx at Booth N5E24 during CPHI & PMEC China, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center through June 26.
