At Kraton, we believe innovation should serve both people and the planet. Our latest development in medical tubing technology reflects this commitment. By enabling our customers to move away from traditional PVC materials, we are creating solutions that improve patient safety, support sustainability, and meet the high standards of the healthcare industry.

Why Move Beyond PVC?

PVC has been widely used in medical tubing for decades, but it comes with challenges. Concerns about plasticizers, environmental impact, and recyclability have led this industry to seek alternatives. Kraton’s hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC) technology offers a safer, more sustainable option without sacrificing performance.

Key Advantages of HSBC Over PVC

• Plasticizer-free design: No added plasticizers, reducing risk of chemical interaction with medications.
• Improved safety: Meets strict regulatory standards for healthcare applications.
• Better recyclability: Compatible with polyolefin recycling streams.
• Lower environmental impact: Minimal hazardous emissions during processing or combustion

Performance That Matters

Medical tubing must be flexible, strong, and reliable, even after sterilization. Kraton’s HSBC-based solutions deliver:

• High flexibility for patient comfort
• Excellent kink resistance, comparable or exceeding PVC tubing
• Strong solvent bonding due to enhanced solubility and compatibility
• Optical clarity for easy monitoring

These features ensure tubing performs well in demanding environments, including sterilization processes like ethylene oxide and electron beam. Kraton’s HSBC materials performed similarly to PVC tubing in all sterilization testing, enabling a more sustainable product without loss of performance.

Designed for Sustainability

Healthcare innovation is not just about performance; it’s also about responsibility. Our HSBC solutions:

• Support recyclable designs.
• Reduce reliance on PVC and phthalates.
• Align with global efforts to minimize environmental impact.
• Meet FDA requirements and USP Class VI.

Looking Ahead

Kraton continues to lead with solutions that combine safety, sustainability, and innovation. By advancing PVC-free medical tubing, we are helping healthcare providers deliver better outcomes for patients while protecting the environment.

Contact Us or reach out to your Kraton representative for additional technical details, regulatory information, and performance insights.