Freudenberg presents innovative wound dressings at EWMA

The components for wound dressings consisted of polyurethane foam (PU) with a directly applied layer of silicone, which prevents the dressing from sticking to the wound. They continuously adapt to ensure optimal contact with the wound bed, reduce the complexity of the production process for the customer and have less impact on the environment. The adhesive properties of the silicone facilitate the application of the foam and, at the same time, do not stick to the wound when changing dressings. The Freudenberg solution works without additional layers of film or other liners with acrylic adhesive, which is required as a silicone carrier in conventional products, said the company in a press release.

Freudenberg supplies the foam and the silicone components for easy removal from wounds directly to customers as a single product. This brings two clear advantages: one production step is eliminated entirely and secondly the customer’s procurement process is optimised because they no longer need to purchase individual components from different suppliers.

Because Freudenberg develops and produces the foams entirely in-house, top quality is guaranteed at all times. By integrating all process steps under one roof, the individual material properties can be optimally harmonised to achieve the highest possible performance. As a result of eliminating the need for film components, raw material use, energy consumption and waste are all reduced.

By combining hydrophilic PU foams and hydroactive nonwovens for wound dressings, Freudenberg has once again brought an innovative solution to the market. The multi-layer components with superabsorbent nonwovens significantly increase the absorption and retention performance of wound dressings. All components are optimally matched to each other. This is possible because Freudenberg is one of the few suppliers on the market to develop and manufacture the materials used and also to laminate them in-house. Customers can choose between MDI- and TDI-based hydrophilic polyurethane foams. Freudenberg manufactures these high-performance multilayer materials in cleanrooms under ISO 13485 conditions.

Due to the newly developed high-performance formulation based on MDI polyurethane, Freudenberg offers a superior alternative to conventional TDI-based PU foams. As a component of wound dressings for chronic venous leg ulcers, the new MDI-based PU foam from Freudenberg absorbs wound fluids in just a few seconds. It also has a fluid retention capacity that is around 50 per cent higher than that of the TDI foam and offers much greater strength in its wet state.

“All three innovations contribute to our goals of improving the wound healing process, reducing product complexity on the customer side and simplifying the supply chain,” said Dr. Henk R Randau, general manager business division healthcare at Freudenberg.

Further medical solutions from Freudenberg included components for traditional wound care, elastic substrates for transdermal therapy (application of active ingredients via the skin) and state-of-the-art components for stoma care. Under the scaffolene brand, Freudenberg offered bioresorbable nonwovens with a 3D structure into which active ingredients can be incorporated.

Freudenberg Performance Materials is a leading global manufacturer of innovative technical textiles offering differentiated value propositions to a broad range of markets and applications such as apparel, automotive, building interiors, construction, energy, hygiene, medical, shoe and leather goods as well as specialties. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India