Covestro has launched localised production of medical-grade Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) at its Changhua site in Taiwan, marking its first such facility in the Asia Pacific region. The site, now qualified for medical-grade TPU manufacturing, will produce Desmopan® Rx grades, enabling faster and more secure regional supply for high-performance medical applications.

This is Covestro’s second global site after New Martinsville, North America, to manufacture medical-grade TPU. The move reflects rising demand driven by improved healthcare standards and an ageing global population.

Meeting Global Standards, Serving Regional Needs

Manufactured in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, Desmopan® Rx grades meet international medical standards including ISO 10993 and China’s YY/T 1557, ensuring biocompatibility and minimised contamination risks. Free from added plasticisers, the TPU grades offer low extractables and are compatible with multiple sterilisation methods.

Dr Frank Yang, Head of Asia-Pacific Innovation TPU at Covestro, stated: “Our Desmopan® Rx grades meet established medical industry standards. This production shift ensures product safety, compliance, and timely delivery for regulated Asian markets.”

Designed for Advanced Medical Use

Desmopan® Rx TPUs are tailored for a wide range of medical devices, including tubing, catheters, connectors, housings, endoscopes, and wearable devices. Their use spans surgical procedures, drug delivery, dialysis, wound care, and more.

The material’s benefits include:

• Biocompatibility for patient-contact use
• High clarity for medical observation
• Kink resistance for uninterrupted fluid flow
• Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance
• Superior flexibility and dimensional stability

Additionally, Desmopan® Rx is suitable for melt-blown medical nonwovens used in drapes, gowns, sterile packaging, and PPE, offering strong performance while complying with medical waste regulations.

Strengthening Regional Infrastructure

The Changhua facility complements Covestro’s Zhuhai production base and its new application development centre in Guangzhou, enhancing local innovation and delivery capabilities. Kevin Ho, Head of Sales and Market Development TPU Asia Pacific, noted, “With Changhua online, we can now shorten lead times and improve supply reliability for the region.”

Covestro is showcasing the Desmopan® Rx range at Booth N5E24 during CPHI & PMEC China, running through 26 June at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.