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PUTNAM, CT USA – (February 12, 2020) – Foster Corporation, a leader in polymer solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical applications, is pleased to announce a new partnership with LioChem, a global player in masterbatch and colorants in the plastics industry. LioChem’s expertise will serve to augment, and expand, Foster’s current capability in supply of medical color masterbatch by offering larger volume capability as well as providing expertise in critical color matching situations with excellent color match turn-around service levels.

LioChem’s Lioplax* MD color masterbatch products are custom formulated and manufactured exclusively for the critical medical device market using FDA approved 21 CFR 73 Subpart D pigments. Lioplax MD color masterbatch products are also available in a wide variety of base carrier medical grade biotested (USP Class VI/ISO 10993) polymers which can withstand a variety of sterilization techniques.

According to Marcela Linares, Foster’s Market Development Manager, “LioChem are experts in color, and color masterbatch products. Because of this expertise they can provide knowledgeable technical support to potential customers looking for guidance regards their medical color needs. The company’s extensive experience with pigments, additives, and resins provides a unique opportunity to support design, prototyping, and production in large and small volumes for critical applications.”

Linares continues; “The medical market for color is growing at a brisk rate and, at the same time, medical color needs are getting more complex. With the addition of the LioChem partnership, we (Foster) will strengthen our capabilities and expand our offerings to satisfy the color compound needs of our customers; which will enable them to get to market faster with the confidence that their products will comply with the regulatory needs that the medical device industry requires.”

Applications for Lioplax MD masterbatch products include medical housings, surgical instruments, fluid management, dialysis, packaging, medical tubing, respiratory & anesthesiology, endoscopy, labware as well as many other medical application segments.

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Putnam, CT, USA – (January 11, 2016) – Foster Corporation, a leader in performance polymer solutions for healthcare markets, has been appointed as a North American distributor of Solvay’s Udel® polysulfone (PSU) and Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resins for healthcare markets. This will include unmodified polymers and standard color formulations currently offered by Solvay. Foster also offers custom compounding of polysulfone formulations, including custom colors, for specific application requirements.
Solvay’s medical-grade Udel® PSU is a rigid, high-strength, transparent polymer that offers higher heat resistance and better hydrolytic stability than polycarbonate. It retains its mechanical properties when exposed to steam and other sterilization techniques. Radel® PPSU is an extremely tough, transparent polymer that can withstand more than 1,000 cycles of steam sterilization without significant loss of properties. These polysulfone polymers are frequently used for medical applications that require resistance to repeated sterilization, such as instrument trays and surgical handles.
Foster’s new role as distributor of Udel® PSU and Radel® PPSU resins, including standard color formulations, will not affect Solvay’s current order fulfillment policies or its existing relationship with other distributors. Solvay Specialty Polymers will continue to accept and fill orders that are 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) or greater. Foster will fulfill orders and provide technical support to healthcare customers who require smaller quantities of standard Solvay grades.
“Solvay’s standard grades of polysulfones are in high demand for reusable medical devices. Additionally, device companies are increasingly evaluating material formulations that provide differentiated colors and performance characteristics,” said Larry Johnson, Executive Vice President at Foster Corporation. “Our expertise in polymer distribution of standard grades and custom compounding specialty formulations is unique and provides the most comprehensive polysulfone polymer solutions in the industry.”