The medtech industry is no stranger to innovation and adaptation, but 2024 brought significant shifts in functional medical coatings that will undoubtedly shape its future. The spotlight fell on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals integral to medical coatings but increasingly scrutinized for environmental and health concerns.
As regulatory pressures mount, the challenge lies in balancing compliance, sustainability, and performance. Here’s a look at how 2024 unfolded, what lies ahead in 2025, and how Surface Solutions Group is leading the way.
2024’s Game-Changer: PFAS Regulation
In 2024, the most significant development in the medtech industry, particularly for the functional medical coatings market, involved the escalating concerns and regulatory actions surrounding Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, known for their resistance to heat, biocompatibility, and inertness, have been integral in various medical technologies due to their durability and performance.
However, the year saw a pivotal shift with increasing regulatory scrutiny. The focus on PFAS in 2024 was about the industry’s response to new regulations, supply chain disruptions, and the quest for PFAS-free alternatives, marking a transformative moment for how medical technologies are approached regarding material use and sustainability.
What 2025 Holds for Functional Medical Coatings
Looking forward to 2025, everything will depend on how the medtech industry navigates the regulatory landscape concerning PFAS. Given the discussions and regulatory proposals, especially from the EU’s REACH restriction proposals, the industry is expected to face increased pressure to transition away from PFAS where alternatives are viable. We expect this shift to lead to accelerated research into PFAS alternatives that meet the stringent performance requirements of medical devices.
The balance between adhering to new PFAS restrictions and ensuring patient care and device efficacy will be crucial. This might require regulatory bodies to allow for longer timelines for transition in medical applications where PFAS alternatives are not immediately available or suitable. Chemical and coating manufacturers will continue to phase out PFAS, some of which has been seen already, causing further supply chain disruptions for medtech companies.
Surface Solutions Group: Leading the Development of Sustainable Coatings
At Surface Solutions Group, our focus will be on continuing to pioneer materials that offer the benefits of PFAS without the drawbacks, ensure our compliance with emerging regulations and maintain leadership in providing solutions for functional medical coatings. Our low-friction PFAS-Free GlideMed®, Slick Sil® and ElectroBond® coatings are examples of this.
Our approach will be multi-faceted, involving R&D for new materials, close collaboration with regulatory bodies for realistic transition timelines, and a robust strategy for managing supply chain dependencies. This proactive stance not only aligns with potential future regulations but also positions our company as a leader in sustainable and safe medical coating solutions.
Read our related blog on the myths vs. facts about PTFE and PFAS.
The medtech industry stands at a crossroads, driven by the need to innovate while addressing pressing PFAS regulations that are reshaping how medical devices are designed and manufactured. By embracing this challenge, companies like Surface Solutions Group are paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future. The road ahead is complex, but with collaboration and commitment, the industry can emerge stronger and better prepared to serve patients worldwide.
Contact us to learn more about how our forward-thinking sustainable coatings can help you with your sustainability efforts.