Excel™ IV containers made of Eastman’s Ecdel Elastomer reduce toxic emissions and produce less medical waste

B. Braun Medical, Inc.’s Excel™ IV containers offer healthcare facilities a clear, resilient, autoclavable product that reduces medical waste costs and eliminates hazardous emissions often associated with medical waste incineration.

Excel IV containers are made from a three-layered, biologically-inert ethylene and polypropylene film specifically developed for parenteral therapies. The container’s tough outside layer is made with Eastman Chemical Company’s Ecdel elastomer, a clear, tough copolymer that imparts strength and durability, reducing the danger of punctures. Ecdel elastomer combines the chemical resistance, toughness, autoclavability and inertness of polyesters with flexibility over a broad temperature range.

Using Excel IV containers, healthcare facilities have been able to decrease their costs of medical waste disposal. The Ecdel elastomer weighs less than competing materials, making the container lighter and ultimately reduces the overall weight of a facility’s medical waste. Sophie Dolezel, product manager for fluid therapy at B. Braun explains. “When empty, our Excel IV containers with overwrap weigh between 28% and 48% less than comparable PVC containers with overwrap,” Dolezel said. “When you consider millions and millions of containers are disposed of each year, using lighter-weight Excel containers can yield considerable savings in landfill costs.”

New Source Performance Standards in The Clean Air Act require 95- to 98-percent reductions in hydrochloric acid (HCL) emissions from medical waste incinerators within three years. “When incinerated, Excel IV containers made with Eastman’s Ecdel elastomer produce up to 30 times less HCL emissions than competing materials,” said Dolezel. “This durable film surpasses customer expectations by being both environmentally friendly and top quality. From both landfill and air quality standpoints, Excel IV Containers are solid alternatives to PVC bags.”

Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance both patient and health-professional safety. Its 29,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Through its “Sharing Expertise” initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 1-800-854-6851, or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.

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