- Medical & Hygiene
- Article
How we drive innovation in medical packaging
Medical packaging paper plays a critical role in healthcare, where safety and quality can never be compromised. At the same time, increasing performance and sustainability requirements are making material choices more complex than ever. Billerud drives innovation in this sector with a commitment to enhancing patient safety and reducing carbon emissions.
The medical industry seeks packaging that complies with regulatory standards and aligns with their pursuit of improving resource efficiency and sustainability. Converters need materials that perform seamlessly in production, offering high processability and consistent results. Healthcare professionals and patients want safe and easy-to-use packaging, and even if the choice of packaging is beyond their control it’s part of their experience. Meeting these diverse demands requires an innovative approach.
Always advancing
At Billerud, we are continuously expanding our medical paper portfolio. The two latest additions are Billerud SteriKraft D in 80 gsm and Billerud MediKraft SealBase. SteriKraft D 80 gsm is specifically developed for applications where strength and sterility are critical, such as packaging for heavy and sharp medical instruments. MediKraft SealBase, on the other hand, features an exceptionally smooth surface that delivers optimal results for latex-free, synthetic cold seal coating.
Both products are manufactured at our Skärblacka facility, which features fully integrated pulp and paper production, ensuring end-to-end control of the manufacturing process. No optical brightening agents (OBAs) are used in production, and quality is monitored using cutting-edge tools such as Web Inspection Systems (WIS) and in-house laboratories for bioburden testing. Full traceability adds an extra layer of control, supporting high standards of product safety.
Long-term commitment
Developing paper for medical packaging requires a forward-thinking and dedicated approach. As demands in this segment continue to rise, we strive to stay ahead by delivering innovative and high-performing products.
Our commitment extends beyond the physical products we offer. Currently, we are the only company in the market to publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for nearly all our medical paper products. These declarations provide transparent and detailed insights into the environmental impact of our materials, empowering brand owners to make informed and sustainable choices with confidence.
We remain committed to supporting the medical industry in meeting both current and future packaging demands. Innovation and sustainability are at the core of Billerud, and we are proud to lead the way.
