Americhem Unveils EcoLube™ MD: A PFAS-Free Solution for Sustainable Healthcare Lubrication
Americhem, Inc., a global leader in custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies, has introduced a groundbreaking addition to its EcoLube™ line – EcoLube™ MD. This new line of PFAS-free, internally lubricated compounds is tailored specifically for medical device applications, marking a significant advancement in sustainable and high-performance healthcare solutions.
Building on the success of the EcoLube™ launch in 2024, EcoLube™ MD addresses the growing need for effective wear and friction reduction in healthcare devices. Offering a non-PFAS, environmentally responsible alternative, EcoLube™ MD supports manufacturers in meeting both current and future regulatory demands while reducing environmental impact.
The new EcoLube™ MD compounds are engineered to reduce friction and wear on plastic components in medical devices, including minimally invasive surgical tools, syringe pumps, prosthetics, and even robotic surgical equipment. By eliminating the use of harmful PFAS compounds, EcoLube™ MD ensures compliance with tightening global regulations while also improving performance and durability in plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal applications.
Matt Miklos, Vice President and General Manager of Americhem’s Engineered Compounds Division, emphasized the rising concern among healthcare OEMs regarding sustainability and compliance. “With growing regulations potentially restricting or banning PFAS and PTFE, healthcare manufacturers need reliable alternatives that deliver self-lubricating performance,” Miklos stated. “EcoLube™ MD showcases Americhem’s commitment to innovation, offering a solution that helps OEMs stay ahead of market trends while ensuring sustainability.”
The EcoLube™ MD compounds have undergone rigorous testing for both performance and biocompatibility, demonstrating similar performance to traditional lubricants in many applications. Furthermore, EcoLube™ MD meets ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility standards, making it a trusted solution for the healthcare industry. Linda Boyett, Vice President of Global Technology & Innovation at Americhem, highlighted the importance of these certifications, noting that EcoLube™ MD’s performance and environmental credentials make it a top choice for medical device manufacturers.
The EcoLube™ family includes a range of internally lubricated compounds, with functional additives integrated directly into the material. These additives provide long-lasting lubrication, enhancing the performance of a variety of materials under extreme pressures and reducing friction and wear. From solid-state, non-migrating lubricants to multifunctional boundary lubricants, EcoLube™ offers versatile solutions for a wide array of lubrication challenges.
Americhem’s EcoLube™ MD line is available in a variety of base resins, including ABS, PBT, PC, PEI, PPS, and more. This extensive selection allows the company to meet the diverse needs of its customers, providing tailored solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and aesthetic requirements.
As Americhem continues to develop new technologies, EcoLube™ MD represents a leap forward in meeting the healthcare industry’s sustainability and performance goals. With a commitment to innovation, compliance, and environmental responsibility, Americhem is setting the standard for the next generation of medical device lubricants.
