In this episode, we spoke with John Burgoon, Medical Sales Manager for Mativ. Mativ manufactures advanced medical materials, composites, and skin-friendly adhesives. We discussed wound therapy construction, customization, and how Tapecon helps bring prototypes to scalable production. John also discusses customization options, Mativ’s sustainability efforts, and future wound care technologies.
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Conversation Overview
- John has worked in the medical industry for 11 years and Mativ for one year.
- Mativ has 7,000 employees and manufacturing capability in most parts of the world.
- While bandages seem like a simple product, there is a lot of science behind them.
- The first layer is an adhesive, which keeps the bandage anchored to the skin.
- The second layer is the absorbent (nonwoven) layer, which helps drain the wound.
- The vacuum layer, or TPU, holds the bandage together. TPU is a stretchy, breathable, water-resistant film made of polyurethane.
- The Delnet layer is a protective barrier between the wound and the bandage.
- There are many possible material options and combinations to fulfill specific applications. For example, a thinner bandage is stretchier, which is useful for joints. Or they can design a more breathable bandage.
- Lyocele fiber, which goes into the nonwoven layer, has more absorbency. The thicker the pad, the more absorbent.
- If it’s a bandage that a user applies after they stop the initial bleeding, a thinner PET might work better.
- Mativ also creates PET and lyocell blends and can vary the number of holes per square inch in the netting.
- While the customer knows what problems they want to solve with the product, they can’t bring it to life. Mativ helps them select the components to fulfill specific design specifications. Tapecon then creates a prototype to ensure it works correctly. If it doesn’t, Mativ chooses other variables.
- Additional variables include different colors, less stretch, and more durability.
- To fulfill its commitment to sustainability, Mativ recycles unused or scrap material made of 100% plant-based fibers. They can then reuse it in another manufacturing run.
- Looking ahead, Mativ is developing foams and gels for reusable, advanced wound care. In addition, the company can create new, innovative products in its new UK facility.
- Ultimately, Mativ seeks to create a product for customers that fulfills their patients’ needs.
