In this episode, we chat with Peter Panneri, Business and Product Manager of Ryandra Inc., a subsidiary of Tapecon, specializing in cohesive tape solutions for medical tube set manufacturers.
Ryandra provides cohesive tape and tape dispensers to buyers, engineers, and marketing leaders who rely on them to improve product designs and simplify their processes. We explore the history of cohesive tape, its role in the medical industry, and how Ryandra's cohesive tape differentiates itself by offering added value beyond the tape itself.
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Conversation Overview
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History of Cohesive Tape:
- Origins: Cohesive tape was invented in the 1960s by Dr. George Winters, an English doctor focused on medical wound care. The tape originated from natural rubber tree sap and was initially used in sports and packaging before expanding to medical applications.
- Application in the Medical Industry: Cohesive tape became integral in the manufacturing of medical tube sets due to its ability to secure tubing without using adhesives, which can leave debris or compromise sterility.
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Medical Tube Set Market and Cohesive Tape’s Role:
- Initial Use: Medical tube sets were initially secured with twist ties, which punctured sterilization bags, leading to the adoption of cohesive tape. Unlike adhesive tape, cohesive tape only sticks to itself, making it ideal for maintaining sterility while securing medical tubing.
- Efficiency in Manufacturing: The tape is essential for streamlining the medical tube set assembly process, allowing manufacturers to quickly and efficiently bundle tube sets while maintaining sterility and avoiding contamination.
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Ryandra’s Differentiation in the Cohesive Tape Market:
- Latex-Free Transition: Peter highlighted the industry's shift from natural latex to latex-free products in response to FDA regulations. Ryandra's cohesive tape is made from synthetic materials like neoprene, ensuring it meets modern medical standards.
- Quick Tack Technology: Ryandra’s cohesive tape features "Quick Tack," which allows minimal pressure to secure tubing, increasing the speed of the assembly process. This innovation reduces worker fatigue and improves overall productivity for manufacturers.
- Extended Shelf Life: Ryandra’s cohesive tape has a shelf life of one year, exceeding the industry standard of six months. This longer shelf life adds value to customers by reducing waste and providing more reliable product performance over time.
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Ryandra’s Added Value Beyond Tape:
- Tape Dispensers and Fixtures: Ryandra offers custom-designed tape dispensers and fixtures that streamline the manufacturing process for medical tube sets. These tools are engineered to work seamlessly with cohesive tape, enabling faster and more efficient production.
- Long-Term Partnerships: Peter shared a story about a customer from 1987 who is still a client today, illustrating Ryandra’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships and continuously improving their products to meet evolving industry needs.
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Market Insights and Future Applications:
- Serving High-Volume Manufacturers: The medical tube set market operates at a high volume, with manufacturers producing millions of sets. Ryandra’s cohesive tape, with its quick application and minimal labor requirements, plays a crucial role in maintaining the speed and efficiency needed to meet production demands.
- Wound Care and Future Applications: Ryandra also has capabilities in wound care applications, another growing market for cohesive tape technology, which will be explored in future discussions.
Final Thoughts:
Peter emphasized Ryandra’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in cohesive tape production. Ryandra provides a reliable and efficient solution for medical tube set manufacturers by offering latex-free, quick-tack products with extended shelf life. Their custom dispensers and long-term partnerships demonstrate their commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions beyond just tape.
