While sterilization and packaging are unique aspects of product development, synergies can be realized from the joint planning of them.
The medical device industry has always been known for its highly regulated packaging/sterilization environment. In general, packagers and sterilizers are reluctant to change or innovate unless absolutely necessary, preferring well-validated procedures. However, restrictions on ethylene oxide (EO) use have now opened the door for innovation in medical device sterilization. Of course, changes in sterilization technologies also bring changes in packaging, where companies sometimes work together holistically…