The global market for disposables is estimated

The global market for disposables is estimated

Disposable devices are a potential starting point for plastics moulders that are looking to enter the growing medical manufacturing market. Trevor Lewis of the Medical Device Consultancy told delegates at last week’s Winning and Retaining Medical Business conference that the global market for disposables is worth around $36bn (E31bn).

“Many of these are plastics-based, but it is hard to quantify the exact amount,” he said. He said articles such as gowns, gloves, masks and syringes are all price-sensitive items, driven by volume and availability.

Other potential entries to market include: safety devices such as ‘sharps boxes’ for discarded needles; aids for the elderly or disabled; and plastic versions of existing metal components, allowing them to be used with MRI or CAT scanners.