BillerudKorsnäs launches SteriKraft Protect AR

Following the standardization, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices ISO 11607-1, 5.5 Storage & Transport, more rigorous and realistic ship testing protocols have been introduced. BillerudKorsnäs said this has shown the need for higher performance medical device packaging systems.

SteriKraft Protect AR is designed as a heat seal coating base but will also seal peel to selected advanced peelable films without needing a coating, said BillerudKorsnäs. The company stated that more challenging applications, such as large drape and gown packs, spinal needles and IV catheters, will benefit from the extra performance offered by SteriKraft Protect AR. As with all other papers in the BillerudKorsnäs SteriKraft range, Protect AR is fully approved under the relevant sections of EN868 and ISO 11607-1.

SteriKraft is a medical paper that can withstand exposure to various sterilization methods and guarantees the sterility and purity of the products right up until the moment of use. The packaging will maintain its sterility for five years and is offered for all major sterilisation methods.

BillerudKorsnäs cites comparison of geometric TEA between standard medical kraft papers and new SteriKraft Protect AR as demonstrating the significantly higher performance of the new paper.

Andrews, business development director, medical at BillerudKorsnäs, explained: ‘The key benefit of the polymeric addition is to provide some stretch to the paper which results in much improved tensile energy absorption (TEA). TEA gives a good measure of the durability of the paper under shipping conditions.’