Softmed onshores production of surgical wrap

Australia’s largest personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturer, Softmed, has begun producing one million sterilisation wraps per month which are used to wrap and seal surgical trays and instruments prior to surgical procedures.

The company, which in August invested $30 million in a new Victorian factory, began local production in response to a critical worldwide shortage which threatens surgery cancellations in Australia.

The company already manufactures non-woven fabric surgical and isolation gowns, caps and shoe coverings, disposable bed covers and hospital drapes.

Softmed General Manager Sergiy Tsimidanov said due to the complexity of sourcing the base products as well as the high production standards required, only a few companies globally manufacture sterilisation wrap.

Tsimidanov said: “Until now, Australian hospitals have had to rely on imported products, where there is a high risk of supply shortage – a situation we are currently experiencing.

“That’s why Softmed is beginning the local production of sterilisation wrap for the Australian medical community.”

An increase in demand for PPE during the pandemic caused a worldwide decline in the material required to produce sterilisation wrap, leaving many hospitals having to manage without this critical product.

Tsimidanov said the company will begin manufacturing one million wraps per month, massively ramping up production before the end of the year.

“It is a very laborious process – our special formula non-woven SMS materials go through several stages of quality control.

“Rolls of material then need to be cut, then ultrasonically welded before being folded.

“Every product is inspected twice before being packed into a sealed, highly durable bag.”

Softmed’s product complies with medical devices manufacturing standard ISO 13485 and has achieved Therapeutic Goods Administration registration.

Softmed will begin delivering sterilisation wrap to both the local and global markets in May.

Picture: Softmed/surgical mask manufacture

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