
For 35 years, Syensqo’s Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) has played a key role in the evolution of the design and manufacture of surgical instruments and medical devices. Its introduction enabled the development of polymer-based components that deliver a practical combination of strength, durability and reduced weight. In some cases, devices made with Radel® PPSU have achieved up to a 50% reduction in weight compared to metal — improving ergonomics and ease of use for medical professionals.
Radel’s processing versatility — including injection molding, machining, and 3D printing — has expanded design possibilities for medical device engineers. Radel® PPSU enables the creation of complex geometries, supports part consolidation and helps reduce manufacturing costs, particularly in high-volume injection molding applications. This balance of performance and processability has made Radel® PPSU a trusted material across a wide range of healthcare applications.
“Radel® is also extensively used in medical devices and equipment because it withstands repeated sterilization — steam, EtO, gamma and vaporized hydrogen peroxide — without degrading, which ensures long-term reliability and safety,” says Natalie Dragunat, Global Market Manager for Healthcare at Syensqo.
Expanding the Platform: Color Innovation and Customer-Driven Design
To mark the 35th anniversary of Radel®, Syensqo has introduced a new bright white formulation. This development is a direct response to customer feedback from sectors including biopharma processing, surgical instrumentation and sterilization equipment. In clinical environments, white components enhance visibility, improve contrast and support quick identification — critical for reducing risk and improving workflow during medical procedures.
“Achieving this bright white color has been a significant technical achievement by our research and innovation teams, and we anticipate broad adoption in high-visibility medical equipment applications such as housings, structural components, and surgical robots,” says Dragunat. “This new grade maintains the trusted mechanical performance and sterilization capability found across the Radel® portfolio, while expanding our color options to help manufacturers meet both functional and visual requirements in demanding healthcare environments.”
Supporting Sustainability Goals: Radel ECHO RP
With increasing demand for sustainable solutions in healthcare, Syensqo has also developed Radel® ECHO RP, a version of PPSU containing up to 38% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content. This material delivers the same mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance as traditional Radel® PPSU — while helping manufacturers reduce their environmental impact.
“Radel® ECHO RP is part of Syensqo’s ECHO portfolio — a comprehensive suite of sustainable specialty polymers,” says Dragunat. “This grade offers up to a 7% reduction in carbon footprint while maintaining the performance and durability that Radel is known for.”
Looking Ahead
As medical device innovation evolves, new material challenges emerge. One key trend is miniaturization, enabled by micromolding technology. Radel® PPSU has been tested successfully in micromolding, showing strong performance and the potential to meet the precision and reliability demands of this expanding field.
Meeting the future needs of medical manufacturers means delivering materials that balance durability, safety and environmental responsibility. “Syensqo continues to advance the Radel® portfolio along with our broader range of high-performance medical polymers, delivering innovative solutions that align with the evolving demands of the healthcare industry,” says Dragunat.
This article is sponsored by Syensqo. Discover Syensqo’s full portfolio of high-performance polymers for medical devices and equipment. Explore our healthcare solutions.