PROVEN FOR LIFE-SAVING
MEDICAL PRODUCTS
PVC is among the widely used plastics for medical products with good reason — its effectiveness and performance are backed by decades of experience.1
Healthcare providers and patients rely on the flexibility, drug compatibility and strength of PVC-based materials for a range of essential medical products including IV fluid bags, IV infusion sets, oxygen tubing and masks and dialysis bags.1,2
BAXTER PVC-BASED MEDICAL
PRODUCTS: SAFETY AND RELIABILITY
Baxter IV infusion products using the VIAFLEX have been approved by the FDA for safe and effective use since 1970.3 There is an extensive history of approved use, proven performance and exceptional reliability that spans many decades. Additionally, 30 million patients receive Baxter's IV solutions in the U.S. each year.4
Because PVC is rigid by nature, a plasticizer is added for applications that require it to be soft, flexible or kink-resistant. Baxter has carefully chosen plasticizers that are among those with the broadest and longest history of use in PVC-based medical applications.
PVC CAN BE RECYCLED FOR A USEFUL SECOND LIFE
From an end of life perspective, PVC medical IV fluid bags, oxygen tubing and face masks are commonly recycled in global markets including Australia and Canada, with efforts to increase recycling rates in the U.S.5,6,7
Baxter is focused on expanding healthcare plastics recycling to reduce the amount of PVC going to landfill. In the U.S., we are piloting a program with a premier integrated academic health system in Chicago, IL. As of the end of 2023, the number of PVC IV bags diverted from landfill to be recycled for a useful second life would be enough to cross the city of Chicago if they were laid end-to-end. 8
REDUCING OUR MATERIAL USE AND
DECREASING OUR WASTE IN MANUFACTURING
Baxter is proud of our ongoing initiatives that help reduce material use and decrease waste. Our U.S.-based PVC manufacturing facility has implemented multiple improvements in support of these twin goals.
RAW MATERIALS DERIVED PRIMARILY FROM COMMON SALTS
PVC-based medical products can make a meaningful contribution to environmentally responsible raw material sourcing.11 PVC is made up of less than 50% of petroleum product and relies primarily on abundant, easily-accessed common salts.11
EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS FROM A TRUSTED MARKET LEADER
For more than 90 years, Baxter’s life-saving, life-sustaining products have been trusted by hospital professionals, clinicians and patients who demand exceptional quality and reliable performance.
Thorough and thoughtful material choices are an integral part of Baxter’s commitment to our customers. We trust PVC to help ensure our life-saving, life-sustaining products perform when it matters most.
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