Medline and DuPont Medical Fabrics Enter New Marketing Relationship For Protective Surgical Apparel

MUNDELEIN, Ill. -- Medline Industries, Inc. and DuPont Medical Fabrics have entered into a new marketing relationship in which DuPont will provide technologically advanced medical fabrics for Medline's Proxima line of disposable protective surgical apparel and protective products.

DuPont Medical Fabrics, the leading global supplier of nonwoven fabrics for the healthcare industry, is initially providing Medline with its spunlaced fabric, which combines the natural feel of cotton with advances in material technology to provide a splash-resistant barrier. With its Proxima line, Medline is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of disposable surgical protective apparel and medical products in the United States.

Proxima includes a wide range of surgical gowns and drapes to provide OR staff a choice in the level of protection required for their surgical case. Proxima gowns feature roomier chest and sleeves, longer lengths and larger reinforced zones. Proxima products are sold separately or in packs with other disposable surgical products customized for specific procedures.

"We think this is an ideal relationship," said Jim Pigott, president of Medline's Proxima Division. "DuPont leadership in the development of technologically advanced medical fabrics, teamed with Medline's manufacturing capabilities, sales force and market penetration, are a powerful combination."

"More than 25 years ago, DuPont set a new standard of protection, convenience and comfort for the medical industry by introducing its spunlaced fabric," said Donald Frank, global business manager for DuPont Medical Fabrics. "This technologically advanced, single-use nonwoven fabric for gowns and drapes was only the beginning of the scientific innovations that DuPont continues to deliver to meet the evolving needs of medical professionals."

DuPont spunlaced medical fabric has high drapeability and softness, two important features that help optimize wearer comfort and dexterity during surgery. The manufacturing process uses no binders, chemicals or adhesives, resulting in a high-purity fabric structure. This minimizes the possibility of product contamination and allergic reactions by users.

As part of the new marketing relationship, Medline will be incorporating a high-tech fabric currently under development by DuPont into its Proxima line later this year. This new medical fabric, based on DuPont Nonwovens advanced composite technology, continues the rich heritage of technological innovation from DuPont.

Medline is ISO 9000, EN 46000 registered and FDA QSR compliant, the most stringent international standards for producing quality products. As a leading supplier of quality products, Medline serves on major industry quality committees to help develop guidelines and standards for medical products. Some of these organizations include the FDA Midwest Steering Committee, AAMI Sterilization and Packaging Committee and the various ASTM committees.

Source: Medline Industries, Inc.