Syensqo: Advancing Material Technologies Across Industries
Syensqo, a Belgian multinational materials company, has a long history of contributing to the development of material technologies across a broad range of industries. The company’s roots trace back to Solvay, which was founded over 160 years ago. In 2023, Syensqo was established as an independent company through a spin-off from Solvay, continuing a legacy of innovation in advanced materials, including solutions for healthcare applications. With a strong focus on research and development, Syensqo supports the evolution of materials used in specialized industries such as medical, aerospace, electronics, and more.
Collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical Group
An important part of Syensqo’s work in the medical field includes its collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG). Known for its capabilities in processing and conversion technologies, MCG contributes to the development of components designed to meet the technical requirements of medical customers. This collaboration focuses in part on Zeniva® PEEK materials and their use in medical devices. By combining their respective areas of expertise, Syensqo and MCG aim to support medical device manufacturers with reliable materials and tailored component solutions.
The Evolution of PEEK
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic originally developed in the late 1970s. Initially adopted for aerospace use due to its mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, PEEK later found applications in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Since the early 2000s, it has been used in medical devices for applications such as spinal, orthopedic, dental, cranial, cardiovascular, and drug delivery.
Zeniva® PEEK: A Material for Medical Applications
Syensqo and MCG work together to support medical implant solutions using Zeniva® PEEK resin, part of Syensqo’s Solviva® Biomaterials portfolio. Zeniva® PEEK has been used in medical applications for nearly two decades. The material is designed for structural and load-bearing functions in implantable devices, offering dimensional stability. Its radiotransparency supports imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI for post-operative patient monitoring. Zeniva® PEEK also offers resistance to many chemicals and compatibility with common sterilization methods—including autoclave, ethylene oxide, and gamma radiation—helping preserve the material’s integrity and performance in demanding medical environments.
Engineering Support and Sustainability Efforts
As Syensqo’s partner for Zeniva® PEEK extrusion, MCG offers manufacturing capabilities that include rods, plates, near net shapes, and custom-engineered components. Through a focus on optimizing part design and orientation, MCG helps support efficient processing and delivery of Zeniva® parts to medical equipment manufacturers. Additionally, MCG has introduced a recycling initiative that collects and repurposes Zeniva® PEEK offcuts for use in non-medical applications, reflecting an effort to reduce material waste.
Conclusion
Syensqo and Mitsubishi Chemical Group share a mutual commitment to advancing material technologies in the medical field. Their combined experience in materials innovation and component processing continues to support medical device manufacturers in developing solutions that address evolving clinical and technical needs.
Zeniva® PEEK: Transforming the Future of Medical Implants
Syensqo and MCG have combined their expertise to deliver solutions for medical implants using Zeniva® PEEK resin. As part of Syensqo’s Solviva® Biomaterials portfolio, Zeniva® PEEK has been a trusted choice for nearly two decades. Zeniva® offers implant device manufacturers a material that excels in structural and load-bearing applications where strength and dimensional stability are critical. PEEK material is radiotransparent in imaging, which aids in X-ray and MRI procedures during post-operative patient monitoring. In addition to its mechanical strengths, Zeniva® PEEK is known for its outstanding chemical resistance, making it suitable for exposure to a variety of bodily fluids and medical substances. Its compatibility with sterilization methods, including autoclave, ethylene oxide and gamma radiation, ensures that the material maintains its integrity and performance in critical medical environments, thereby enhancing patient safety and device reliability.
Advanced Engineering and Sustainability
As Syensqo’s partner for the extrusion of Zeniva® PEEK, MCG’s capabilities extend beyond traditional rods and plates to include near net shapes and other custom-engineered components. By focusing on part orientation and optimization, MCG ensures the efficient processing of Zeniva® and delivery of final parts to medical equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, MCG has implemented a recycling program in which Zeniva® PEEK ends are returned, reground, and utilized in other industries, underscoring their commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
Syensqo’s 160-year history of advancing material technologies, combined with MCG’s decades of conversion technologies and advanced processing capabilities, has resulted in a powerful partnership that continues to drive innovation in the medical market. Together, they provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of medical device manufacturers, ensuring better outcomes for patients worldwide.
