Solvay (Brussels / Belgium; www.solvay.com) showcased a new family of biomaterials for applications in medical technology under the name "Solviva" at K 2007. The range, developed for use in implantable medical devices, comprises "Zeniva" PEEK, "Proniva" SRP, "Veriva" PPSU and "Eviva" PSU and will be produced in separate plants at Solvay's site in Alpharetta, Georgia / USA. At a press conference during the exhibition, Shawn Shorrock, Solvay’s global market manager healthcare, said that the site could guarantee a controlled clean environment.

Shorrock added that while no specific applications were currently under development, the new materials offered outstanding potential. On the medical technology market, which had an annual turnover of around USD 50 bn, there were relatively few materials with a similar property profile currently available, she said.