Case Medical to the Rescue: Combating Planned Obsolescence

I learned today that our containers in continuous use for nearly two decades were being replaced with the "other" brand, manufactured overseas and without the quality or longevity. If you haven’t kept up with the news lately, you might not realize that medical devices including sterilization container systems imported from outside of the US are now subject to 15% tariffs. Consider how this is going to affect you, what you buy and what you need to pay for your medical supplies including the “other” container. Recently we posted a blog about standardization and the total cost of ownership and how important it is during a supply chain dilemma to source locally. Case Medical has strived to only provide the most universally compatible container to reduce stock and save money. And if you're not sure, ours are not simply locally sourced, but made right under our roof in our vertically integrated manufacturing facility. Starting with locally sourced aircraft grade aluminum sheets, the process continues each step of the way on time and under the control of our engineers and quality team.

Case Medical is a medical device manufacturer that cares about patient outcomes and supports products that improve a facility's bottom line. We started our business in 1992 developing custom graphics trays for the ortho/spine industry. We knew that a long use life was important to our customers and important to healthcare facilities. We decided to focus on reusable, sustainable materials, like aluminum and stainless steel for our products when the industry was going to plastic. Our goal has been to provide you with sustainable products to preserve your investment and does no harm to your devices, our containers, and the environment. For decades, Case Medical’s SteriTite container manufactured from high purity aircraft grade aluminum, anodized and passivated for durability and corrosion resistance has proven to be compatible with all sterilization modalities. Nonetheless, using caustic cleaners can reduce the lifespan of the device.

We developed our instrument chemistries when a colleague from a sterilizer company suggested that we formulate a pH neutral enzymatic cleaner to preserve the life of his company’s sterilizer, our container system, and the many devices that were damaged with caustic cleaners. We took up the challenge, the market asked, and we responded developing a full line of U.S EPA Safer Choice certified cleaners and solutions. As a result of our enviornmental stewardship, Case Medical was awarded a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year seven times and leads industry in the Chemical Footprint Project. Our goal was and is to preserve your investment and counteract the marketing claims of the "other" brand with a truly durable sealed container that is universally compatible.

The circular economy is a system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way. You do not have to “throw the baby out with the wash water” or replace reusable equipment without at least an attempt to repair it. At Case Medical, we consider the sustainability of our planet, the safety of our workplace and look for ways to avoid unnecessary replacement and waste. We look to contribute to the circular economy with products and solutions that save money for your facility and increase the useful life of medical devices. Reusable materials contribute to sustainability and are kept within the economy to be used again and again creating further value. Add an interactive barcode with AI and now you have not only a sustainable product, but one with intelligence contact us now to learn more about CaseTrak360 and digital visualization.

Visit us anytime at www.casemed.com to learn more about our products and services. We are here to help. Case Medical is a U.S. EPA SAFER CHOICE Partner or the Year for Manufacturer Formulator and recognized in NJ as Innovative Manufacturer of the Year.

Use the comment section below, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you want to learn more about the circular economy and how Case Medical can help your facility be more sustainable and provide solutions to problems you are facing.

Kindest Regards,

Marcia Frieze and the Case Medical team