Medical Sterilization Paper for safe device packaging
Medicol® sterilization papers for reliable sterile barrier systems, clean opening and traceable performance.
The medical industry needs proven protection
Hospitals, clinics and device manufacturers rely on sterile barrier systems that simply cannot fail. Packaging must maintain sterility from the sterilization process to the operating room, open cleanly at the point of use and support validated processes and documentation.
Converters and OEMs therefore need a medical sterilization paper that offers consistent porosity, strength and peelability — with a stable supply they can trust.
How we support your sterile barrier systems
Medicol® papers are designed for modern medical device packaging: from simple pouches to complex sets. We focus on predictable barrier properties, controlled porosity and clean opening to support your validation work and day-to-day production.
Backed by our Innovation & Development team and global availability, Coldenhove helps medical converters and OEMs keep packaging processes stable, compliant and efficient.
Sterile barrier systems with Medicol® paper
Medicol® medical sterilization paper is used for pouches, bags and wraps for single-use medical devices and sets. It is developed to provide a reliable sterile barrier, controlled porosity and strong yet peelable seals — helping protect devices through sterilization, storage and handling.
Reliable sterile barrier performance
Medicol® papers are engineered to support sterile barrier performance when converted into pouches or wraps. Controlled porosity and strength help maintain sterility after validated sterilization cycles and during storage and transport under normal conditions.
Clean, controlled opening
Opening behavior is crucial at the point of use. Medicol® grades are designed for clean, fiber-controlled opening when used with suitable films and sealing parameters, helping to minimize lint and particle release in the sterile field.
Support for validated processes
Consistent paper behavior helps support packaging validation and process controls. We provide technical data and support to help converters and OEMs build robust processes around Medicol® papers.
Challenges we solve in medical packaging
Maintaining sterile barrier integrity
Packaged devices must remain sterile until point of use. Paper, film and sealing parameters all need to work together to maintain barrier performance through sterilization, transport and storage.
Clean opening at the point of use
Clinicians need pouches that open smoothly, without excessive fiber tear or particle release near the sterile field. Packaging design, film pairing and paper behavior all influence the result.
Efficient converting and printability
Medical converters need papers that run reliably on modern lines, from flexo and offset printing to high-speed pouching and reel-to-reel processing. Stable paper properties support efficient converting and consistent print quality.
Documented performance and traceability
Regulatory requirements demand data, traceability and change control. Packaging materials need clear technical information and stable specifications so OEMs can support their quality and regulatory files.
Recommended papers for medical packaging
Medicol® ETO
Sterile barrier paper for ETO sterilisation of heat-sensitive medical devices.
Medicol® Steam Plus
Cost-efficient sterile barrier paper for steam autoclave sterilisation of medical devices.
Medicol® Steam Ultra (pending release)
Premium sterile barrier paper for enhanced steam autoclave sterilisation.
How Coldenhove supports medical converters and OEMs
Medical packaging requires stable materials, clear documentation and responsive technical support. Medicol® papers are backed by our Innovation & Development department and dedicated teams who understand paper, converting processes and the needs of regulated industries.
Application-focused Medicol® portfolio
Our Medicol® portfolio is developed specifically for medical sterilization packaging. Different grades support a variety of pouch and wrap constructions, device sizes and process conditions – helping you choose a paper that fits your application.
Data and documentation support
We provide technical information and product data to support your risk assessments and validation work. Our teams work with converters and OEMs to answer material questions and support change control when needed.
Innovation & Development support
Our Innovation & Development department brings together engineers who know paper, converting, sterilization and process optimisation. They work with customers to improve line performance, investigate issues and support new packaging concepts.
Worldwide availability and supply continuity
With a global network of partners and distributors, Medicol® papers are available in key medical packaging hubs. Our focus on planning and stock helps support long-term supply for validated packaging systems.
Why medical companies choose Coldenhove
- Centuries of papermaking expertise – combined with specialist know-how for medical sterilization papers.
- Focus on critical applications – Medicol® is dedicated to medical packaging, with properties tailored to sterile barrier systems.
- Consistent quality – We control all steps of the production process in our own mill, supporting stable specifications.
- Technical and application support – Our teams are available to discuss applications, optimization and material questions.
- Global availability – A worldwide network of distributors and agents helps secure supply close to your production sites.
Sustainability in medical packaging
Healthcare systems are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising safety. Our papers support more responsible choices in packaging.
- Electric boiler – By generating steam electrically, we significantly lower CO₂ emissions.
- Water reuse – we currently reuse around 95% of our process water and are working towards 100% reuse with our water treatment plant (IWE).
- FSC®-certified fibers in every paper – we only purchase wood fibers from responsibly managed forests, so every Coldenhove paper product is FSC® certified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clear answers to common questions about Medicol® papers. Can’t find what you need? Send us your question and we’ll help you further.
What is Medicol® sterilization paper used for?
Medicol® papers are used for medical sterilization packaging, such as pouches, bags and wraps for single-use devices and sets. They provide the paper side of the sterile barrier system when combined with suitable films and sealing processes.
Which sterilization processes can Medicol® papers be used with?
Different Medicol® grades are designed for specific sterilization processes. Many are used for ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization; other options may be suitable for alternative processes. Always consult the product documentation and your packaging supplier to ensure the chosen grade matches your sterilization method and validation requirements.
Can Medicol® paper be printed on?
Yes, Medicol® papers are suitable for common printing techniques used in medical packaging, such as flexographic or offset printing. Your converter can advise on the most appropriate ink systems and printing conditions.
How do Coldenhove papers support more sustainable medical packaging?
All Coldenhove papers are made from FSC®-certified fibers, and our production is designed to minimize environmental impact through high levels of water reuse, energy recovery and the use of an electric boiler to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Ready to discuss medical packaging?
Let’s review your sterile barrier system
Tell us about your devices, current packaging and sterilization process. We’ll help you assess which Medicol® papers fit your requirements.