The Medica/CompaMed trade fair is one of the largest exhibitions of medical devices, healthtech, and wellness products in the world. In addition to the finished device OEMs, a significant number of supply chain partners that support those companies also exhibit at the event. Combined, visitors can typically find anything they are seeking, from drug delivery innovations to hospital beds to component fabrication service providers. Regardless of where someone is in the care chain, the event should prove useful to all.

Unfortunately, because so many companies are showcasing their products and capabilities at the event, it’s nearly impossible to meet with every organization that might add value. Therefore, MPO has spoken with several exhibitors who are prepared and capable of serving medical device manufacturers looking for new or specialized partners to address the challenges they are currently facing or expect to face on future projects. The following “From the Booth” feature with Nathanaël Battaia, general manager of Medical at Saint-Gobain Medical, will offer insights on whether you are the right fit to collaborate.

Sean Fenske: What technology or service are you emphasizing at Medica/CompaMed this year?

Nathanaël Battaia: At CompaMed this year, Saint-Gobain Medical is emphasizing our portfolio of fluoropolymer alternative tubing solutions. These materials have been revisited and characterized to support medical device manufacturers as they transition away from traditional fluoropolymers. While no single material can replace fluoropolymers across all applications, our deep application knowledge allows us to guide customers toward sustainable, high-performance options that align with their specific needs. Whether for drug delivery, diagnostics, or fluid management, we help teams make informed material choices that balance performance, scalability, and long-term environmental responsibility.

Fenske: What’s the most common challenge customers inquire about and how do you address it?

Battaia: Many of our customers are navigating uncertainty around global supply chains and shifting tariff regulations. We recognize how stressful this environment can be, and we’ve created a Global Task Force to stay ahead of changes and reduce customer concerns. Combined with our manufacturing footprint across three continents, we’re able to offer flexible sourcing strategies and regional support that help minimize disruption. Our teams work closely across commercial and operations to ensure continuity and responsiveness, so customers can stay focused on innovation while we manage the complexity behind the scenes.

Fenske: If you could give one piece of advice to companies seeking a manufacturing partner before they make a decision, what would it be?

Battaia: Don’t just evaluate capabilities; evaluate understanding. Many suppliers can meet specifications, but few take the time to understand how and where those components will actually perform. That includes knowing the functional demands, whether a material needs to flex, seal, resist chemicals, or maintain clarity; and how the component integrates into the broader system, from assembly and packaging to clinical use. A manufacturer with experience in your market and applications can anticipate challenges, adapt to evolving requirements, and help reduce complexity across the product lifecycle.

Fenske: What are the forces driving medical device manufacturers to seek your technology/services over doing it in-house?

Battaia: Increasingly, manufacturers are facing pressure to accelerate innovation while managing risk and cost. Our customers turn to us because we offer specialized capabilities, like our material expertise and world-class manufacturing. By leveraging our global infrastructure and expertise, our customers can focus on their core competencies while we handle the complexity of production.

Fenske: In what ways is your company able to aid in getting a product (project) to market faster?

Battaia: We help accelerate development by bringing broad material expertise to the table from day one. Because we work across a wide range of chemistries and technologies, we’re not limited to a single path. This allows us to quickly recommend alternatives, optimize designs, and avoid delays when requirements shift. Our teams engage early to support rapid iteration and design for manufacturability, and our global technical and manufacturing footprint helps maintain momentum through scale-up. Breadth gives us speed, and speed helps our customers reach the market with confidence.

Saint-Gobain Medical is located at Medica/CompaMed in Hall 8A, Booth/Stand L28.