Radiation Sterilisation Leader Announces UK Expansion

Sterility is indispensable in the laboratory world. This is the only way to rule out a faultless process chain free from external influences. But how can you ensure that products are reliably sterilised?

This is where radiation sterilisation comes into play. Reproducible results, consistent quality and a safe final product, are the characteristics of this treatment method.

Even under the best conditions of hygiene, the manufacture of a product, including its packaging, cannot result in a sterile state. Since 1981, BGS Beta-Gamma-Service GmbH & Co KG, German market leader for radiation sterilisation, have been taking the responsibility for this sensitive step - from packaging materials and consumer goods to highly sensitive medical devices such as endoprostheses and implants.

BGS is set to expand its activities in the UK. For this reason the company has been promoting its services for the first time at Health GB Manchester.

“The UK market for medical devices is the third largest in Europe and has a significant demand for high-quality sterilisation services,” said Dr Andreas Ostrowicki, the company’s CEO.

BGS uses gamma- and eBeam-treatment for all applications where pathogenic germs can cause danger to human or animal health, or where micro-organisms might have a detrimental effect.

The company specialises in the reduction of contamination across a broad spectrum of products. These include medical devices, packaging for pharmaceutical products, equipment for biotechnological applications, raw materials, semiconductor production, cosmetics, consumer goods and pet food.

“We are offering British industry an all-round, flexible package starting at the development stage, advising in the selection of suitable materials for products and as well for packaging. Support for the optimum design of packaging schemes is another important factor for process stability and economics,” Dr Ostrowicki explained.

“This also includes the qualification, validation and related documentation of the sterilisation process required for the regulatory authorities.”

BGS operates three radiation centres in Germany and has just commenced operation of a new, state-of-the-art gamma radiation facility at its Bruchsal site - with an annual capacity of up to 80,000 pallets for the European market.

BGS is a recognised expert in the application of radiation technology using accelerated electrons (eBeam) and gamma rays for sterilisation as well as optimising polymers by crosslinking.

Whilst eBeam has seen strong development for sterilising medical devices, gamma irradiation is still regarded as indispensable.