HEALTHCARE
Case Medical Earns EPA Award
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
As CEO of a medical device manufacturer , Marcia Frieze was alarmed when she saw how caustic instrument chemistries and cleaners routinely used in healthcare settings were destroying the surfaces of her reusable sterilization devices . She also learned the same cleaners were discoloring and pitting surgical instruments rendering them potentially harmful for patient care procedures .
Her solution was developing a line of safer , more effective , and sustainable cleaning products . The goal was to develop instrument chemistries that are non-caustic , pH neutral , non-toxic to patients and the community , and free rinsing for safe disposal into the wastewater stream .
What Marcia discovered was a solution including eco-friendly , fast acting enzymatic catalysts for extra efficacy and quicker turn-arounds in hospital environments . “ What was used in laundry environments to get rid of troublesome stains was now applied to used medical devices commonly contaminated with hard to remove organic soils , bacteria and other infectious agents .”
The transition to sustainable products has earned her New Jersey company repeated recognition as a Safer Choice Partner of the Year by the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ). This year ’ s award marks the fifth time that Case Medical Inc . received the coveted title for Manufacturer Formulator . This certification places Case Medical in a category with other companies who voluntarily validate their products to meet the requirements of Safer Choice .
According to Marcia , “ You may find products in your local market that display the Safer Choice label . However , Case Medical ’ s Case Solutions and SuperNova brand cleaners are unique in the healthcare industry , as they
Case Medical ' s diversified products for safer cleaning .
include a full line of Safer Choice labeled cleaners manufactured using only U . S . EPA Safer Choice listed ingredients ( SCIL ).”
“ People may believe the more caustic the cleaner , the better it cleans and that ’ s simply not true ,” Frieze said , explaining the Safer Choice designation shows that the EPA reviewed her pH neutral products and certifies it as environmentally preferred , safe , and effective .
Frieze , who founded Case Medical with her husband , Allan , has a long-time commitment to sustainable and environmentally sound methods . “ I absolutely believe in it ,” the CEO said . Case Medical ’ s history attests to it environmental awareness .
Back in 1992 when the business began , Frieze said they bought a sheet metal house to assist in the manufacture of custom trays for use in spinal and orthopedic surgery . Case Medical was an anomaly then because many businesses were transitioning to plastics . “ We decided not to do anything with plastics . We stuck with metal and now here we are in 2022 and the EPA is looking askant at anything that is plastics .”
All Safer Choice products are also used to clean the Case Medical plant and its offices . The company employs approximately 140 workers in its Bloomfield , NJ facility . As further proof of its environmental adherence , Frieze hopes that as the EPA expands the Safer Choice program to recognize facilities , her plant will be cited for its achievements for having a sustainable , environmentally preferred workplace .
Case Medical products are sold throughout the nation and to a growing number of international customers . Its line of cleaners dates to 2005 when the company first began experimenting to develop the best formula . The products were created from the list of ingredients the EPA had already vetted as safer than others in their class .
Photo : Case Medical
CEO Marcia Frieze with her colleagues , Sebastian Morales and Pablo Rivera , at the Safer Choice Award ceremony .
All of Frieze ’ s products meet the guidelines established by the EPA Safer Choice program and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation . She said her product lines include super concentrates , ready-to-use cleaners , and some foamy varieties for pre-cleaning . They can be used throughout the cleaning and sanitizing process in the hospital , in the operating room , with automated washers , ultrasonic washing devices and , of course with manual cleaning and soaking .
Frieze noted her company also reduced the amount of water used in manufacturing the products by creating a super concentrated cleaner with a narrow dilution rate . Less water results in less bulk to be shipped and consequently eases the strain on energy in the logistics operation .
The newest addition to the line is a personal care skin cleanser also Safer Choice certified Additionally the company extended its product line to include single use wipes and an FDA approved hand sanitizer for general use developed at the beginning of the pandemic when such products were in short supply .
“ Consumers are looking for sustainable products for economic as well as environmental reasons ,” Frieze said . “ As we face climate change , water shortages , and concerns associated with air quality and fresh water , the need for sustainable products and manufacturing processes is more urgent than ever .
“ Receiving the Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award reflects our deep support for EPA ’ s mission to reduce waste and provider safer , sustainable products for current and future generations .”
Photo : Case Medical
14 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com