Types of Sterilisation Wrap: Crepe, Non-Woven & Tray Liners

Sterilisation wrap plays an important role in the preparation and processing of reusable surgical instruments.

For Sterile Services Departments (SSDs) and Central Sterile Services Departments (CSSDs), wraps provide a flexible packaging option for instrument trays, sets and other configurations that may not be suited to sterilisation pouches or reels.

However, not all wrap-related products perform the same function.

Healthcare teams may encounter crepe sterilisation wrap, non-woven wrap, interleaved systems and tray liners, each designed for a different purpose within the sterile-services workflow.

Understanding those differences can help departments select a packaging system that is appropriate for the instruments being processed, the sterilisation method and their validated procedures.

What is sterilisation wrap?

Sterilisation wrap is a packaging material used around medical devices, instrument sets and trays before sterilisation.

Its purpose is to allow the applicable sterilisation process to take place while providing an appropriate barrier around the contents after processing and during subsequent handling and storage.

Wrap is particularly useful for instrument trays and sets where the size, shape or configuration makes a pouch or reel less practical.

Sterilisation wraps are available in different materials, weights and formats. The correct option will depend on factors such as:

the size and weight of the instrument tray
the shape and configuration of the contents
the sterilisation process being used
the strength and handling characteristics required
the wrapping technique used by the department
the manufacturer's instructions for use
local procedures and validation requirements

Vernacare's Azowrap range includes crepe, non-woven and interleaved wrapping materials alongside tray liners designed to support sterile-services workflows.

1. Crepe sterilisation wrap

Crepe sterilisation paper is an established form of wrap used for medical devices, instrument sets and trays.

Vernacare's Azowrap Crepe is manufactured from a single layer of wetlaid cellulosic fibre material and has a basis weight of 60 gsm.

Which sterilisation processes is Azowrap Crepe suitable for?

According to Vernacare, Azowrap Crepe is suitable for:

Steam sterilisation: 134°C for 23 minutes
Ethylene oxide sterilisation: 54°C for 90 minutes
Gamma sterilisation: 25 kGy

Vernacare also states that Azowrap Crepe complies with ISO 11607-1 and EN 868-2 and is intended for single use.

When might crepe sterilisation wrap be considered?

Crepe wrap may be considered where:

a paper-based wrapping material is suitable for the tray or set
flexibility and ease of wrapping are important
a range of sheet sizes is required
the intended sterilisation method is compatible with the product
the application falls within the manufacturer's specified use

As with any sterilisation wrap, the appropriate size and configuration should be selected according to the load, manufacturer's instructions and the department's validated process.

2. Non-woven sterilisation wrap

Non-woven sterilisation wrap provides an alternative to traditional crepe paper and is manufactured from bonded fibres rather than conventional paper alone.

Vernacare's Azowrap Non-Woven is made from a combination of cellulosic and synthetic fibres and has a basis weight of 57 gsm.

The material is designed to provide strength and tear resistance while retaining the handling characteristics required for wrapping instrument trays and sets.

Which sterilisation processes is Azowrap Non-Woven suitable for?

Vernacare lists Azowrap Non-Woven as suitable for:

Steam sterilisation: 134°C for 23 minutes
Ethylene oxide sterilisation: 54°C for 90 minutes
Gamma sterilisation: 25 kGy

The product is also stated to comply with ISO 11607-1 and EN 868-2 and is intended for single use.

When might non-woven wrap be considered?

Healthcare teams may consider non-woven wrap where:

additional strength or tear resistance is desirable
the tray size or weight requires a more robust wrapping material
good handling and drapability are important
the intended sterilisation process is compatible with the product
the material characteristics are appropriate for the tray and workflow

The appropriate wrap should always be matched to the tray, contents and validated sterilisation process rather than selected solely on material type.

3. Combo interleaved sterilisation wrap

Interleaved sterilisation wrap combines multiple wrapping sheets into a prepared configuration, helping departments manage multi-layer wrapping more consistently.

Vernacare's Azowrap Combo Interleaved combines two different materials:

an absorbent cellulosic non-woven layer
a synthetic SMS layer

The non-woven layer is 57 gsm, while the SMS layer is 47 gsm.

Vernacare positions the Combo Interleaved system for large and heavy instrument trays, where the strength, handling and puncture-resistance characteristics of the wrapping system are particularly relevant.

The interleaved sheets can be wrapped according to the applicable procedure and manufacturer's instructions, without staff needing to select the two different materials separately.

What does SMS mean?

SMS stands for Spunbond/Meltblown/Spunbond.

It is a synthetic non-woven construction consisting of a meltblown layer positioned between spunbond layers.

Within the Azowrap Combo Interleaved system, the SMS material is used alongside the cellulosic non-woven layer. SMS is therefore a material within the wrapping system, rather than a separate type of sterilisation process.

Which sterilisation processes is Azowrap Combo Interleaved suitable for?

Vernacare lists Azowrap Combo Interleaved as suitable for:

Steam sterilisation: 134°C for 23 minutes
Ethylene oxide sterilisation: 54°C for 90 minutes

Gamma sterilisation is not listed within Vernacare's current product information for Azowrap Combo Interleaved.

When might Combo Interleaved wrap be considered?

It may be considered where:

large or heavy instrument trays are being processed
a multi-layer wrapping system is required
additional strength or puncture resistance is important
departments want pre-arranged wrapping layers
consistent material selection is important within the wrapping workflow

The system should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the healthcare facility's validated procedures.

4. Sterilisation tray liners

Sterilisation tray liners are used alongside instrument trays to help manage moisture or condensation during processing.

They perform a different role from sterilisation wrap and should not be considered a replacement for the sterile barrier packaging around the tray or set.

Within Vernacare's range, there are several tray liner options designed for different sterile-services requirements.

Azowrap Tray Liner

Vernacare's Azowrap Tray Liner is made from a single layer of wetlaid cellulosic fibre material at 70 gsm.

According to Vernacare, it can absorb up to 250% of its dry weight in water, helping to remove and dissipate residual moisture during the sterilisation drying phase.

The liner can be used either inside or outside a sterilisation basket or tray as an additional layer of protection.

Which sterilisation process is Azowrap Tray Liner suitable for?

Vernacare lists the Azowrap Tray Liner as suitable for:

Steam sterilisation: 134°C for 23 minutes

The product is intended for single use and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the department's validated procedures.

Theatre Tray Liners

Theatre Tray Liners are another absorbent option designed for use with instrument trays.

Vernacare describes these liners as being intended to absorb excess liquid or condensation, helping to support moisturemanagement during instrument processing.

They are supplied as non-sterile, single-use products in a range of sizes.

Where specific sterilisation cycle parameters are not stated in the product information, users should refer to the applicable product documentation and local validated procedures.

Economy Tray Liners

Economy Tray Liners provide a further option for absorbing excess liquid during sterilisation processes.

They are supplied as non-sterile, single-use liners in a range of sizes, allowing departments to select a liner appropriate to the tray and workflow.

Healthcare teams should refer to the applicable product documentation when determining suitability for a particular sterilisation process.

What is the difference between sterilisation wrap and a tray liner?

The two products perform different functions within the same sterile-services workflow:

Sterilisation wrap forms the packaging system around an instrument tray or set.
Tray liners provide a supporting absorbent function to help manage moisture or condensation.

A tray liner should therefore be considered as part of the overall tray-processing system rather than as an alternative to sterilisation wrap.

Sterilisation wrap and liner comparison

Product type	Material / construction	Typical role	Vernacare-listed sterilisation processes
Azowrap Crepe	Wetlaid cellulosic fibre, 60 gsm	Sterilisation wrapping for suitable trays and sets	Steam 134°C/23 min; EO 54°C/90 min; Gamma 25 kGy
Azowrap Non-Woven	Cellulosic and synthetic fibres, 57 gsm	Non-woven wrapping option with added strength and tear resistance	Steam 134°C/23 min; EO 54°C/90 min; Gamma 25 kGy
Azowrap Combo Interleaved	57 gsm non-woven + 47 gsm SMS	Multi-layer wrapping system for large and heavy instrument trays	Steam 134°C/23 min; EO 54°C/90 min
Azowrap Tray Liner	Wetlaid cellulosic fibre, 70 gsm	Moisture management around instrument trays	Steam 134°C/23 min
Theatre Tray Liner	Absorbent tray liner	Liquid and condensation management	Refer to product documentation
Economy Tray Liner	Absorbent tray liner	Routine liquid absorption during processing	Refer to product documentation

Crepe vs non-woven sterilisation wrap: what is the difference?

One of the most common decisions is whether to use crepe or non-woven wrap.

Crepe is a cellulosic paper-based material, while non-woven wrap combines fibres into a bonded sheet.

Within Vernacare's current range, Azowrap Crepe uses a single layer of wetlaid cellulosic fibre at 60 gsm, while Azowrap Non-Woven combines cellulosic and synthetic fibres at 57 gsm.

Both products are listed by Vernacare as suitable for steam, ethylene oxide and gamma sterilisation under the specified cycle conditions.

The appropriate choice should still be based on the tray, load, handling requirements and validated process rather than assuming that one material is universally preferable.

How do you choose the right sterilisation wrap?

Tray size

The wrap needs to be appropriately sized to allow the specified wrapping technique to be carried out correctly.

Tray weight

Heavier sets place greater demands on packaging during lifting, processing, transport and storage.

For large and heavy trays, a stronger or multi-layer configuration such as an interleaved system may be appropriate where validated for the application.

Instrument configuration

Sharp edges, protruding instruments and irregular tray configurations can increase the risk of damage to packaging.

Instrument preparation and wrap selection should therefore be considered together.

Sterilisation process

This is a key decision point.

Azowrap Crepe is listed for steam, ethylene oxide and gamma
Azowrap Non-Woven is listed for steam, ethylene oxide and gamma
Azowrap Combo Interleaved is listed for steam and ethylene oxide
Azowrap Tray Liner is listed for steam

These compatibility statements apply specifically to the Vernacare products and cycle parameters stated by the manufacturer.

Strength and handling

Different materials offer different handling, tear-resistance and drapability characteristics.

A light tray processed and handled in one way may have different requirements from a large surgical set transported repeatedly before use.

Moisture management

Where residual moisture or condensation is a concern, an appropriate tray liner may form part of the processing system.

The liner should be selected and used for its intended purpose and should not be considered a substitute for sterilisation wrap.

Why sterilisation wrap selection matters

Instrument trays move through several stages before reaching the point of use:

Preparation → tray assembly → wrapping → sterilisation → drying → handling and storage → transport → presentation for use

The packaging system needs to remain appropriate throughout that pathway.

Choosing between crepe, non-woven or an interleaved system therefore involves more than selecting a sheet size. Teams should consider tray weight, material characteristics, sterilisation-process compatibility and subsequent handling.

What about sterilisation pouches, bags and reels?

Sterilisation wrap is not the only packaging option available to sterile-services departments.

Individual instruments and smaller items may be more appropriately packaged using sterilisation pouches, bags or reels.

Pouches are supplied in predetermined sizes, while reel material can be cut to accommodate different instrument dimensions. Gusseted reels can provide additional capacity for bulkier or irregularly shaped items.

For more information, read our guide to the different types of sterilisation packaging: pouches, bags and reels.

Frequently asked questions

What is sterilisation wrap used for?

Sterilisation wrap is used to package appropriately prepared medical devices, instrument sets and trays before sterilisation. The wrap should be suitable for the intended process and used according to the manufacturer's instructions and the healthcare facility's validated procedures.

What is the difference between crepe and non-woven sterilisation wrap?

Crepe is primarily cellulosic, while non-woven wrap is manufactured from bonded fibres and may incorporate both cellulosic and synthetic materials. Material strength, handling characteristics and the intended application should all be considered when choosing between them.

Which sterilisation processes can Azowrap Crepe be used with?

Vernacare lists Azowrap Crepe as suitable for steam sterilisation at 134°C for 23 minutes, ethylene oxide at 54°C for 90 minutes and gamma sterilisation at 25 kGy.

Which sterilisation processes can Azowrap Non-Woven be used with?

Vernacare lists Azowrap Non-Woven as suitable for steam at 134°C for 23 minutes, ethylene oxide at 54°C for 90 minutes and gamma at 25 kGy.

Is Combo Interleaved wrap suitable for gamma sterilisation?

Gamma sterilisation is not listed on Vernacare's current Azowrap Combo Interleaved product information. The product is listed for steam at 134°C for 23 minutes and ethylene oxide at 54°C for 90 minutes.

What does SMS mean in sterilisation wrap?

SMS stands for Spunbond/Meltblown/Spunbond. It is a multi-layer synthetic non-woven construction used in some sterilisation wrapping systems.

Are tray liners the same as sterilisation wrap?

No. Sterilisation wrap forms the packaging system around the instrument tray or set. Tray liners perform a supporting role, primarily helping manage moisture or condensation during processing.

Why are tray liners used during sterilisation?

Choosing sterilisation wrap for your department

There is no single wrap configuration that automatically suits every instrument tray.

A useful starting point is to ask:

What are we wrapping, how large and heavy is the tray, which sterilisation process will be used, how will the tray be handled afterwards, and is additional moisture management required?

Those questions can help determine whether crepe, non-woven or an interleaved wrapping system is appropriate and whether a tray liner is required as part of the overall process.