FOCUS ON – HEALTHCARE
LET’S TALK SUSTAINABILITY & SINGLE-USE IN THE PHARMA & MEDICAL SECTORS The World Bank estimates that the healthcare sector makes up approximately 5% of global carbon emissions – to which the European Union contributes significantly. In recent years, however, the sector has witnessed a tangible shift in mentality when it comes to environmental sustainability.
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regulators, hospital systems, governments and consumers increasingly demand proof of environmental credentials, sustainability has quickly become an essential part of the medical device manufacturer’s corporate agenda. When it comes to meeting climate objectives, the healthcare sector faces a unique challenge that other sectors do not: manufacturers must reconcile a reduction in waste and disposables with the need to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients alike. This balancing act became particularly evident with the onset of the global pandemic and the ensuing need for more personal protective equipment (PPE). Today, as the vaccine rollout gathers pace, vaccination material such as glass vials and syringes are further contributing to the 8 Industry Europe
George I’ons is Head of Product Strategy and Insights at Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services.
growing amount of medical waste. While we know that single-use plastics are harmful to the planet, these medical products and devices are designed in accordance with regulations that specifically discourage reuse for infection-control reasons. As a result, 90% of medical device waste is made up of disposable, one-timeuse products or components.
What Happens to These Single-Use Products? In Europe, medical devices are typically disposed of via incineration which releases nitrous oxide and well-known carcinogens, though these are controlled via strict emission limits. Alternative solutions include sterilisation, but this does not necessarily curb environmental
