Medical Equipment Supplies and the Environment
It’s no secret that all industries need to be looking at ways they can reduce their environmental footprint and operate in a more sustainable capacity. Suppliers of medical equipment in Australia are not exempt from this.
It’s an unfortunate fact that many medical equipment supplies are single-use items. Reusability is often not an option if crucial infection control principles are to be followed. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps that medical equipment suppliers and their customers can take to help contribute to sustainability efforts.
Sustainability across the lifecycle of an asset
When we talk about sustainability, often what first pops to mind is waste. This attitude is fair enough — the most recent statistics from the ABS state that Australia generated 76 million tons of waste across the 2018-2019 financial year, a 10 percent increase on previous figures.
While attention needs to go into how we dispose of products, there are many other phases across the entire lifecycle of a medical device where manufacturers, suppliers, and customers can improve sustainability efforts.
Material selection: When it comes to recycling, not all materials are created equal. While glass and aluminium can be 100 percent recycled, there are many different types of plastic that are non-biodegradable. The choice of manufacturing material can also have a significant impact on the longevity and durability of a device.
Investing in eco-friendly materials (that don’t interfere with the functionality of a device) is a simple step that manufacturers can take to reduce their environmental impact.
Power source: Many medical devices require a power source to function. In a world where energy is an increasingly valuable commodity, manufacturers are always looking for opportunities to reduce their reliance on greenhouse gases.
Opting to use eco-friendly rechargeable batteries, for example, is a step that may help achieve this goal. Devices that can be set to low-energy or power-saving mode when not in use also contribute in the fight towards a more sustainable industry.
Disposal: The nature of healthcare means that some products — like gloves, for example — must be single-use only to protect the health and safety of both patients and clinicians. The risk of healthcare acquired infection (complications that result due to medical treatment) is relatively high and is mitigated only through strict infection control protocols.
However, many in the industry believe that there are still plenty of opportunities to cut back on disposable, single-use items or at the very least, ensure they are made from biodegradable materials.
Reusable items are not necessarily environmentally friendly either. Any product that is designed to be used on multiple occasions will need to undergo extensive sterilisation between patients. The chemicals used in this process often aren’t particularly sustainable.
There is no easy answer to the question of disposable vs reusable. However, the more attention we pay to the problem, the more likely we are to come up with a solution.
Packaging: Finally, packaging. It’s no secret that both capital equipment and consumable supplies are often delivered in a fair amount of packaging. Some of this is necessary and serves an important protective function. Other times it’s excessive.
Minimising packaging waste and harnessing eco-friendly packaging materials are two strategies that can be implemented to great effect to reduce your environmental footprint.
There is no quick fix to issues surrounding sustainability. This is particularly true for companies involved in the production and distribution of medical equipment in Australia, where decisions need to be made in the best interests of patients. However, being aware of a problem is the first step towards finding a solution so engaging in conversations around sustainability and the environmental impact of our chosen medical equipment supplies and devices should be a priority for all.