The medical sector is a significant contributor to waste generation, producing large amounts of hazardous and non-hazardous materials. This waste is not only environmentally taxing but also difficult to manage sustainably due to strict regulatory and operational challenges.
Innovations in Sustainability
In the UK alone, the NHS generates approximately 133,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of it from single-use items like PPE, syringes, and packaging1. One promising approach to tackling waste in healthcare is the adoption of closed-loop systems. Companies like Revolution-ZERO are partnering with hospitals to implement solutions where textiles such as surgical gowns and drapes are collected, sterilised, and reused. By continuously monitoring and adjusting resource usage, closed-loop systems help reduce dependency on disposable items, offering a more sustainable alternative without compromising safety or efficiency.
Navigating Regulatory Barriers
Health and safety regulations, such as the UK Medical Device Regulations 2002, mandate the use of materials like multilayer plastics to ensure sterility and durability. While necessary, these regulations limit the ability to transition to recyclable or reusable materials. For example, replacing single-use plastic syringes with recyclable options has proven challenging due to the stringent requirements for medical-grade materials.
However, increasing pressure to meet environmental goals is driving innovation across the healthcare industry. With growing awareness of the impact of single-use plastics and medical waste, stakeholders are exploring safer, compliant alternatives that reduce reliance on traditional materials while maintaining patient safety. The NHS, for example, is investing in biodegradable materials, reusable medical devices with improved sterilisation methods, and closed-loop recycling systems. It is also partnering with sustainable suppliers and optimising processes to cut waste. These efforts align with its Net Zero Carbon goals, demonstrating a commitment to both healthcare excellence and environmental responsibility.
Cost vs Sustainability
Transitioning to sustainable practices often requires significant upfront investment, a barrier for many healthcare providers. The NHS is mitigating this challenge through bulk purchasing and education programs, emphasising long-term savings and environmental benefits. For instance, the use of greener inhalers demonstrates how initial costs can be offset by reduced environmental impact and operational efficiencies over time.
In the USA, Kaiser Permanente provides a compelling case study. By investing in solar panels, energy-efficient systems, and other green initiatives, the hospital group became carbon neutral in 2020. While the initial costs were high, the long-term savings and environmental benefits have proven the financial and ethical viability of sustainable healthcare practices. This success underscores that, despite the upfront costs, sustainability is a smart investment that balances environmental responsibility with long-term financial stability, while also benefiting patient care
The Path Forward
For the healthcare sector to address its waste challenges effectively, a balance between environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost management is essential. Innovations like closed-loop systems and long-term investment strategies show that it is possible to make meaningful progress toward reducing waste while maintaining high standards of patient care.
At Absolutely Health, we’re deeply committed to creating a more sustainable planet for everyone. Our passion lies in driving meaningful change by championing sustainability in healthcare and beyond. We strive to inspire awareness, spark collective action, and help build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Sources
Percival A. Not so fantastic plastic – NHS Providers [Internet]. nhsproviders.org. 2019. [cited 2025 Feb 3].
Available from: https://nhsproviders.org/news-blogs/blogs/not-so-fantastic-plastic
