A recent webinar was all about the new report from global sustainability consultancies Eunomia and Systemiq. It reveals how the healthcare sector’s dependence on single-use plastics is driving up costs, waste, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the regions analyzed, the U.S. and Canada generated the most healthcare plastics waste, together producing 1.2 million metric tons of single-use healthcare plastics waste, 4.3 million metric tons of CO₂e emissions, and costs to health systems as high as $29 billion in 2023 alone.
The healthcare sector's reliance on single-use plastics poses environmental and economic challenges. Experts propose systemic changes to reduce plastic waste without compromising patient safety.
Despite being one of the most plastic-dependent industries... "Healthcare has been largely outside of most conversations around circularity and anti-decarbonization," says Yoni Shiran, a partner at Systemiq, which has a vision for a thriving planet where sustainable economic systems drive prosperity for all.
The statistics are staggering. In North America and Europe alone, the healthcare sector uses 2.1 million tons of single-use plastic annually, contributing to 9.3 million tons of CO2 emissions. Without intervention, these numbers are projected to rise significantly by 2040. Yet, as Shiran points out, "The good news is that there are solutions, circular solutions that are proven and can be effective."
These solutions are categorized into five main areas: refuse, rethink, and reduce; reuse; substitute materials; improve recycling; and procure low greenhouse gas emission plastics. Case studies, such as the Glove Smart campaign in Vancouver and the recycling initiative at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, demonstrate the potential impact of these strategies. The campaign achieved a 53% reduction in glove use.
Despite the promising solutions, several barriers hinder progress. Fragmented governance, data gaps, and regulatory inertia are just a few challenges identified by experts. Shiran stresses the need for a "full system approach," involving cross-functional teams and aligned incentives to drive change.
The path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Establishing an enabling environment, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and transforming finance are crucial steps toward a circular economy in healthcare. As Shiran concludes, "We don't have to choose between patient safety and sustainability."
The journey to reduce plastic dependency in healthcare is complex, but the potential benefits are undeniable. By embracing systemic change, the sector can lead the way in sustainability while continuing to prioritize patient care.