Barry Warden, managing director, Wideblue, runs through several of the sustainability considerations required for a medical device company.
Sustainability is an issue that as medical device developers and manufacturers we need to embrace, but it is not straightforward. Moving forward, we need to realise that future profitability will be linked to sustainability. From the beginning of the design process, manufacturers already take many factors into account, businesses must now add sustainability factors into this process.
When considering medical device sustainability, often people think about the end of the lifecycle and whether the device is recyclable or reusable? Also, what are the costs involved, and downstream environmental impacts associated with disposal? Medical device waste is a global problem as devices become more complex and incorporate more electronic components and mixed materials.
However, sustainability also means considering how to reduce carbon emissions, energy and water use, and material waste across its entire lifespan, from design and material selection, to supply chain, to manufacturing and distribution. Sustainable medical devices are better for the environment and attractive to consumers and can provide cost savings, investor attractiveness, and improved brand and competitive advantage.
As medical device designers we have been working to respond to the increasing demand for environmental sustainability from the market while ensuring that safety and usability to healthcare workers and patients is at the top of our priority list.
Materials
According to the UK Government, plastic waste in the oceans may treble within the next decade. Everyday single-use plastics can take over 400 years to biodegrade. Medical device manufacturers need to investigate using more sustainable and different materials in their equipment, such as reusable plastic bio-based material.
With net zero targets in place and environmental sustainability now an important priority for medical plastics and device manufacturers and their supply chain, the industry is now moving in a new direction, that of a sustainable and eco-friendly plastic product, or reducing the number of and swapping materials in the make-up of devices.
Taking sustainability issues into account in the design stage does make for a challenging process, but the rewards will come both in terms of the environmental impact of your products and ultimately in profit.
Device design
As designers and manufacturers, can we reduce the dimensions or weight of the product to minimise materials used? Can we shrink electronic components to reduce their disposal impact? Is there an opportunity to reduce the battery size, switch to a more sustainable battery technology, or alternative energy storage methods?
Generally, most medical devices are now getting smaller and smarter, which helps with sustainability issues. One reason medical devices are shrinking is because they are being designed for mobile applications which requires the integration of wireless technology, making them more portable. Our Peek Retina ophthalmic device harnesses the technology built into a smartphone to bring eyecare to low-income communities. Using existing technology, rather than developing this from scratch, reduces cost and the product’s impact on the environment through reduction in raw and processed materials.
Manufacturing process
It’s not just a final product which should aim to be eco-friendly, but the production process should too. Always consider what manufacturing options are open to you, and whether you could reduce energy and water use. Reviewing the manufacturing processes plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of production. New manufacturing technology can also help reduce waste, whilst improving productivity and shortening time to market. Having a sound understanding of where energy is used within the design and production of your device is key to reducing the long-term environmental impact of your product.
Packaging
Packaging has huge environmental implications and is an area where most companies are now really trying to cut back. We are always asking ourselves how packaging waste can be minimised, and if recyclable or compostable packaging materials be used? Can the packaging form part of the product, or can it be returned for future products? We are also moving from paper-based documentation to on-device wherever possible.
Distribution
Distribution is important when you are trying to lower your carbon footprint but represents big challenges, especially with exports. Things to consider include manufacturing and warehousing locations that can minimise long-distance transportation and using electric vehicles.
Disposal
Efforts to reduce the volume of disposable components are constrained by the need to maintain safety standards. The risks associated with hazardous medical waste and biological contamination, as well as the high cost of product sterilisation and reprocessing, have prevented many businesses from moving away from disposable products towards something more sustainable.
However, more must be done to transition from single-use devices to more reusable devices, and materials need to be used which can be recycled or degrade naturally.
