Sustainable trends in hospital equipment manufacturing
Sustainability is a global priority, and hospitals are looking for ways to align with these practices every day.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability trends, hospital equipment manufacturing is no exception.
As hospitals and healthcare facilities seek to reduce their environmental impact, medical equipment manufacturers are adopting greener practices.
These trends not only benefit the environment, but also offer economic and social advantages to the healthcare industry.
Use of recyclable materials
One of the most prominent approaches in the manufacture of sustainable hospital equipment is the use of recyclable materials.
This shift responds to the growing demand for products that minimize waste and promote the circular economy.
Recycled metals
Many medical equipment, such as stretchers, anesthesia carts and device holders, are already made from recycled metals. This reduces the extraction of new resources and reduces the energy required to produce virgin materials.
For example, the use of recycled steel can reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to steel produced from scratch.
Reusable plastics
Plastic is a widely used material in the medical industry because of its versatility and strength. However, it is also a major source of pollution. Several manufacturers are developing innovative recyclable and biodegradable plastics to replace single-use plastics in equipment such as syringes, masks and tubing.
Sustainable glass
Glass, used in vials and other medical containers, is also being recycled and reused to a greater extent. This change reduces the amount of waste and conserves natural resources such as silica.
Hospital Universitario Guadalajara
Reducing the carbon footprint of production
Manufacturing hospital equipment has historically been an energy- and resource-intensive process. However, companies are implementing measures to minimize their carbon footprint.
This is the case of renewable energy. Many factories are adopting sources, such as solar and wind, to power their production processes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
On the other hand, the incorporation of advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the way equipment is manufactured. 3D printing makes it possible to manufacture parts with precision, reducing material waste and energy consumption.
In addition, the supply chain is also being optimized to reduce emissions. Transportation in electric vehicles and local production minimize the distance that products travel.
Equipment to optimize energy consumption
Hospitals, as we already know, are facilities with high energy consumption due to the constant need to keep equipment running.
Manufacturers respond to this challenge by developing devices that consume less energy without compromising efficiency. This is the case of:
LED lighting in equipment
Energy-efficient equipment
Intelligent energy management
Hospital Universitario QuirónSalud Madrid
Benefits of sustainability in hospital equipment
The adoption of sustainable practices in the manufacture of hospital equipment offers multiple benefits, mainly highlighting that the reduction in the use of natural resources, the recycling of materials and the reduction of emissions preserve the environment.
There are also long-term economic savings, despite the initial investment.
And with environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent, adopting sustainable practices not only helps to comply with these regulations, but also enhances the reputation of companies and hospitals.
Innovation and a sustainable future
Sustainability in hospital equipment manufacturing is evolving hand in hand with technological advances and new approaches such as:
Biodegradable materials
Circular economy
Betting on business models based on the circular economy, where products at the end of their useful life are recycled to create new equipment.
Collaboration in the value chain between manufacturers, hospitals and suppliers
“The transition to sustainability in the manufacture of hospital equipment is a necessity in the current context, and not just a mere trend. By adopting recyclable materials and designing energy-efficient equipment, the industry is leading a positive shift towards a greener future.“