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.

Sustainable trends in hospital equipment manufacturing

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.

One of the most prominent approaches in the manufacture of sustainable hospital equipment is the use of recyclable materials

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

LED lights in surgical lights and diagnostic devices are not only more durable, but also consume up to 80% less energy than traditional lights.

Energy-efficient equipment

Devices such as vital signs monitors and MRI machines are being redesigned to operate more energy-efficiently.

Intelligent energy management

Incorporating energy management systems into equipment allows hospitals to monitor and optimize energy use.

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.