4 MIN READ
12-2-2024
Biodegradable Alternatives: Replacing Plastics in the Medical Industry
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
Biodegradable Alternatives: Replacing Plastics in the Medical Industry
Discover how the medical sector is adopting biodegradable materials to reduce plastic waste!
The healthcare industry, which ranks as the second-largest energy consumer and one of the top water users, faces significant environmental challenges due to the goods and services it relies on. Much of this impact comes from single-use products and packaging, which are discarded after use, generating large amounts of solid and hazardous waste.
In response, there is a growing push for sustainable procurement practices that aim to reduce these environmental and health impacts. By seeking eco-friendly alternatives, the healthcare sector can support both environmental sustainability and community health while reducing its carbon footprint.
Plastic Use in Healthcare
The healthcare sector has been under growing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, particularly when it comes to addressing this increasing reliance on plastic. Plastic has been favored in the medical field because of the low economic costs of making it and easy sterilization. However, do the short-term costs outweigh the long-term impacts on the planet and our overall health?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of plastic in safeguarding both patients and healthcare workers; yet, it also underscored the massive amounts of waste in the medical industry. Due to the sudden and drastic increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, many people have begun questioning the long-term feasibility of these practices. According to the American Hospital Association, U.S. hospitals produce around 6 million tons of waste annually. The sector is now making significant strides by incorporating biodegradable materials, offering a promising solution to plastic waste reduction without compromising safety.
The Role of Biodegrable Materials
Traditionally, medical products such as syringes, packaging, and personal protective equipment (PPE) have been made from durable, single-use plastics. While essential for maintaining sterility and preventing contamination, these products often contribute to large amounts of non-degradable waste. According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, the global healthcare sector is responsible for substantial plastic consumption, much of which ends up in landfills or oceans.
Biodegradable plastic alternatives present a solution to this environmental challenge. These materials are designed to break down more efficiently in natural environments, significantly reducing the long-term impact of medical waste. For example, biodegradable alternatives are being developed for items like surgical sutures, bandages, and drug delivery systems. These innovations not only meet the medical industry's strict safety and hygiene standards but also support the reduction of plastic waste at its source.
Benefits to Healthcare and the Environment
In healthcare, biodegradable plastics are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Using biodegradable materials offers several benefits. One major advantage is the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with medical waste management. Unlike traditional plastics, which take hundreds of years to degrade, biodegradable materials can break down in a matter of months, depending on environmental conditions. This shift not only reduces waste but also decreases the energy and resources required for disposal for traditional everyday supplies needed to provide care like syringes, packaging, and PPE.
For example, biodegradable sutures and implants used in surgeries dissolve naturally in the body after use. These materials are also employed in drug delivery systems, where devices gradually release medication before breaking down safely within one's own body. Biodegradable technology is even being integrated into health monitoring devices. For instance, scientists at the University of Sussex have developed biodegradable health sensors made from natural materials like seaweed, rock salt, and water, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic-based sensors. These sensors can even be more sensitive than those made from synthetic materials, providing more accurate monitoring of heart rate and temperature.
Packaging has also been redesigned with biodegradable materials to help cut back on plastic waste. As outlined in Health Care Without Harm’s Sustainability Procurement in Healthcare Guide, many medical institutions are becoming more critical in examining the sustainability of their processes. Through innovation and optimization of current practices, the healthcare sector is helping to reduce medical waste and lessen the environmental burden of traditional plastic disposal. These changes conserve resources and generate savings for hospitals that can go back into enhancing the care of patients. These efforts not only align with the sector's sustainability goals but also position healthcare organizations to better comply with evolving regulations around waste management.
The Challange of Transitioning
Despite the promise of biodegradable materials, the healthcare industry faces challenges in adopting them on a large scale. Ensuring that biodegradable plastics match the durability and performance of traditional materials is crucial, as they must meet the rigorous demands and sanitation requirements of medical environments.
Currently, incineration is the most common method of waste disposal globally. In developing countries, malfunctioning incinerators can release significant environmental pollutants such as dioxins, furans, and antineoplastics—known carcinogens. The public health risk is significant, especially since 49% to 60% of medical waste in the U.S. is incinerated, with many incinerators located in densely populated areas. This concern is heightened by the fact that 79% of municipal solid waste incinerators in the U.S. are situated in low-income communities and communities of color.
However, the situation is evolving positively. Many experts believe that the long-term environmental benefits and potential cost savings from adopting biodegradable materials will outweigh the initial investments. Public awareness is driving this change, with organizations like 4ocean pushing for increased accountability and sustainable practices in the healthcare sector. Their advocacy underscores the importance of balancing patient safety with environmental responsibility, offering hope for a future where healthcare practices align more closely with sustainability goals.
A future Built on Sustainability
The adoption of biodegradable materials is a promising step toward a more sustainable future for healthcare across the globe. By reducing reliance on traditional plastics, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in mitigating the global plastic waste crisis. The medical sector’s growing embrace of biodegradable materials demonstrates a positive trend toward reducing plastic waste. Challenges will remain, but the benefits for the environment, public health, and long-term sustainability are clear. This transformation is a crucial part of healthcare's efforts to balance safety and environmental responsibility in a world increasingly focused on sustainable practices.