The NHS in England faces a waste crisis. Every year, it generates a staggering 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste – equivalent to more than 400 fully-loaded jumbo jets. And among the biggest culprits are single-use medical devices, discarded by the millions. For example, the NHS purchased so many pairs of single-use scissors in 2022-23 that hundreds were used and thrown away every hour.
This ‘take-make-waste’ culture is unsustainable but the circular economy offers a lifeline.
“The six R’s of circular product design – Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture and Recycle – provide a hierarchy for maximising value and minimising emissions. As product design consultants, we always recommend medtech clients adopt several strategies to stay at the top of this hierarchy.”
