Study Compares Carbon Footprint of Single-Use and Reusable Surgical Instruments (Orthopedic Design and Technology)
A lifecycle study performed by Solvay Specialty Polymers and Medacta found that the carbon footprint of single-use instrumentation fabricated from high-performance polymers is neutral when compared to the average CO2 equivalent annual emission of a hospital using conventional metal re-usable instrumentation. (Credit: Solvay Specialty Polymers)
Solvay Specialty Polymers, a supplier of high-performance thermoplastics, reported the results of a major study challenging perceptions that single-use medical instruments have a negative environmental impact vs. reusable instruments. Conducted in conjunction with Medacta International, a manufacturer of orthopedic implants, neurosurgical systems and instrumentation, and Swiss Climate, an independent sustainability consultant, the report signals a significant cradle-to-grave lifecycle analysis to measure the environmental impact of high-performance polymers in healthcare applications. “As industry-leading innovators and collaborators, both Solvay and Medacta have been at the forefront of the trend toward single-use medical inst...
