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Circular Economy in Medical Technology: Taking Responsibility, Securing the Future – Ulrike Marczak in Conversation with abfallmanager-medizin.de

In the current issue of Abfallmanager Medizin, Ulrike Marczak, Chairwoman of the Executive Board at Vanguard AG, discusses the role of the circular economy in healthcare — and why sustainability, security of supply, and economic efficiency are inseparably linked.
20. November 2025
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“Healthcare is a system-relevant sector, while at the same time having a significant impact on environmental pollution. […] More than 70 percent of emissions in this sector are caused by the production and supply chains of medical devices. It therefore makes perfect sense to use existing resources for as long as possible through circular economy solutions,” explains Marczak.

For over 25 years, Vanguard has focused on extending the life cycle of medical devices. In the interview, Ulrike Marczak outlines how medical remanufacturing not only conserves resources and reduces emissions, but also strengthens national supply chains. This approach is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly in times of limited budgets and global dependencies.

The potential of this technology is demonstrated by numerous real-world examples. Hospitals that rely on remanufactured medical devices achieve measurable reductions in CO₂ emissions, waste and costs, without compromising on safety or performance.

With many years of expertise, Vanguard AG emphasizes that circular economy is not a trend, but a responsibility — and that true innovation in healthcare begins where ecological and economic goals align.

Full interview (in german):

https://www.abfallmanager-medizin.de/interviews/kreislaufwirtschaft-vanguard-anzeige/

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