Reducing emissions
The healthcare sector is a true “CO2 emitter”. A single hospital bed, for example, consumes as much energy annually as four-family homes. Despite its massive environmental impact, the medical industry is not yet a primary target of climate-focused criticism – but shouldn’t it be part of the solution if it is part of the problem?
Remanufacturing single-use medical devices can make a significant contribution to achieving this goal. According to a study by Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, the carbon footprint of a remanufactured catheter is half that of a newly produced one. A circular economy through remanufacturing not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare but also conserves resources by giving medical devices a second life.
Conserving resources – reducing the medical footprint
Compared to newly produced devices, remanufactured products reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources by around 30 percent. The process gives used devices a new life, saves waste, and minimises the need for primary raw materials.
The positive impact of medical remanufacturing is confirmed by the cardiac catheter lab at Augusta Hospital, which saved around 450 kg of waste in 2022 alone through reprocessing. Augusta Hospital is one of six facilities in the “Verbund Katholischer Kliniken Düsseldorf” (VKKD), which has been using the remanufacturing system for over 15 years – preventing thousands of kilograms of single-use waste.
Reducing operating costs – the science of efficiency
Introducing a circular economy in hospitals not only reduces emissions and conserves resources but also achieves significant cost savings. These savings allow hospitals to allocate their financial resources more effectively and for future-oriented investments.
A 2020 study by PwC showed that public hospitals in Germany had less than ten euros left from every 100 euros of revenue to invest in maintenance, financing, or digitalization. The economic efficiency of medical remanufacturing is clear, with operating room costs reduced by approximately half compared to original products, according to AMDR statistics.
Independence in the operating theatre – strengthened supply chains
The production of new medical devices often requires rare metals or other valuable raw materials, especially in cardiac electrophysiology. These materials frequently come from geopolitically unstable regions, significantly increasing the risk of supply shortages. Recent years have made the vulnerabilities in supply chains evident through events such as COVID-19 and other global crises.
By limiting remanufacturing supply chains to regional or national areas, hospitals gain more transparency and control, ensuring more stable patient care.
Quality and safety – consistently high standards
The quality and hygiene standards of remanufactured medical devices are equivalent to those of new products. The stringent requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) ensure the renewed quality of these devices, which is confirmed through CE certification. Remanufacturers are classified as manufacturers and are subject to the same obligations as original manufacturers.
Remanufactured medical devices not only benefit millions of patients but also protect the environment. Medical remanufacturing is both an act of ecological responsibility and a step towards a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system.
