Conor Stewart
Research expert covering health & pharmaceuticals in the UK & Europe
Medtech and the environment - statistics and facts
While delivering care, treating diseases, and saving lives, the global healthcare sector also produces a huge negative environmental impact. In countries such as Denmark, Japan, and Switzerland the healthcare sector produces over six percent of the country's total emissions. However, the United States has the healthcare sector with by far the largest footprint, accounting for 7.6 percent of total emissions. Furthermore, U.S. healthcare makes up almost 30 percent of the overall global emissions from healthcare. In a time when the connection between emissions and climate change is well established, as well as the harmful health effects that climate change creates, all industries must take action to lower their carbon footprint. All countries and people will be affected in some way by climate change, but low-income nations will be the most vulnerable.
How can medical technology help?
The huge rise of virtual visits and increased use of telemedicine was initially borne out of necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the environmental benefits have also been observed. By reducing the number of journeys patients need to take to practices and clinics, the fewer emissions are released. Several studies carried out worldwide found several kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions can be saved per online consultation. Compared to the European studies, the emissions that could be avoided were higher in the United States, most likely due to lower public transport use in North America. Furthermore, production in the medical technology industry can be fairly energy intensive. As of 2024, only two medical technology companies, Coloplast A/S and Biomérieux, SA ranked in the top 100 most sustainable companies in the world.Waste as an issue
A huge amount of medical devices are single-use products, which means that a huge amount of waste is produced by the sector. In Germany alone, around 1.8 million tons of waste was produced in 2020. However, patient safety demands that many items can only be used once, for example to prevent infection and contamination. Products that can only be used once include masks, syringes, surgical gowns, and testing equipment. This was also exacerbated by the pandemic as the demand for personal protective equipment soared, and ended up in landfill afterward. Therefore, there are barriers on the medtech industry in how sustainable it can be, although using materials that are better for the planet, and improving recycling and repurposing processes should be within reach.
