Sustainable Practices in Healthcare:
Challenges and Opportunities

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare sector – and for good reason. As one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions, the sector accounts for about 4.4% of global emissions. Studies show that the supply chain, including the production, transport, and disposal of medical products, is responsible for the majority of these emissions.

Medical technology plays a key role here, as its manufacturing and disposal consume enormous resources. Extending the life cycles of medical devices presents significant potential to reduce environmental impact. It often happens that many devices are discarded shortly after their depreciation period, even though they are still fully functional and could be further utilized. Whether due to modernization or personnel changes, these high-quality devices frequently end up unused in storage and are later disposed of.

By reusing such devices, valuable resources could be conserved while simultaneously improving sustainability in healthcare. A paradigm shift is needed to use medical equipment more efficiently and environmentally consciously. Sustainability should play a central role not only in manufacturing but also in the use and disposal of medical technology.

Advantages of Used Medical Technology:
More than Just Climate Protection

Used medical technology offers not only ecological advantages but also numerous other benefits:

• Supply Security: Global supply chains are vulnerable, as shown by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Suez Canal blockage. Used devices that are locally available ensure quick delivery and reliable service.
• Faster Availability: Used devices are usually ready for use within one to four weeks, while new devices often take months to deliver.
• Cost Advantages: Practice founders benefit from significant savings by combining used and new devices.
• Robust Quality: Especially in veterinary medicine, where devices are subjected to high stress, older, robust devices often prove to be more reliable and easier to maintain than modern alternatives.
• Use in Areas with Poor Infrastructure: Older devices are ideal for countries with unreliable power supplies, as they have fewer technological dependencies and maintenance needs and function more reliably under challenging conditions.