Health Care Without Harm is pleased to announce the release of its first report on chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste, which is generated in ever-increasing quantities by the health care sector. The document examines the different available technologies and approaches for plastic waste processing and focuses on the approaches to chemical recycling and their impact.
Developed by specialists from Health Care Without Harm, along with its partners HECAF360, groundWork, and Projeto Hospitais Saudáveis, the report highlights the importance of the environmental impact of the sector’s plastic consumption, particularly single-use products.
According to Will Clark, International Supply Chain Transformation Director, Health Care Without Harm, “as the international community moves toward a global plastics treaty, we must identify the environmental and health impacts of different technologies. One of the treaty's goals is to address all stages of plastic’s lifecycle, with a focus on environmentally sound management. Our document addresses that question: Is chemical recycling of health care waste safe, and in line with these goals?”
The report includes practical, actionable points and recommendations to help health care organizations develop more sustainable plastic waste management strategies while reducing their operations' environmental impact.
"This report investigates the array of recycling technologies, illuminating toxic outputs, carbon footprints, and economic viability, and helping chart the best options for plastic health care waste,” says Ruth Stringer, Science and Policy Coordinator, Health Care Without Harm.