The first lever concerns materials, representing 52% of the medical device footprint, ahead of production (21%), transport (12%) and packaging (3%). Next come production sites’ energy and the single-use versus reusable trade-off: reusable emits 38 to 56% less CO2 across its life cycle, provided sterilisation uses low-carbon electricity and water consumption is controlled. For imaging, helium-free MRI, optimised protocols and preventive maintenance reduce impact. MDR safety requirements take precedence over every trade-off.
Read the source article: Medical device carbon footprint: figures and LCA