Reducing Waste in Healthcare: A Systemic Design Approach for Sustainable Disposables Manufacturers

Efficient waste management is crucial in the healthcare system due to the complex composition and associated risks to workers, patients, and the environment. While there is growing awareness of the need to change the system, there is still an urgent need for a sustainable healthcare system. Sustainability concepts can guide designers in taking action, from considering waste reduction in the choice of materials to optimizing management systems through information and staff training. Systemic design methods can help involve business teams in the development of sustainable practices and strategies for production, use, and disposal. Research aimed to identify the types of disposables produced according to their polymers and weight, and to detect associated problems. The quantification of results led to the development of strategies aimed at reducing the number of polymer types used in product manufacturing with A case study on the Neonatal Nasal Mask, a consumable device was conducted to apply sustainable design strategies.