BD and Denmark Health Care Consortium Find Success in Medical Waste Recycling Study

BD global medical technology company and a consortium of healthcare institutions in Denmark discovered a method to recycle used blood collection tubes without compromising hygiene, safety, or quality of the material. 
 
In partnership with the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, the Danish Technological Institute, the Global Material & Asset Found, and EcoFITT ApS, BD conducted a feasibility study focusing on used blood collection tubes from laboratories. In the study, the tubes were made from high-quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and can be cleaned, shredded, and molded into new articles. 
 
“Single-use plastic revolutionized health care, but we know there are environmental considerations that come with this critical innovation,” said Amit Limaye, director of the BD Sustainable Medical Technology Institute. “BD is working with like-minded partners to drive sustainable innovation that will help reduce the environmental footprint of our product portfolio, while maintaining our high standards of patient safety, quality and efficacy.”
 
Used blood collection tubes are considered biohazardous, regulated medical waste and are currently incinerated in Denmark. Unlike other medical devices made from glass or metal, these tubes cannot be cleaned and reused. 
 
PET plastic is highly suitable for recycling, and further research is required to determine the best method for cleaning and recycling while optimizing the quality of the material and the climate impact of these processes. 
 
The BD study showed that in transitioning from incineration to recycling, 33 tons of high-quality plastic would be diverted from incineration each year within the region.
 
The collaborative effort was funded by the Region of Southern Denmark as part of its effort to progress toward Denmark’s Climate Action Strategy.