Why Healthcare’s ‘Do No Harm’ Ethic Must Include the Planet

Healthcare’s Environmental Footprint

The healthcare industry, while dedicated to safeguarding human health, is also a significant contributor to global environmental challenges. It accounts for approximately 4.4% of global carbon emissions. Notably, 71% of these emissions stem from the production, use, and disposal of medical technology (medtech) products and services. For example, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) alone generates around 156,000 tonnes of hospital waste annually—equivalent to over 5,700 large shipping containers—with up to 90% originating from single-use disposables.

EU Ecodesign Regulation: A Shift Toward Sustainability

The European Union’s new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation mandates a circular economy approach, requiring products—including certain medical devices—to be designed for longer lifespan, repairability, and recyclability. However, patient safety limits the regulation’s scope; products that pose infection or contamination risks may be exempt. This tension raises a critical question: can the principle of "do no harm" be broadened to encompass environmental stewardship alongside patient safety?

Challenges and Opportunities in Medtech Sustainability

In the United States, progress toward sustainable medtech has encountered setbacks. Rollbacks on climate commitments and delayed implementation of emissions standards—such as those aimed at reducing ethylene oxide, a hazardous sterilization chemical—hinder the adoption of cleaner alternatives like CO₂ and UV light sterilization. These technologies are vital for safely reusing medical devices, which could significantly cut waste.

Nevertheless, substantial sustainability improvements are achievable by analyzing device lifecycles from production through disposal. Key strategies include:

• Green public procurement policies promoting sustainable purchasing.
• Design for repairability and modular components.
• Standardization to enable interchangeable parts, enhancing reuse possibilities.
• Material consistency to streamline recycling and waste processing.
• Innovative packaging focusing on minimal volume and recyclable mono-materials.

Industry Leadership in Sustainable Innovation

Leading medtech companies exemplify sustainable progress:

• Medtronic aims for net-zero emissions by 2030 through smaller, long-lasting product designs and responsible supply chains.
• Johnson & Johnson reduces waste by recycling and closed-loop recovery of materials, with public environmental footprint reporting.
• Abbott targets a 90% waste reduction in product lifecycles, especially in packaging.

The Road Ahead: Integrating Health and Environmental Ethics

With the US medtech market valued at approximately US$587 billion—8% devoted to research and development—the potential for sustainable transformation is immense. Aligning patient safety with environmental responsibility requires:

• Investing in circular design and smarter procurement.
• Fostering connected infrastructures and collaborative innovation.
• Empowering stakeholders through education and engagement.

Ultimately, healthcare and sustainability are intertwined goals. The medtech sector stands at a critical juncture to redefine innovation—not just as safer and more effective care but as care that protects planetary health as well.

Source: Muireann McMahon, University of Limerick, The Conversation, October 30, 2025.

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