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

Healthcare’s Environmental Footprint

The healthcare industry contributes roughly 4.4% of global carbon emissions, with 71% stemming from the production, provision, and disposal of medical technology (medtech) products and services. In the UK alone, the National Health Service (NHS) generates about 156,000 tonnes of waste annually, equivalent to over 5,700 40-foot containers, with up to 90% of this waste coming from single-use disposable equipment.

Circular Economy in Healthcare: EU Ecodesign Regulation

The European Union’s recent ecodesign for sustainable products regulation aims to break the cycle of "take, make, waste" by mandating longer-lasting, repairable products that can re-enter the economy rather than end up in landfills. While healthcare products are included, patient safety remains paramount—products posing infection or contamination risks may be exempt.

Expanding “Do No Harm” to Planetary Health

Traditionally focused on patient safety, the healthcare ethic of "do no harm" must now evolve to incorporate environmental stewardship. This aligns with broader planetary health goals, where protecting human health is inseparable from protecting the planet.

Challenges and Setbacks in the US

Climate commitments have faced setbacks in the U.S., notably the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and delayed implementation of emissions standards, including limits on ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic sterilization chemical. These setbacks hinder adoption of cleaner sterilization technologies like CO₂ and UV light, which are critical to safely reusing medical devices and reducing waste.

Promising Solutions in Medtech Sustainability

• Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating device production through disposal highlights areas for improvement.
• Green Public Procurement: Encourages sustainable purchasing by healthcare providers.
• Design for Repairability: Simplified components and standardized parts enhance lifespan and recyclability.
• Material Consistency: Using uniform materials facilitates recycling and prevents landfill waste.
• Innovative Packaging: Redesigns to minimize volume and favor recyclable mono-materials.

Industry Leaders Pioneering Sustainability

• Medtronic: Targets net-zero emissions by 2030 via smaller, longer-lasting devices and responsible material sourcing.
• Johnson & Johnson: Implements closed-loop recycling systems and publicly reports product environmental footprints.
• Abbott: Commits to a 90% waste reduction, focusing heavily on packaging impacts.

The Road Ahead: Aligning Safety with Sustainability

With the US medtech industry valued at approximately $587 billion and 8% invested in R&D, there is enormous potential to channel funding toward sustainable innovation. Progress depends on educational efforts, stakeholder engagement, smarter procurement, regulatory support, and genuine cross-sector collaboration.

Ensuring that health and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand will redefine innovation—not just as safer and more efficient care but as care that safeguards the planet, reflecting a true expansion of the healthcare "do no harm" principle.

Author: Muireann McMahon, Associate Professor, School of Architecture & Product Design, University of Limerick
Published: October 30, 2025
Source: The Conversation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64628/AB.wcj5xxqyk

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