Top 10: Sustainable Medical Device Manufacturers
10 Zimmer Biomet
Country: US
Specialty: Orthopaedics
Zimmer Biomet designs, develops, manufactures and markets orthopaedics products, including knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, foot and ankle artificial joints and dental prostheses.
The company focuses on reducing it environmental footprint through energy efficiency and waste reduction programmes in its manufacturing processes. Zimmer Biomet also places great importance on responsible sourcing of materials, with the goal of minimising the environmental impact of its supply chain. Its commitment to sustainability extends to product design, where it aims to create devices with improved longevity and recyclability.
09 Terumo Corporation
Country: Japan
Specialty: Blood and cardiovascular
Terumo Corporation manufactures blood products, including blood bags and blood transfusion systems. It also makes equipment for cardiovascular systems, such as oxygenators, heart-lung machines, and surgical grafts.
The company is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste, and efficiently utilising resources. Its focus extends to environmentally friendly product development.
The company closerly manages its water usage, especially in the production of medical devices and pharmaceuticals, with growing water scarcity concerns in mind.
08 Boston Scientific
Country: US
Specialty: Radiology, cardiology
Boston Scientific, headquartered in Massachusetts, US is a biotechnology engineering firm and multinational manufacturer of medical devices used in interventional medical specialties, including interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, peripheral interventions.
Boston Scientific collaborates with industry partners to reduce waste, minimise energy consumption, and maximise recycling opportunities. The company was among the first medical device manufacturers to commit to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 in all manufacturing and key distribution sites, demonstrating its dedication to combating climate change.
It also commits heavily to sustainability practices in the medical supply chain, using a strategic quality process to prioritise, execute, and monitor global manufacturing and supply chain efforts.
07 Becton Dickinson Medical
Country:
Specialty: Drug delivery
BD Medical is among the world's leading suppliers of medical devices and a top innovator in injection- and infusion-based drug delivery. It has established a Sustainable Medical Technology Institute dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its product portfolio. This initiative informs its product life cycle roadmap and promotes sustainable-by-design product development.
Its focus extends beyond the environment, to strengthen healthcare systems worldwide by developing market-appropriate solutions. BD Medical's commitment to sustainable practices benefits the environment and "supports our mission to improve healthcare delivery globally", the company says.
06 Stryker
Country: US
Specialty: Orthopaedics, endoscopics
Stryker's products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling and emergency medical equipment; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices. It is widely recognised for its investments in renewable energy and initiatives aimed at waste reduction.
Through its Sustainability Solutions program, Stryker is a major provider of reprocessing and remanufacturing capabilities for single-use medical devices, tackling the e-waste issue in the sector while reducing the company’s overall environmental impact. Extending the lifespan of these devices allows healthcare facilities to minimise material consumption and reduce its carbon footprint.
05 Johnson & Johnson
Country: US
Specialty: Orthopaedics
J&J is a global leader in hip, knee and shoulder replacements, operating room products and bone cement and accessories.
It integrates sustainability into its operations to cut costs and reduce environmental impact, while "maintaining high standards for patient outcomes".
This commitment extends to its medical technology division, which incorporates eco-conscious principles into product design and manufacturing processes.
Bridging the gap between human health and environmental responsibility, J&J says it ensures its medical device manufacturing "benefits both patients and the planet".
04 GE Healthcare
Country: US
Specialty: Medical imaging
GE Healthcare makes medical diagnostic equipment – including CT machines; MRI, X-ray and ultrasound. It incorporates eco-conscious design principles into its development of medical imaging systems such as CT scanners, ensuring sustainability is an integral part of the product vision and manufacturing process. Its objective is to reduce the environmental impact of its equipment throughout its lifecycle.
The company also offers a suite of products that support additive manufacturing (3D printing), enhancing sustainable practices.
03 Medtronic
Country: US
Specialty: Chronic diseases
Medtronic develops and manufactures devices and therapies to treat more than 30 chronic diseases, including heart failure, Parkinson disease, urinary incontinence, Down syndrome, obesity, chronic pain spinal disorders and diabetes.
It runs a variety of eco-friendly initiatives, closely with hospitals to reduce waste. It also recognises the high energy-usage associated with manufacturing facilities, and places a premium on sustainable business practices to minimise environmental impact. It takes a holistic approach to product stewardship and sustainability, aiming, it says, "to exceed industry regulations in its pursuit of sustainable solutions to industry challenges".
02 Siemens Healthineers
Country: Germany
Specialty: Medical imaging, digital health
Siemens Healthineers specialises in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, molecular medicine and digital health.
It champions a circular economy approach, prioritising reducing its carbon footprint by promoting the responsible use of resources throughout the product life cycle.
Siemens Healthineers says it "understands the vital link between sustainable development and societal well-being". To this it ensures its medical devices are designed, produced, and used in ways that minimise harm to the environment.
01 Philips
Country: Netherlands
Specialty: Cardiology, medical imaging
Philips makes medical imaging equipment, including diagnostic cardiology solutions, mammography, and computed tomography. It has set itself ambitous 'Healthy People, Sustainable Planet' goals, and says it is "continually advancing our integrated ESG framework".
Its innovation process is designed to reduce the environmental impact of its products and services. This includes using fewer resources, improving energy efficiency and avoiding hazardous substances. It also has a policy to take back professional medical equipment from customers and either refurbish, recycle or recover parts from it.
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