Transforming healthcare sustainability: Circular economy approaches and stakeholder collaboration

Abstract

Healthcare sector is a major contributor to environmental degradation, accounting for nearly 5 % of global CO₂ emissions. Traditional linear models of production and disposal in healthcare generate excessive waste and carbon footprints, especially through single-use medical devices and inefficient waste segregation systems. This study proposes a scalable multi-level CE framework for healthcare, aiming to quantify the benefits of circular interventions, reuse, repair, and remanufacturing, while addressing implementation challenges across varied healthcare contexts. This study employed a three-pronged methodology: (1) a comprehensive literature review of academic publications and WHO reports, (2) a mapping of real-world case studies and sustainability initiatives from MedTech companies and healthcare systems, and (3) a quantitative analysis integrating cost and CO₂ emission data for reusable versus single-use medical devices. The review revealed wide variability in CE adoption across healthcare systems, with persistent challenges in waste segregation, regulation, and infrastructure. Synthesizing literature and case data, we developed a five-level CE framework for healthcare, Technical Substitution, Basic Circular Procurement, Functional Circularity, Regenerative Loops, and Continuous Learning, allowing stakeholders to advance circularity progressively. To enable quantifiable evaluation, we proposed two formulas: one calculating cumulative cost and CO₂ emissions per reuse cycle, and another identifying the break-even point where reuse becomes more sustainable than single-use. These tools are adaptable to local variables such as sterilization costs, emission factors, and procurement systems. Implementing a multi-level CE framework in healthcare can substantially reduce environmental impact and operational costs. However, its success requires context-sensitive strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and investment in digital and regulatory infrastructure.

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