How can the medical device industry contribute to achieving the “dual carbon” goals?

On September 22, 2020, the goals of “peaking carbon emissions” and “carbon neutrality” were put forward, eliciting enthusiastic responses across the country. The vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities stem from the consumption of fossil fuels, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and transportation. Although the medical device industry is not among the highest-emitting sectors, it nonetheless has a responsibility to contribute to these efforts. So, what specific steps can be taken? Let’s take a look.

Peaking Carbon Emissions and Carbon Neutrality

With the continued emission of greenhouse gases, global temperatures have been steadily rising, leading to serious climate challenges such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events, which in turn impact the global economy and natural environment. In response, the concepts of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality” have emerged. Carbon peaking refers to the point at which carbon dioxide emissions reach their maximum level, cease to increase, and then begin to decline gradually. Carbon neutrality, on the other hand, means achieving “zero net carbon dioxide emissions” over a specified period by offsetting emitted CO2 through measures such as afforestation and industrial carbon capture and storage.

At the General Debate of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, China announced its commitment to peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and striving to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Since the “dual carbon” goals were first put forward, not only have government policies been swiftly introduced in response, but industries such as oil, chemicals, coal, steel, power, automotive, environmental protection, and transportation have also successively unveiled their own plans and roadmaps for reaching peak carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Although the medical device industry is not among the sectors with high carbon intensity, it can nonetheless contribute its share to the realization of emission-reduction targets.

Healthcare System and Medical Device Industry

On May 6, 2021, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that, in order to avert the catastrophic consequence of a 2.4°C rise in global temperatures by the end of this century, all countries must commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. According to data released by the World Health Organization, in some developed countries, carbon emissions from the health-care sector account for approximately 5% to 15% of total national emissions. Although the current share of carbon emissions from the health-care sector is relatively small, with ongoing socio-economic development and the accelerating trend of population aging, failure to take timely action could lead to a significant increase in this sector’s share of national emissions.

Distribution of carbon emissions in China’s healthcare sector in 2014.

A study found that 84% of greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare institutions stem from the procurement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other products and services, while building-related energy use—such as lighting, heating, cooling, and the operation of medical equipment—and non-outsourced transportation account for a relatively smaller share (16%). A 2021 report by Health Care Without Harm outlines three global pathways for decarbonizing healthcare systems: decarbonizing infrastructure and service operations, decarbonizing the healthcare supply chain, and decarbonizing the broader economic and social environment.

Specific recommendations for decarbonization and emission-reduction measures in the healthcare supply chain:

Develop sustainable procurement policies and practices based on the circular economy model (e.g., procuring only renewable energy, energy-efficient medical devices, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and energy-efficient communication systems).

Assist upstream enterprises in understanding the healthcare sector’s energy-saving and emission-reduction goals and measures, and make corresponding adjustments.

Reduce carbon emissions from procurement, transportation, and staff travel, with a particular focus on limiting air travel to once per year.

Develop independent power generation systems and energy storage facilities to enhance the hospital’s resilience against unavoidable disasters.

Leverage the influence of the healthcare sector to drive decarbonization in other high-energy-consuming industries, including construction and pharmaceuticals.

Reduce the use of single-use packaging and plastics.

Increase procurement of local food ingredients to shorten the farm-to-table supply chain and reduce transportation emissions.

Strengthen environmental protection requirements for pharmaceutical companies, with particular emphasis on the collection and treatment of pharmaceutical waste.

Increase the use of artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry to enhance efficiency.

Given that the vast majority of healthcare-related carbon emissions stem from the sector’s supply chain—specifically, the emissions generated during the production, packaging, and transportation of medical products—only by promptly implementing decarbonization measures can healthcare manufacturers and suppliers gain a competitive edge in decarbonizing the healthcare supply chain.

Feasible measures

In the past, China’s market for high-end medical devices was dominated by imported products. To reverse this trend, the Chinese government has provided robust support to encourage innovation and R&D in the medical device sector. This presents a significant opportunity for the industry; however, as a manufacturing sector that consumes substantial amounts of energy, it must not only adopt new energy sources and energy-efficient operational systems but also continuously explore and develop ways to make equipment and all production processes more low-carbon.

Customs conducts inspections of imported medical devices.

In the design of medical devices, breakthroughs should be pursued toward the adoption of new energy sources, reduced power consumption, and extended service life; carbon emissions from these devices can also be quantified. Furthermore, where operational requirements are met, reusable medical devices can be designed to replace single-use products. Some researchers have conducted a life-cycle assessment of the total carbon footprint of both a single-use and a reusable ureteroscope and found that the two are comparable; however, the reusable version can be used multiple times, thereby avoiding the generation of substantial medical waste and associated carbon emissions.

Ureteroscope.

When designing packaging for medical devices, it is essential to consider ways to streamline packaging, reduce costs, minimize waste, and ensure standardization. The primary function of medical-device packaging is to provide protection during supply and sterilization processes, thereby maintaining the sterility of the device until it is used. However, medical-device packaging is also a source of carbon emissions. Medical-device manufacturers can mitigate these emissions by adopting composite or combined-packaging technologies. An article published in Nursing Time highlights that using combined packaging for medical devices can reduce packaging waste by 90%—equivalent to 2.6 metric tons per year—compared with individual packaging.

Single-use sterile urinary catheterization kit in a combination package.

The manufacturing of medical devices generates associated waste, wastewater, and gaseous emissions. Enterprises are required to treat or recycle such waste and to treat the gaseous and liquid effluents generated during the sterilization of medical devices, thereby reducing the resulting carbon emissions.

As previously mentioned, the medical device industry still has ample room for growth; however, such growth must be proactive and aligned with the nation’s energy-saving and emission-reduction goals, advancing toward the realization of the “dual carbon” targets. While seizing these opportunities, enterprises must also assume their corresponding social responsibilities, balancing human health, technological innovation, environmental protection, and economic development.