Reuse and Refurbishment

Shifting the industry paradigm from single-use to multiple-use solutions is central to this cluster, applying to everything from surgical gowns to laboratory consumables. It focuses on the logistical and regulatory requirements for safely enabling the multiple use of medical devices like surgical instruments, which includes establishing advanced sterilization and cleaning protocols. Furthermore, robust take-back and collection programs are proposed for laboratory and medical equipment that is still functional, channeling it through refurbishment for resale or donation. The cluster also advocates for modular and durable product design to facilitate easy repair and component replacement, and introduces programs for the return and redistribution of unused medication and the refurbishment of electronic equipment.

Promote Reusable instead of Single-use Products

Transition laboratory, production, and healthcare settings from single-use items to durable, reusable products.

• Shift to reusable surgical gowns in hospitals.

• Shift from single-use to reusable lab coats for laboratory visitors.

• Shift from single-use to reusable laboratory consumables (e.g. glass instead of plastic).

• Plastic free screening tests.

• Reusable medical devices/equipment (e.g. inflation device for cardiology).

Enable Multiple Use of Medical Device

Develop systems and protocols for safely reusing medical devices, including surgical and endoscopy equipment, and refurbishing used devices for secondary markets.

• Implement in-house or service-based systems to replace single-use medical devices with reusable alternatives, including robotic surgery instruments, metal scissors, endoscopy tools, and interventional catheters.

• Refurbish used medical devices to be reused in other countries or for new purposes.

Take-back and Collection Programs for Laboratory and Medical Devices for Reuse

Establish schemes to valorize used laboratory and medical equipment through internal exchanges, external marketplaces, and leasing models to maximize their lifespan.

• Develop in-house or regional solutions for laboratory equipment exchanges within the company.

• Collect, recondition and resell used laboratory equipment in good conditions through marketplaces platforms such as Equipnet, labexchange, etc.

• Assess the feasibility of leasing instead of purchasing medical devices by collaborating with suppliers. Map the resale/donation process across multiple entities to identify barriers and enablers for efficient equipment transfers.

• Develop solutions integrating take-back schemes for medical devices (i.e. surgical staplers).

• Establish intra-company inventory and reuse platforms to track, share, and repurpose purchased equipment across departments.

Support Modular and Durable Design for Medical Devices

Encourage the development of durable, modular, and recyclable MedTech devices to simplify maintenance, repair, and component replacement.

• Focus on repairing and upgrading existing infrastructure (e.g. surgical lasers, X-ray machines and wheelchairs) to delay replacements and minimize resource consumption. (Healthcare provision, patients & services)

Return and Redistribution of Unused Medication and Medical Products

Create structured take-back programs to collect and redistribute non-expired, unused medications and medical supplies to prevent waste.

• Collect non-expired medication from hospitals and pharmacies to redistribute.

• Develop solutions to test medication and extend expiration dates.

• Reuse medical kits for clinical trials.

Reuse & Refurbish Electronics

Promote the second life of electronic equipment, including IT and electronic waste, by prioritizing repair over replacement.

Promote prioritizing cost-effective repairs over replacements for high-value devices, including provisions such as extending warranties by an additional year after a successful repair. (Regulatory & Associations)