Coveris Partners with SABIC to Create Medical Plastic Recycling Project for Closed-Loop Packaging

Coveris has recently launched a circular economy project in the medical field, aiming to successfully recycle discarded medical plastic packaging and convert it into brand-new contact-sensitive packaging.

Source of image: Coveris

Coveris has collaborated with SABIC, Zuyderland Medical Centre, medical brand Artivion, and other partners.

Medical plastic waste has become a severe and increasingly exacerbating challenge. The company stated that in Europe alone, despite being technically recyclable, approximately 1.7 million tonnes of uncontaminated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) medical waste are incinerated annually. Although the medical industry must prioritize sterile standards and patient safety, these standards often make it difficult to implement circular solutions.

Under the framework of SABIC's TRUCIRCLE initiative, a pioneering model has emerged that can transform medical waste into high-quality contact-sensitive packaging, marking the inception of the first closed-loop recycling project for medical packaging of its kind.

The project, which will be launched in 2024, features a new waste collection scheme initiated by the Zuyderland Medical Center in the Netherlands, specifically targeting uncontaminated plastic waste that would otherwise require incineration.

Currently, these uncontaminated waste materials are collected separately in dedicated pink trash bags and then processed by the global chemical company SABIC: first converted into pyrolysis oil, which is further processed into certified circular polyethylene (PE) that meets stringent medical standards, known as TRUCIRCLE PE. Subsequently, Coveris reintegrates this innovative raw material back into the medical value chain.

Coveris Halle extrudes film using TRUCIRCLE PE resin, which possesses the characteristics of virgin materials. Coveris Rohrdorf then processes this film into sterile packaging bags. These bags are subsequently delivered to the medical brand Artivion for packaging its vascular surgery guidewires, which are ultimately supplied back to Zuyderland Medical Center, thus completing the circular loop. Currently, 25% of the packaging materials in this final packaging solution are sourced from uncontaminated medical waste.

The collaboration demonstrates how systemic innovation and solid partnerships can reduce waste, conserve resources, and drive the healthcare industry towards a more sustainable future by converting plastic waste generated by hospitals into certified new circular packaging materials.

This project is another important component of Coveris' "No Waste vision." This vision aims to eliminate all forms of waste, specifically including the reduction of product waste, packaging waste, and operational waste across all industries.

Jan-Willem Bruijsten, Director of the Medical Division at Coveris Group, stated: "At Coveris, we always believe that collaboration is key to achieving a circular future. We are very proud to be part of this pioneering project. This project proves that a circular economy in the medical packaging sector is feasible and perfectly aligns with our core value of 'No Waste Vision.' This collaboration is an excellent example of how we can make a tangible impact by working together."

Khaled Al-Jalawi, SABIC's Global Circular Economy Director, pointed out: "We are excited about this pioneering pilot project for a circular business model. It fully demonstrates the potential that plastic circular innovation can unleash when leading participants in the healthcare ecosystem work closely together. Uncontaminated medical plastic waste is a highly valuable source of raw materials, and SABIC's TRUCIRCLE solutions are expected to play a significant role in advancing the circular economy in the healthcare sector."

Med-Tech Insights interviewed Coveris about the launch of its new brand at COMPAMED 2024. The media reported that after making significant investments in medical manufacturing facilities, Coveris will integrate its technological capabilities with its medical product range, all under the new brand "MediFlex."