Buyers in clinics, laboratories and doctor’s offices also expect what is becoming established in the consumer sector: medical devices with high diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness and at the same time less impact on the climate. Eco-design in medical technology is still restricted by the Medical Devices Regulation, and high hygiene standards limit the recycling of disposable materials.

However, there are approaches for greater sustainability. Medical technology manufacturers can reduce energy consumption when operating devices or improve their repairability. Raw materials used can be used circularly instead of being burned. Hospitals are among the largest producers of waste in Germany. They produce up to eight tons of waste per day through sterile disposable products alone – before the pandemic. .