150 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand to recycle PVC medical devices by end of 2018

The Vinyl Council of Australia announces that it aims to expand its succesfull PVC medical recycling programme to 150 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand by the end of the year. Currently 138 hospitals are involved in the programme, which was set up in 2009 and is managed by the Vinyl Council of Australia and has as member partners medical device manufacturer Baxter Healthcare, Aces Medical Waste and Welvic Australia.

High-grade PVC recyclate

The hospitals involved collect IV bags, face masks and oxygen tubing for recycling. The recyclate, which is of high-grade quality, is used to manufacture mats, hoses and other useful products. In the last year alone, over 200 tonnes of PVC medical waste were collected and recycled. In the UK, a similar project financed by the European PVC industry’s sustainable development programme VinylPlus® is in its pilot phase.

Substantial energy and carbon savings

By recycling medical devices, hospitals can contribute to substantial carbon and energy savings: Every kilo of recycled PVC replaces the same amount on the market. For each kilo of PVC recycled, 2 kilos of PVC are saved. Recycled PVC’s primary energy demand is up to 90% lower than virgin PVC production. At the same time hospitals can save money on waste management by sorting out devices for collection and recycling rather than sending them to costly incineration.

Learn more about the Australian and New Zealand programme in the brand new video below:

Recycling Programs at Baxter from PulseLine on Vimeo.