Sustainability meets safety: rethinking procurement

In many ways, sustainability and safety have historically been seen as two opposing forces in medical product procurement. On one side, there is a clear need to reduce carbon emissions, plastic use, and clinical waste. On the other hand, clinicians face the immovable imperative to ensure hygiene, prevent infection, and preserve patient dignity. But viewed through a strategic lens — that of value-based procurement — it becomes clear these two priorities are not at odds. They are, in fact, mutually reinforcing.

At Essity, we believe shifting healthcare's approach to procurement can be a catalyst for solving this conundrum. From wound care to continence management, the opportunity exists to make immediate, measurable gains by shifting to smarter purchasing models and evidence-led product choices. This article explores how Trusts can achieve that balance, and why the most realistic and impactful change doesn't necessarily just come from large capital projects, but from rethinking the everyday items used in clinical care.

The clinical environment is one where hygiene cannot be compromised. Single-use plastics have long been favoured for their sterility, disposability, and perceived safety — and in some cases, they remain non-negotiable in achieving this. The challenge is that this results in the widespread use of items designed for quick disposal after a single use, generating significant waste.