Coveris, in collaboration with SABIC, Zuyderland Medical Centre and Artivion, has developed a process to convert medical waste into new packaging materials.
The initiative focuses on recycling used medical plastic packaging into new contact-sensitive packaging, creating a closed-loop model within the healthcare sector.
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The collaboration forms part of SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE initiative and is the first closed-loop healthcare packaging project of its kind.
Coveris Group medical segment director Jan-Willem Bruijsten commented: “At Coveris, we see collaboration as key to a circular future, and we are extremely proud to be part of this pioneering initiative.
“It proves that circularity in healthcare packaging is possible. The project fully echoes the core values of our No Waste vision. This partnership is a perfect example of how we can make meaningful impact by joining forces.”
Launched in 2024, the project aims to show that non-contaminated hospital plastic waste can be recycled into high-quality circular materials while maintaining the safety standards required for medical applications.
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By GlobalDataAt the Zuyderland Medical Centre in the Netherlands, non-contaminated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) waste is collected separately in pink bags instead of being incinerated.
SABIC then converts this waste into pyrolysis oil and produces certified circular polyethylene (TRUCIRCLE PE).
Coveris uses this resin to manufacture medical-grade film at its Halle facility, which is later processed into sterile pouches at its Rohrdorf site.
The finished pouches are supplied to Artivion for packing vascular surgery guidewires, which are subsequently returned to Zuyderland Medical Centre, completing the circular process.
The resulting packaging contains 25% material sourced from non-contaminated hospital waste.
SABIC global circular economy director Khaled Al-Jalawi stated: “We are excited about this pioneering circular business model pilot, which showcases the potential of circular plastic innovations when leading actors from across the medical ecosystem closely collaborate.
“Non-contaminated medical plastic waste represents a valuable feedstock opportunity, and SABIC TRUCIRCLE solutions could play a major role in advancing circularity in healthcare.”
