Woodsafe - cutting CO2 emissions in healthcare
A new product is making a big difference for the health sector. FrostPharma and Mälarplast have in collaboration developed a new hazardous waste container, from biocomposite. The new version cuts emissions with more than 50% compared to the solution made from conventional plastics.
The same type of waste container is used all over Europe, with harmonized safety standards and rules for handling. One of these rules is the requirement to burn the containers after usage. This means millions of burnt containers, contributing to significant CO2 emissions which in turn is a problem for the European health sector as they are looking to be more sustainable.
FrostPharma has together with Mälarplast, developed a range of new hazardous waste containers consisting of a renewable material, biocomposite. A material made of Nordic wood fibers and bio-based PP.
The product line is called WoodSafe®, and it consists of seven containers in different sizes. They are already in use, the results are great and it’s been well received by the market.
A life cycle analysis performed by an independent party looked at Woodsafe® waste container’s environmental impact and compared the material to the most common alternatives available in the market. It showed that by using a Woodsafe® container you can lower the CO2 emissions with more than 50% compared to when using a container from virgin plastic.
“Our mission was to lower the carbon footprint and create a sustainable, yet safe, alternative to today’s products”, says Peter Wall, CEO, Mälarplast.
The result is WoodSafe®, manufactured in Sweden with renewable raw materials. The containers are easy to implement as they have the same sizes and the same handling as the ones traditionally used.
Medical waste containers take up an extensive part of the plastic used in healthcare. Danderyd’s Hospital in Sweden is one care giver who has made the switch to Woodsafe waste containers.
“This new product reduces our climate impact. The only difference from the old waste container is that it smells like wood. Otherwise, no difference, they are great and easy to work with,” says Johanna Albert, Anesthesiologist, Danderyd’s Hospital.
WoodSafe® products are approved according to UN3291 and ADR.
