Why Healthcare’s ‘Do No Harm’ Ethic Must Include the Planet

The Environmental Impact of Healthcare

Healthcare harms the planet. It adds about 4.4% to global carbon emissions. Medtech causes 71% of that load. In the UK, the NHS makes roughly 156,000 tonnes of waste each year. Most waste comes from single-use tools; these items form up to 90% of healthcare waste.

EU Ecodesign Regulation: Transforming Healthcare Product Lifecycles

The European Union sets a new rule: its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation pushes makers to build longer-lasting, repairable, and recyclable goods. This rule drives a circular economy instead of quick disposal. Healthcare products fall under this rule but get an exemption when patient safety is at risk. Risks such as infection or tool failure can arise. Still, expanding the “do no harm” ethic to include the planet links patient safety with sustainability.

Challenges and Progress in the US and Beyond

The US faces challenges with sustainable medtech. The country left the Paris Agreement and delays rules on chemicals. Ethylene oxide, a sterilant, may raise cancer risks. Cleaner methods like CO₂ and UV light sterilization exist but are rarely used. They could allow safe reuse of tools while cutting waste and saving resources.

Leveraging Sustainable Innovation in Medtech

Forward-looking strategies in medtech include:

• Green public procurement policies that help hospitals buy eco-friendly products.
• Design improvements that boost repairability, cut material use, and simplify parts.
• Standardization of parts so devices can be swapped and reprocessed without losing safety.
• Uniform materials that simplify recycling and reduce landfill waste.
• Reimagined sterile packaging that lowers volume and uses recyclable items.

Leading companies take action:

• Medtronic aims for net-zero emissions by 2030 by offering smaller, durable tools, smart materials, and responsible sourcing.
• Johnson & Johnson uses closed-loop recycling and openly reports its green record.
• Abbott targets a 90% waste cut while focusing on sustainable packaging.

The Path Forward: Integrating Sustainability and Patient Care

The US medtech market is worth US$587 billion, and 8% goes toward research and development. Even a slice of this investment could drive responsible innovation. Embedding green design and procurement means patient care and earth care support each other. Stakeholders join forces, share ideas, and educate peers to build a healthier sector for both people and the planet.

Conclusion

Healthcare must shift its core view. The rule “do no harm” now needs to include the planet. With bold regulations and innovation, medtech can serve both patient safety and environmental health. Caring for people and the earth are not competing aims; they work best as one.

Source: Muireann McMahon, University of Limerick. Published on The Conversation, October 30, 2025.
DOI: 10.64628/AB.wcj5xxqyk

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