This week, we had the privilege of attending ReMed Conference 2024 at Loughborough University, where experts gathered to discuss innovative approaches to a more sustainable future for medical devices. The event centered around creating a circular economy for small medical devices—an important shift away from single-use products to reusable, resource-efficient solutions.
Key learnings and highlights from the day included:
Future of NHS Waste Strategy led by Liam Hogg, Head of Waste & Resources at NHS England. The session emphasized the importance of policy shifts and behaviour change towards a Net Zero Carbon NHS by 2040, tackling labour abuses and linear supply chains that heavily impact the planet .
Design for Life Initiative presented by Dr. Karen Mayor, showcasing the Department of Health and Social Care's commitment to improve reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing of MedTech. This aligns directly with Pd-m’s focus on circular design and reducing environmental impact through innovative technology.
Insights on Medical Device Reprocessing by Prof. Shahin Rahimifard, who is leading efforts on sustainable design and lifecycle management at Loughborough. His vision for more resource-efficient manufacturing resonated with our mission to contribute to the future of reusable medical devices.
Engaging conversations around Sustainability in Procurement and The Big Repair Project further underscored the urgency to shift industry practices towards a zero-waste mindset.
We were especially inspired by how the themes at ReMed mirror the work we’re currently doing. Recently, we completed a case study on CardiacTech, where we worked to transition a product from single-use to multi-use. This shift represents our commitment to circular design, reducing waste, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable innovation. It’s the core of what we stand for at Pd-m: turning sustainability from a conversation into action.
As Pd-m, we believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge to drive innovation and sustainability in healthcare. This event provided us with valuable insights and connections to support our ongoing efforts toward a net-zero future.