I once had an ear evacuation procedure where the infected wax stained the disposable gown I was given. The doctor explained that it had to be discarded due to contamination. This made me question why it could not be washed, what dangers it posed during disposal, and whether such materials could be reused. This experience led me to reflect on the sustainability of medical textiles, their disposal methods, and the potential for reusability and recycling.
The healthcare industry relies heavily on textiles, from surgical gowns and personal protective equipment (PPE) to bedding and hygiene products. However, the widespread use of disposable medical textiles raises serious concerns about sustainability, waste management, and environmental impact.
Often, I wonder where used medical textiles and hygiene products—such as sanitary pads, nappies, cotton wool, surgical clothing, socks, gloves, shoes, bedding, wipes, uniforms, caps, and masks—end up. Many of these materials are discarded after a single use, with little regard for their environmental and health impact. Can they be reused or recycled? As the world focuses on sustainability and energy conservation, the healthcare sector cannot afford to ignore the consequences of its waste.
As a textile technologist, I believe it is crucial to design healthcare textiles with sustainability in mind. Our current approach to producing, using, and disposing of medical textiles, particularly hygiene products and PPE, is highly unsustainable and poses risks to both human health and the environment. The two common disposal methods—incineration and landfill—contribute to global warming and pollution.
Environmental and health impact
Single-use medical textiles generate a significant amount of waste. Products such as surgical masks, gloves, gowns, nappies, and bandages are often incinerated or dumped in landfills, causing pollution and worsening climate change. The textile industry is already one of the largest consumers of water and energy, and producing non-recyclable medical textiles only adds to the problem.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2020), synthetic textiles in healthcare settings can cause allergic reactions and expose users to toxic chemicals. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Management found that the disposal of single-use textiles is a major contributor to environmental degradation. Another, in Waste Management, reported that hospitals that switched to reusable surgical gowns reduced their textile waste by 40 per cent within the first year. These findings highlight the urgent need to adopt sustainable alternatives.
Benefits of reusable medical textiles
Switching to reusable and eco-friendly medical textiles offers numerous advantages, which include:
Waste reduction – Reusable textiles significantly cut down solid waste, easing the pressure on landfills and incinerators.
Cost savings – While reusable textiles may have a higher upfront cost, they save money over time by reducing procurement and waste disposal expenses.
Better patient comfort – Natural and organic fibres are more breathable and skin-friendly than synthetic materials, lowering the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
Lower carbon footprint – Sustainable textiles consume less water and energy throughout their lifecycle compared to disposable ones.
Support for global sustainability goals – Sustainable textile practices in healthcare contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Enhanced safety – Innovations in antimicrobial and smart textiles improve infection control while allowing for multiple uses without compromising hygiene.
Promoting medical textile sustainability
There is an urgent need for reform in medical textile production, use, and disposal. To promote sustainability, we must advocate for:
The use of organic and biodegradable fibres instead of synthetic fibres and dyes that contribute to pollution.
Innovation in recycling technologies for hospital textiles, including bandages, gowns, PPE, and hygiene products.
Education and policy changes to encourage hospitals and healthcare facilities to transition to reusable textile products.
Investment in research and development for sustainable textile solutions that balance hygiene, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
The current approach to medical textile use is unsustainable and poses risks to both health and the environment. The healthcare industry must embrace reusable and eco-friendly textiles to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve patient well-being. With the right policies, awareness, and innovations, the future of medical textiles can align with global environmental and health priorities, creating a safer and more sustainable world for all.
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