Sustainability Success: Combining an Environmentally and Business Friendly Plan

The orthopedic device industry (and medical device industry on the whole) is at a critical juncture. Many factors are converging, driving decisions for the near and long term that could change aspects of manufacturing for some time. Something companies may want to keep in mind as they navigate these upcoming potential changes, however, is to keep sustainability at top of mind. A sustainability-minded approach could be the light leading the way for many companies.

Unfortunately, sustainability is running dangerously close to hitting a fatigue point much in the same way diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is said to have done based on quarterly investor calls. Depending on who you listen to, mentions of DEI on those calls are down by approximately 30%. However, the issues surrounding DEI are different from those of sustainability. DEI suffered its most significant blow with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action and college admissions. As a result, companies are pulling back on pledges to address diversity within their workforce.

With sustainability, the reason for pushback is much less concrete. Part of it is the link to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, which touch aspects of the business well beyond a smart manufacturing practice. For this Letter’s purpose, I’m referring to neither the broader policies of DEI nor ESG. Instead, I’m looking specifically at why companies should consider sustainability in their manufacturing protocols.

At one time, sustainability was viewed as being a socially conscientious but more expensive route. For certain aspects, that could still be true today. But if you look at a number of factors of sustainability and merge them with a business mindset, the advantages can become clear.

Soon, the EPA will be making a final decision on the use of ethylene oxide (EtO) and likely significantly cut the acceptable levels for its expulsion into the air. While the agency’s decision will probably require an 80% cut in those amounts, what if the decision is revisited in five years? If you are starting a medical device development project today and considering EtO for its terminal sterilization method (even one of several reduced emissions concepts), what happens if the policy is revisited in five or 10 years? What happens if EtO is determined to be unsafe at any level of usage? Combining a sustainability approach with a business mentality might lead the developers to seek an alternative method, avoiding future challenges.

Leveraging sustainability again in the design phase can lead to reduced waste, which ultimately saves money. But a number of other advantages can be realized from this approach. Spending a little more time on the product’s design can result in a device that’s easier to repair, extending its usefulness. It could lead to a device that can be broken down for recyclability, which could contribute to savings for customers. A more thoughtful packaging design could translate to space savings in central supply or better communicate procedures to the clinician, nurse, or surgical team. This type of value-add can lead to customer loyalty.

Another important aspect of a sustainable approach affects something beyond the manufacturing floor. A changing workforce is challenging businesses. It has become harder to attract talent for a number of critical roles medical device manufacturers need to succeed. While the industry’s ability to tell the story of its mission to help patients is an advantage toward this effort, it doesn’t differentiate one device maker from another. Maintaining a sustainable approach to business and product development can certainly help steer a candidate in your direction over your competition. Studies show employees want to be proud of the companies for which they work. A sustainability mindset will certainly contribute to that goal, especially regarding the workforce’s younger members.

As a final note, a comment on the debate over single-use versus reprocessed devices. While I’d like to express my opinion, I’ve heard arguments from both sides. Proponents of single-use point to the amount of fresh water and harsh chemicals required for reprocessed devices, while the other side looks at the waste created from throwing away disposable devices. Honestly, I’m not enough of an expert on the topic to comfortably form an opinion. So I’d encourage you to research both options before deciding which approach is best for your next product.

My stance on sustainability is not meant to be a directive for a better environment. Instead, I hope you look at the potential business-related benefits that could be realized. Merging a sustainability mindset with a business-centric approach is likely the best way to enjoy real-world advantages. 

Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]