Balancing Environmental and Health Concerns About Plastics Use

The healthcare sector is facing increasing scrutiny regarding its use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics. Environmental advocacy groups, public health organizations, and policy institutions are highlighting the environmental and health effects associated with plastic production, use, and disposal within healthcare systems. These discussions are influencing regulatory debates, sustainability initiatives, and procurement strategies across the healthcare value chain. Much of this discourse, however, treats “healthcare plastics” as a single category, overlooking critical distinctions in how different plastics are used and regulated within the healthcare system. The use of plastics in medical products and frontline care delivery, such as syringes, IV bags, catheters, diagnostic kits, and gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE), has expanded in recent years. PPE use in particular accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. These materials are integral to patient care delivery, infection prevention, and operational efficiency in clinical settings. 

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