The healthcare sector faces increasing pressure to reduce waste and dependency on primary raw materials. In the Netherlands, healthcare accounts for approximately 13% of total raw material extraction and 4.2% of national waste (Steenmeijer et al., 2022). To meet sustainability goals, such as a 55% reduction in CO₂ emissions and a 50% reduction in primary raw material use by 2030, circular solutions are essential.

This project addresses the environmental impact of single-use endoscopic instruments, focusing on the biopsy forceps, one of the most frequently used devices. The Cygra hybrid biopsy forceps was developed to balance patient safety, hospital workflow, and sustainability by combining a reusable stainless-steel handle with a single-use recyclable coil and jaw. The design ensures cleanability, durability, and compatibility with other endoscopic instruments such as snares, supporting system-wide circularity through modularity.

Within Erasmus Medical Center (EMC), the modular configuration is expected to cover approximately 55% of similar endoscopic instrument use. A fast-track life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates a 26% reduction in environmental impact, equivalent to 0.10 kg CO₂ saved per instrument over 30 reuse cycles.

By closing material loops through reuse and recycling, the Cygra system demonstrates how circular design can substantially reduce waste and carbon emissions while maintaining clinical performance, paving the way for a more sustainable endoscopy practice

Cygra demonstrates how circular design can reduce waste, retain material value, and integrate into current hospital workflows, contributing to a more sustainable future for endoscopy.