Transitioning towards a circular (healthcare) economy

Abstract

This book offers a comprehensive roadmap toward a circular and sustainable healthcare system, structured into three distinct parts.

Part I describes circular principles and policy tactics. Chapter 1 outlines the essentials of sustainable healthcare and designates the paradox in daily practice of sustainability and the circular economy. In Chapter 2 the impact of leadership on policy together with best practices is discussed. The legislation and infrastructural web, in which many stakeholders and circular economy initiatives are strangled, is described. Despite the fact that politicians and policymakers are motivated to encourage sustainability, the infrastructure is designed to discourage circular economy projects. This chapter shows examples of setting-up intrinsic motivated teams of hospital staff, green teams, industry leaders and scientific motivated research teams. Swimming against the current is about the legislation paradox. In chapter 3 described as how legislation should be redesigned to accomplish the goals as set out in the green deal and the climate law.

Part II serves as a practical guide to implementing circular strategies. In chapter 4 the reader is guided through the fundamentals of circular strategies by visualizing the circular economy. Chapter 5 reveals successful design strategies for products and processes which contribute to a zero-waste society. Using recycled materials by using waste as input for new products is described in chapter 6. In chapter 6 we will explore (surgical) waste as input for new products. Recycled should and could be used more. This is a fundamental concept within circular design principles but hardly used until this moment.

Part III explores circular economy design principles on basis of successful examples. This part dives into real-world applications and measurable outcomes. It showcases successful circular design concepts and business models that have reshaped the market. Chapter 7: Is about leading by design. Success stories of circular concepts which have effectively changed the market with circular products and services are designated. Also entrepreneurial success stories of circular economy business models are presented. Chapter 8 investigates how to measuring effectiveness and impact of circular economy products and processes. In particular how reliable some facts are which are used by many to sell products or introduce new policies or legislation. How trustworthy is data from life cycle assessments (LCA’s)? What are the pitfalls? Is it possible to manipulate these data? Why should we characterize one-sided data from an LCA as greenwashing? Circular Economy principles, sustainability and, in broader sense, the climate discussion seem to trigger emotions. Using fundamental and reliable data is essential in order to be able to judge whether a product or process indeed reduces CO2 emissions is essential in decision-making. Chapter 9 focusses on how universities can contribute to sustainable solutions by presenting different cases which resulted in actual results which were implemented or are ready for upscaling. The role of universities as innovation hubs is highlighted through case studies with proven impact. The final chapter offers a reflective and forward-looking analysis on how circular strategies in healthcare can shape future societal developments.

The authors reflect on the content in chapter 10. A final part in which a critical analysis is presented and the impact it could have on future developments and the society.