Research led by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care on personal protective equipment (PPE), intentionally designed and manufactured as reusable, including gowns, goggles, face shields and elastomeric respirators, was conducted to identify prospects for reducing plastic PPE waste with a focus on opportunities for reduction and reuse in the health system. Most of the PPE used in Canada is made of plastic, and much of it is disposable, according to a news release.
The research, titled “A Circular Economy Model for Hospital-Generated PPE and Medical Single-Use Plastic Waste: Demonstrating Opportunities for Reduction and Reuse,” was funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and also explored the many synergies with other government and health-system priorities that would enhance opportunities and support for a reusable PPE system. Other government priorities such as reduction of GHGs from the health system, and promoting circular economy approaches to resolve resource and waste issues, could also be supported through this approach.
