BD and Danish healthcare consortium successfully devise method to recycle used blood collection tubes, reducing environmental impact; study shows used PET tubes can be cleaned, shredded and molded into other types of new articles

COPENAGEN, Denmark , March 21, 2024 (press release) –

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, and a consortium of health care institutions in Denmark have innovated a method to recycle used blood collection tubes without compromising hygiene, safety or quality of the material.

BD partnered with Odense University Hospital, the Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark, the Danish Technological Institute, the Global Material & Asset Fund and EcoFITT ApS to conduct a feasibility study, which focused on used blood collection tubes from laboratories. The study shows that these used tubes, which are made from high-quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, can be cleaned, shredded and molded into other types of new articles.

"Single-use plastic revolutionized health care, but we know there are environmental considerations that come with this critical innovation," said Amit Limaye, director of the BD Sustainable Medical Technology Institute. "BD is working with like-minded partners to drive sustainable innovation that will help reduce the environmental footprint of our product portfolio, while maintaining our high standards of patient safety, quality and efficacy."

Used blood collection tubes are considered biohazardous and regulated medical waste, and in Denmark, they are currently disposed through incineration. Considering the nature of their application, used blood tubes cannot be cleaned and reused like some other medical devices made of glass or metal. However, PET plastic is highly suitable for recycling and is one of the most recycled plastic materials. Further research is required to determine the best method for cleaning and recycling that optimize both the quality of the material and the climate impact of these processes. The study shows that by transitioning from incineration to recycling, 33 tonnes of high-quality plastic would be diverted from incineration within the region each year.

The collaborative effort was funded by the Region of Southern Denmark and is part of a broader effort to further progress toward Denmark's Climate Action Strategy, which aims to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent in 2030 compared to 1990 levels. To learn more about this study, visit the website of Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark, and to learn more about BD's commitments to net zero emissions, visit the BD newsroom.

About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines of health care by developing innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than 70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every country and partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or Instagram @becton_dickinson. 

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SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

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