Green design in single use items. The case of the improvement of the Mediplast Vomit Bag

Purpose and goal:

The objective is to implement a feasibility study for the sustainable improvement of the Mediplast Vomit Bag. The project will improve the design of an intensively used medical product and it will increase the awareness of the importance of green design for single use items used in the healthcare sector. The study will focus on the different segments and materials that could be improved for sustainability, such as the plastic ring included in the product.

The project will include an impact assessment on sustainable healthcare, that will enrich the project from a systemic approach. Expected results and effects:

The sustainable improvement of the Mediplast Vomit Bag will decrease substantially the waste generated at healthcare facilities, having a direct impact on environment and the economy of the sector. During 2023, almost 13 million units were produced, meaning that any change on the materials, composition, structure, and design, will have a direct and relevant impact.

At global level, it will provide scientific information, and potentially set a standard that could transform similar products around the world. The project, will foster collaboration between different sectors. Approach and implementation:

The planned structure includes two partners. First,TEM-NCSH (Nordic Center for Sustainable Healthcare), is a cross sectoral network that will ensure a systemic approach of the feasibility study. It has the coordination role as well as be the main responsible for the disemination of the final report and activities.

Second, Mediplast is the company who produces the Vomit Bag. The implementation includes activities such as a prototyping workshop and a Life Cycle Analysis. The two partners will be in permanent coordination and implement jointly most of the activities.