Modern healthcare would not be possible without the use of plastic. It has proved to be one of the few versatile materials that has been able to adapt along with the dynamic nature of the healthcare industry, delivering benefits that include sterility, quality, durability, and most significantly, patient and healthcare worker safety. However, despite the many benefits, there are also unintended environmental consequences with single-use plastics in healthcare, namely the waste that they create. In 2020, over 32 billion pounds of healthcare plastics were produced globally, and is expected to grow to 48 billion pounds by 2025. Most of which is being disposed of in landfills or by incineration and much of this material is uncontaminated and recyclable.
HPRC is a private, technical consortium of industry peers across the healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products and packaging within healthcare. Founded in 2010, and made up of globally recognized members, HPRC engages in pioneering projects designed to help boost plastics recycling efforts in clinical settings of hospitals.
Committed to continuous dialogue, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling. Understanding that regulatory landscapes and infrastructure for recycling are different by geography, HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration and participating in industry events and forums.
All healthcare plastics are safely and effectively recycled and widely accepted as a valuable resource that supports a circular economy.
To collaborate across the value chain to inspire and enable the healthcare community to implement viable, safe, cost-effective, and circularity-advancing recycling solutions for plastics used in the delivery of healthcare.
HPRC serves as the platform for value chain stakeholders to enable implementation of viable, safe, and cost-effective recycling solutions for plastics products and packaging used in the delivery of healthcare, and to advocate for and help create a more sustainable and circular economy. HPRC currently has activities in North America and Europe and will consider initiating activities in other regions as opportunities arise.
From hospitals to personal use at homes and the workplace, the surge in medical waste has underscored an urgent need for more sustainable approaches to handling biohazardous materials. Given that much of the world’s waste is dumped or incinerated, we must rethink our approach to medical waste—especially in the context of advancing circularity.
Learn MoreThe Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council announces the completion of its groundbreaking multi-year project on the advanced recycling of hospital waste. The final white paper, detailing the extensive research and key findings, is now published and available for industry stakeholders.
Learn MoreHPRC is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Taszarek as its new Executive Director. Tracy succeeds Peylina Chu, who is retiring from Antea Group after a distinguished career.
Learn More