Thinking August 12th, 2025

How digital technology can improve the sustainability of medical products

By
Ensera Design

Sustainability continues to be one of the top priorities for healthcare organisations. In 2025, its significance will only grow, as organisations continue to explore ways to reduce their environmental impact while delivering user and business value.

We’re accustomed to thinking of sustainability in terms of improved manufacturing or materials technologies, but the intersection between digital technologies and medical devices is also opening up possibilities for reducing environmental impact across a product’s lifecycle.

Drawing on the expertise of our Sustainability Lab team, we’ve identified three of the key digital technology advancements shaping the sector:

  • Data-driven health monitoring
  • AI assistance inside the hospital
  • Going beyond the device

These innovations highlight how technology can drive environmental and operational efficiencies within healthcare, showcasing the interplay between digital advancements and sustainability initiatives.

Advancements in digital solutions and sensing technologies are facilitating growth in connected devices, remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, giving people greater autonomy and access to support over managing their conditions. As a result, remote monitoring has the potential to reduce carbon footprints by minimising unnecessary in-person appointments, travel, and waste from disposable materials such as PPE, while maintaining diligent and thorough patient care. Data collection from these technologies is also improving efficiency in patient management and alleviating demand on physical medical infrastructure. By enabling more customised health solutions and preventative care, data has the potential to reduce unnecessary treatments and demand.

Managing triage with AI assistance can help healthcare providers prioritise cases, reduce administrative demands, and allocate resources more effectively. This creates cross-benefits for patients and healthcare providers by saving time, improving care delivery, streamlining workflows, and enhancing overall efficiency.

In summary, data-driven health monitoring has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce carbon footprint by empowering patients, minimising waste, and optimising resource use.

However, organisations should also consider the environmental impact of the data footprint created by these technologies. By adopting sustainable data management practices such as green cloud solutions, optimising data usage, and reducing redundancies, companies can mitigate energy demand, further supporting their sustainability efforts.

2. AI assistance inside the hospital

As use of Artificial Intelligence continues to accelerate, it is enabling better predictions across the healthcare system. Not only does it support data analysis, decision-making, and predictions for clinicians, but it is also being incorporated into devices and procedures to help with preparation (e.g., training and setup) and to reduce mistakes. This creates less waste and improves efficiency for all. AI-driven predictive maintenance within medical devices and equipment can also extend product lifespans and lower the demand for raw materials by highlighting the need for proactive servicing. As a result, AI assistance will continue to drive operational efficiency and support a more sustainable healthcare ecosystem by improving predictions, reducing waste, and extending product lifespans.

3. Going beyond the device

Technologies utilising tracking and forecasting capabilities don’t just impact patient-healthcare professional interaction. They enable real-time monitoring, traceability, and transparency across supply chains to detect faults and improve sustainability throughout a product’s lifecycle. Smart tracking and sensors can monitor the usage, disposal, and recycling of medical equipment and consumables. This not only helps healthcare providers better manage and reduce waste but also highlights the energy consumption of equipment during use to support the development of low-energy devices.

These technologies also help companies comply with legislation such as the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility and the EU funding for Digital Product Passports. By enhancing traceability, improving energy efficiency, and reducing waste, supply chain innovations empower healthcare organisations to align with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

The path forward

The integration of digital technologies into medical devices is reshaping sustainability in healthcare, reducing environmental impact while enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare service efficiency.

However, addressing challenges like reuse, circularity, and single-use optimisation require holistic changes in design, materials, and practices. Together, these efforts pave the way for a sustainable future, balancing environmental responsibility with business and user needs.

About Sustainability Lab

The Sustainability Lab team is a partner for healthcare organisations navigating the complexities of sustainability. We help our clients untangle the maze of emerging technologies, innovative materials, and evolving legislation, and discover opportunities to stay relevant and competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.

With capabilities ranging from lifecycle assessments to sustainability-focused concept evaluations, we equip organisations with the tools and insights they need to align with environmental and business goals.

Core Capabilities:

  • Design for Circularity
  • Sustainable Portfolio Roadmaps
  • Materials Lab
  • Sustainable Concept Evaluation
  • Sustainable Packaging
  • Unique Expertise Network
  • Lifecycle Assessments
  • Legislative Landscaping

Talk to our Sustainability Lab team to explore tailored solutions for your sustainability challenges.

Whether you’re shaping a new concept or scaling a proven idea, our experts will have advice to help you in your process.

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