Book of Truth. Part 4. Eco-friendly – fewer environmental impacts

In this part, we will look at the reasons why it is worth choosing HEINE from an environmental perspective.

Reason No. 24: Reusable HEINE blades have less environmental impact than disposable products

Disposable plastic blades have a carbon footprint 5–6 times greater than reusable steel blades, which are traditionally disinfected again and again. Even higher emissions result from the use of disposable metal blades. (1)

Issues such as air pollution from repeated transportation, waste reduction, prevention of exhaust gases, and reduced energy consumption - especially fossil fuels - as well as environmental protection in general are becoming decisive factors, including and especially in the healthcare sector.

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Reliable life cycle assessment data comparing reusable versus disposable laryngoscopes comes from North America and Australia. Two independent studies produced almost identical results.

The first study was conducted at Yale University Hospital in the USA, where around 60,000 intubations are performed annually. (1)

The second study was conducted in Australia and examined two medium-sized hospitals with six operating rooms. (2)

Both studies confirm that the use of reusable laryngoscopes results in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions - up to 85% depending on the facility’s energy supply.

Reason No. 25: Reusable HEINE blades reduce waste

Using products only once and then throwing them away is, to put it mildly, wasteful. Just look at the enormous amount of metal and plastic and the piles of waste generated as a result. Especially when there are reusable alternatives.

For environmental reasons and because of contamination, disposable laryngoscopes must be disposed of together with regulated medical waste (RMW). Healthcare facilities pay 6–10 times more for RMW disposal compared to solid waste. (1)

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Medical devices often contain significant amounts of plastic and metal. This makes recycling complex and costly. As a result, RMW often ends up in landfills or incinerators. (1)

A reusable HEINE blade, which is used again and again for many years, requires no disposal or labor-intensive recycling throughout its service life - only once, after decades of use. This reduces waste. It makes sense. And it gives peace of mind.

Our unique 10-year guarantee makes our clients sleep even better. See also Reason No. 1.

Reason No. 26: Reusable HEINE blades last longer than similar competitor products

The most eco-friendly product is the one that lasts the longest. Sometimes it’s that simple.

Here is an excerpt from factory information from several blade manufacturers. No further comment needed - the chart speaks for itself.

See also Reason No. 21.

Reason No. 27: Eco-friendly from the very beginning

Environmental responsibility begins with production. And since June 2020, HEINE has taken another step forward.

Our building was constructed in compliance with the latest EnEV (Energy Saving Ordinance) requirements and in some cases even exceeds them.

In summer, the building is cooled by a groundwater heat pump, while in winter it is heated by waste heat recovery from our numerous machines.

Almost half of our grounds are green, as is the roof.

The building looks snow white, but in reality, it’s green.

• 1 - Reusable versus disposable laryngoscopes environmental and economic considerations. Jodi D. Sherman, M.D., Lewis Raibley, B.Eng., Matthew Eckelman, Ph.D., Yale University, ASA 2014.
• 2 - McGain F, Story D, Lim T, McAlister S. Financial and environmental costs of reusable and single-use anaesthetic equipment. Br J Anaesth. 2017 Jun 1;118(6):862-869.

That’s all! :)