The responsible use of natural resources to protect the environment and climate is a matter of course for many companies today. However, in areas such as medical technology, this is not so easy to implement due to regulatory requirements. The collaboration with Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA shows how this can still be achieved.
One of the requirements when developing the breathing system filters was the square design of the components in order to be able to use the filter material better and more efficiently in the future. The redesign of the breathing system filters to a square design not only allows them to be stacked much better, but also means that less filter material is wasted.
Particularly in the case of medical devices, the regulatory requirements for safety and performance are paramount. Where these are at risk, ecological aspects may have to take a back seat. Nevertheless, this collaboration shows that sustainability can be implemented in many different ways and is also possible in the sensitive market of medical products.
The ventilation filters are components of the HME breathing system filter. This minimizes the risk of infection transmission by absorbing viruses and bacteria during clinical ventilation. Dr¨ger received a Red Dot Design Award for this product.
The housings are produced under certified cleanroom conditions and with optimum utilization of the material. The use of sprue management in production means that 6% of greenhouse gas emissions can be saved in the future.
The square design enables space-saving stackability and therefore significant logistical optimization in packaging, storage and transport. Where previously there was room for 4,800 loose parts on a pallet, there are now 7,392 parts. This has enabled us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the area of logistics by 3.3 tons of CO2e – this corresponds to approx. 30%.
There are numerous potential savings along the value chain. We would be happy to present these to you in a personal meeting:
Thanks to material reductions and optimal stackability and nestability
MICHAEL HOLLFELD
Sustainable business practices have been the foundation of our success for decades. In our decisions, we focus on the long-term added value of our actions. We believe this attitude is best described by the term „responsibility“. In our work, we take on this responsibility every day anew - for our employees and the quality of our products, for the natural resources of our planet and the region in which we are based.
We do that. Better. In joint responsibility for tomorrow.
Think ecologically. Act economically.
Act ecologically.
