Driving Sustainability within Health Supply Chains
Sustainability in distribution

In IHS we are aware that driving sustainability in the distribution of medical supplies involves adopting eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain, from production to final disposal. This includes optimising logistics to reduce emissions, using sustainable packaging materials, and encouraging responsible disposal of medical waste. One of the key areas of focus within the company for our new CEO, Liam Regan is to monitor and adjust a number of key areas within the business to ensure that IHS is a modern business that paves the way forward for those that follow. Some of these key areas are:

Sustainable Packaging:
Utilising recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable materials for packaging can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain.

Efficient Inventory Management:
Adopting digital tools and strategies to reduce excess inventory and prevent waste can help optimise resource utilisation and minimise environmental impact.

Sustainable Procurement:
Choosing suppliers who prioritise sustainability and ethical practices throughout their operations can ensure that medical supplies are sourced responsibly.

Waste Management:
Implementing proper waste segregation, recycling programs, and safe disposal methods for medical waste can minimise the environmental impact of end-of-life products.

Optimised Logistics:
Reducing transportation emissions through strategies like consolidating shipments, optimising routes, and exploring alternative transportation methods that can minimise the carbon footprint of distribution.

Education and Awareness:
Raising awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the importance of driving sustainability practices in medical supply distribution can encourage responsible consumption and disposal habits.

Circular Economy Principles:
Exploring opportunities for reuse, refurbishment, or reprocessing of medical devices and supplies can extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

Healthtech Ireland, an independent trade association for manufacturers, developers and distributors of health technology products and solutions to the health system in Ireland have complied a white paper report describing how procurement can be a driver for sustainability and climate change mitigation.