How can a blood collection tube become circular? – Interview with Nermina Cuzovic

Nermina Cuzovic, Expert Global Sustainability at Greiner Bio-One International, has a passion for protecting the planet and believes that sustainability is everyone’s job. For this year’s Global Recycling Day we explored the potential of circularity in the field of medical devices with her and got insights into an exciting project at Greiner Bio-One.  

Nermina, how would you describe your job to someone who has never dealt with the topic of sustainability?

Sustainability is having ears, eyes, and hands on the pulse of the organization and integrating sustainability topics and practices across the matrix organization - and in our case cross-divisionally as well. Sustainability listens to and collaborates with R&D, purchasing, supply chain, operations, sales, and management to understand their sustainability needs and challenges and how to translate those challenges into activities and results. By collaborating across the organization, we make sure the company meets its sustainability goals, complies with regulations, and operates responsibly. 

Basically, we - since sustainability is everyone’s job - help the company operate in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s a matrix role that combines environmental science, business management, and a passion for protecting the planet.

What needs to happen for our VACUETTE tube to become circular? 

Many things would need to align in order for our VACUETTE tube to become circular. I can name some high-level requirements, which are by no means exhaustive. For once, the quality has to be consistent which means we have to ensure recycled materials have uniform optical quality for compatibility with the instruments. Of course, “recycling-friendly design” must be implemented, so the tubes can be easily disassembled and processed. We would have to implement efficient collection systems partially integrated into customer infrastructure for sorting, initial cleaning, and transport, Also, we have to validate decontamination processes to manage risks and comply with waste and transport laws as well as establish ongoing partnerships with healthcare providers, instrument vendors, recycling companies, and regulatory bodies. The use of digital tracking for transport and disinfection processes would ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, supported by clinical evidence. And finally, we have to educate healthcare professionals and the public about the benefits of circular products and include these processes and products in relevant guidance documents. 

What role does recycling or recycled material play in our journey towards circular products?

Recycling and using recycled materials are essential for creating circular products, especially single-use medical items. Recycling reduces the need for new resources, lowers environmental impact, and cuts down on waste. Single-use medical products generate a lot of waste, which is often incinerated after use. Incineration requires a lot of energy, leading to a high carbon footprint, and releases harmful emissions and ash into the air, soil, and water.

Can you give us an example or project that shows how we can succeed in becoming a circular company?

As a medical device producer, we face strict regulations when it comes to circularity and recycling. Nevertheless, we are actively exploring various solutions to promote circularity. Of course, patient and end-user safety is always our highest priority. 

We have an exciting project at Greiner Bio-One Hungary where we have implemented a regranulation system. The Industrial Waste Reuse Concept, initiated in 2017, aims to reuse clean, transparent polystyrene (PS) production scrap from Greiner Bio-One production sites. Our facilities in Rainbach and Hungary have been successfully separating uncontaminated scrap from the start and are now collecting around 100 tons of clean PS scrap annually. The recycled material is utilized in the production petri dishes, 5ml pipettes and centrifuge tubes. 

Thank you so much for the insights into your job and the challenges and opportunities for circularity, Nermina!