European packaging manufacturer Coveris has partnered with chemical company SABIC and healthcare stakeholders in a pilot project that demonstrates the feasibility of closed-loop recycling for medical plastic packaging.
The initiative, launched in 2024, targets non-contaminated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) waste from hospitals—materials that are typically incinerated despite being recyclable. In Europe, an estimated 1,700 kilotonnes of such medical waste are incinerated annually.
The project began at Zuyderland Medical Centre in the Netherlands, where a new collection system was introduced to separate non-contaminated plastic waste using identifiable pink bags. This waste is processed by SABIC into pyrolysis oil and then converted into certified circular PE under its TRUCIRCLE™ initiative.
The circular PE is used by Coveris to manufacture new contact-sensitive medical packaging. Film extrusion is carried out at Coveris Halle, while the conversion into sterile pouches takes place at Coveris Rohrdorf. These pouches are then supplied to medical brand Artivion, which uses them to package vascular surgery guidewires. The packaged products are ultimately delivered back to Zuyderland Medical Centre—completing the loop.
The final packaging now contains 25% material attributed to hospital-generated, non-contaminated plastic waste.
Jan-Willem Bruijsten, Segment Director Medical at Coveris Group, said: “It proves that circularity in healthcare packaging is possible.”
Khaled Al-Jalawi, Global Circular Economy Director at SABIC, added: “Non-contaminated medical plastic waste represents a valuable feedstock opportunity.”
The collaboration underscores how systemic innovation and inter-industry partnerships can help reduce waste and conserve resources in the healthcare sector.
Details of the project will be showcased at the Coveris stand during Compamed 2025, held from 17–20 November in Düsseldorf, Germany.