MEDIPAD: WASHABLE ABSORPTION MAT AS SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TO CELLULOSE MAT
To replace the millions of disposable cellulose mats used in hospitals, HeboVanDijk has developed the MEDIPAD: a washable absorption mat. This sustainable MEDIPAD was created in cooperation with Dutch laundries CleanLease and Rentex. The MEDIPAD has been extensively tested in practice at two Dutch teaching hospitals, LUMC (Leiden) and UMCG (Groningen). The results in terms of durability, ease of use, functionality, washability and lifespan are very positive.
MEDIPAD sustainable alternative, but avoid unnecessary consumption first!
For many hospitals and healthcare institutions, the question of how to deal with the gigantic amount of cellulose mats that are consumed annually and end up in the waste is an issue. Consumption is enormous, which is partly caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use of the cellulose pads. Awareness among care staff can lead to savings of as much as 40% less consumption! So, do not use an absorbent pad if it is not necessary. Therein lies the first saving! In situations where an absorption mat is indispensable, MEDIPAD offers a solution. Think of applications in the various hospital departments, such as OR, Intensive Care and Medium Care, Obstetrics, Endoscopy and in the nursing wards.
MEDIPAD contains recycled materials
The MEDIPAD is a 60×60 cm absorbent mat consisting of a top and bottom layer with a moisture-absorbing fleece in between and a PU layer that prevents moisture from leaking through. The upper layer is made of 100% recycled polyester and the fleece also contains 80% recycled polyester. The MEDIPAD therefore consists of 65% recycled material and meets the requirements of the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) sustainability label. This quality mark is indicated on the article by means of a label. If required, the MEDIPAD can be fitted with an RFID chip. The MEDIPAD normally lasts at least 100 washes. Depending on use, wear or discolouration may occur over time. After rejection, the mats can be cut up and reused as insulation material in the automotive industry, for example.
Achieve environmental benefits by choosing MEDIPAD
LUMC and UMCG both conducted a pilot with application of the MEDIPAD. In both, the results were very positive, both in use and in environmental terms. Comparative LCA research showed that the MEDIPAD is more sustainable than the disposable cellulose mat. The environmental gain lies mainly in the fact that the MEDIPAD requires fewer primary raw materials. For the MEDIPAD, the environmental impact is mainly in the washing process, but this does not outweigh the environmental impact of the raw material extraction of the disposable cellulose pads. Further environmental savings data depend entirely on how the respective hospital has set up the process in terms of transport, washing and waste disposal. These data are different for each hospital.
Green Deal Sustainable Care 3.0
The Dutch healthcare sector has committed to “sustainable care”, as set out in the Green Deal Sustainable Care 3.0. Some of the objectives of this Green Deal include a 50% reduction in primary raw material consumption by 2030, a 25% reduction in residual waste by 2026, and aiming for maximum circularity in healthcare by 2050. Choosing MEDIPAD will contribute to achieving those targets.
Ask for MEDIPAD at your laundry
As a hospital or healthcare institution, do you value sustainability? Then MEDIPAD is definitely worth considering. If you are interested, contact your laundry directly to set up a pilot or fill in our contact form. Please also mention which laundry you work with.
