Towards an eco-friendly healthcare: the role of biodegradable materials in sustainable medical device manufacturing.

Single-use plastics are essential within healthcare for safety and infection control, yet there is a clear need for substitutes that balance performance and biocompatibility with environmental impact. In collaboration with Indenti Ltd. and Tily Blooms, this work investigates the use of polyhydroxy-butyrate-co-valerate (PHBV), a bio-based and biodegradable polymer, for low-risk medical devices. Here we will present findings on the mechanical performance, shelf-life stability and sterilizability of injection moulded PHBV, highlighting both the potentials and limitations of PHBV as a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use medical plastics.