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Resilient and sustainable non-woven supply - Opportunities and hindrances in the healthcare sector
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production, Methodology, Textiles and Medical Technology.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9442-7245
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production, Methodology, Textiles and Medical Technology. Chalmers University of Technology.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9068-3527
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Built Environment, Infrastructure and concrete technology. -.
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Materials and Production, Methodology, Textiles and Medical Technology.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2961-5933
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2025 (English)Conference paper, Published paper (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Many critical healthcare single use products are made abroad from fossil based non-woven materials and are sent for combustion after use. This study aimed to find opportunities and hindrances for more climate friendly, resilient, and circular supply chain solutions for these products. There are many studies pointing to sustainability by using recycled and renewable raw materials and improving recyclability of plastics. Non-woven materials, and especially in healthcare, suffers from several challenges and some opportunities in the needed circularity development. Design/methodology/approach: The study included actors from material production, product manufacturing and use phase. Together with researchers, tests were performed in collection of used materials, cleaning, and tests of new raw materials. Statistics and life cycle assessment data were used to estimate carbon footprint improvement potentials and focus group workshops with professionals, were used to discuss opportunities and hinders. Findings: The non-woven products used in healthcare give a significant climate impact. Holistic multi-disciplinary research is needed. Logistics, and disinfection technologies needs development for healthcare of non-woven products. Solutions for high-mix, low volumes of plastic recycling need further research. Circular transition in the healthcare sector and public procurement is desirable. Practical, societal and research implications (if applicable): By using both recycled and/or bio-based materials that can then also be recycled in the next stage, there is a potential to reduce carbon emissions by over 75%. Original/value: The study contributes empirical research along the whole circular value chain, showing practical tests connected to theoretical analysis and data on flows. Keywords: Non-Woven, Circular supply chain, Reversed logistics.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025.
National Category
Environmental Management
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-78967OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ri-78967DiVA, id: diva2:1998689
Conference
37th Nofoma Conference 2025, Copenhagen
Available from: 2025-09-17 Created: 2025-09-17 Last updated: 2025-11-17Bibliographically approved

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Stenlund, PatrikKurdve, MartinNilsson, JamillaHammar, Torun

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