In the 21st century, sustainability is one of the most important considerations in the manufacturing of healthcare products. Carbon dioxide emissions through fossil fuel use and industrial processes account for 65% of global greenhouse gas emissions. We all need to be accountable to combat carbon emissions through sustainable solutions wherever possible to achieve net-zero by 2050. However, as the global population continues to grow to 8.5 billion by 2030, more people than ever will be seeking access to healthcare. Our need for world-leading medical supplies will increase to ensure the safe delivery of healthcare. Supply production and manufacturing must meet the demand for both patient safety and a more sustainable future.
New technologies for a more sustainable future
To meet these challenges, at Mölnlycke, we are embracing modernization and utilizing the latest technology in our new surgical glove production factory in Kulim, Malaysia, which opened in September 2022. Surgical gloves are a vital component of the surgical toolkit, supporting healthcare professionals to reduce the risk of infection, both for themselves and their patients. Mölnlycke is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% across all our surgical glove manufacturing processes by 2030 and to being a responsible partner to healthcare systems.
The new Kulim factory will implement smart digital energy management systems to monitor how much energy is being consumed throughout the site so we can continually make improvements and reach our targets. New smart internal sensors will be deployed to detect the presence of people, heat, and daylight so that lighting and air conditioning are switched off automatically when they are not needed. Highly efficient manufacturing equipment will use less energy than their older, out-of-date counterparts. We trust such a life-cycle approach will reduce unnecessary energy waste.
Emission reduction: local implementation, global thinking
Switching out non-renewable energy sources for solar energy is essential in reducing carbon emissions. Solar panels on the roof of the factory will generate and replace some of the energy needs required in the manufacturing process. This forms part of a wider commitment. We aim to introduce solar panels on all sites by 2024, expanding the uptake of renewable energy sources.
We want all our production sites to not only be beneficial for the environment but also for our colleagues who work there and for Kulim’s communities. In an additional commitment to the local ecology, landscaping around the factory site will include planting trees that require minimal irrigation to reduce soil degradation where possible and support the local environment. This has led to our new factory being LEED®-accredited, a U.S. government certification that demonstrates leadership in energy and environmental design.
Our commitment for tomorrow’s planet
Mölnlycke is committed to achieving the very best for patients, healthcare workers, and our colleagues across the supply chain. The new factory demonstrates how we are adapting and evolving to meet the sustainability challenges of the next century – by implementing energy and water-saving management, new equipment, smart buildings, environmentally-friendly landscaping, and renewable energy.
This is just the beginning of our journey to be a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, supporting the health of patients and the planet, without compromising on quality. Where possible we will cut down on overall energy consumption in our factories, maximize the uptake of renewable energy, increase the efficiency of all our plant machinery and minimize waste. Our goal is for every manufacturing facility to be good for the environment, our teams and the local population. Only this will help to meet the global demand for high-quality surgical gloves in a truly sustainable way.
Sponsored by
Mölnlycke is a world-leading medical solutions company. Our purpose is to advance performance in healthcare across the world. That is why we aspire to equip everybody in healthcare with solutions to achieve the best outcomes. We develop and bring to market innovative wound care and surgical solutions along the entire continuum of care – from prevention to post-acute settings. Our solutions provide value, supported by clinical and health economic evidence. Mölnlycke was founded in 1849. Today, our solutions are available in around 100 countries; we are the number one global provider of advanced wound care and single-use surgical products; and we are Europe’s largest provider of customized trays. Our headquarters are in Gothenburg, Sweden and we have about 7,800 employees around the world. Learn more at https://www.molnlycke.us/solutions/biogel-us/biogel-factory/