Less Waste, More Reuse: Healthcare Sector Must Change
The transition to circular medical textiles in hospitals needs to be faster. Therefore, the EU is investing a total of approximately €1.7 million. Hospitals are responsible for a significant environmental burden due to their use of disposable products, such as gowns, masks, and other medical textile products. These products make up a large part of the annual European textile waste, amounting to 5.8 million tons.
Investing for a Future Without Healthcare Waste
The CEMTex project aims to reduce this waste. Therefore, they are investing a total amount of €1.7 million over the next four years (from the EU). This funding will explore where the opportunities and challenges lie in the production and use of circular medical textiles. It will also work on better collaboration among all parties, from production to use. Additionally, the project helps healthcare institutions to procure more sustainably. It also aligns with collaborations with other EU countries.
New Economic Opportunities for Our Textile Industry
Thanks to the EUs Interreg program, we share knowledge with other countries on how to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of hospitals. This will accelerate the circular transition in healthcare, not only in Gelderland but also at an international level.
Deputy
Other participants in CEMTex include: Central Denmark Region (Denmark), Next Technology Tecnotessile (Italy), municipality of Prato (Italy), North-East Regional Development Agency (Romania), Galician Health Knowledge Agency (Spain), Hospital Emile Mayrisch (Luxembourg), Cluster Technical Textiles – CLUTEX (Czech Republic), and Regional Development Agency of Lugansk Region (Ukraine).