Needles, syringes, pens, lancets, blood glucose strips, insulin bottles, tubes, disposable pumps and batteries – a lot of disposable items are used in the treatment of diabetes and a corresponding amount of waste is generated. Strategies for more sustainability were called for at the annual conference of the European Association for Diabetes Research.
Prof. Lutz Heinemann from Science Consulting in Diabetes GmbH in Kaarst explained: “The products for the treatment of diabetes themselves make up only about ten percent of the total weight and volume of the waste, the rest is packaging.” the ecological footprint of diabetes can be reduced.
The Diabetes Technology Society in the USA has scheduled a meeting for this in 2021. “During the meeting it became clear that we all need to step out of our comfort zones and see what each of us can contribute. We need to improve the sustainability of diabetes devices throughout the lifecycle of the product, including the use of raw materials for manufacturing, packaging and transportation,” said Heinemann. “This can only succeed if we join forces.”
Recycling diabetes products is not a new idea per se: when a major manufacturer introduced disposable insulin pens, they recycled them into park benches in a project. Another pilot program allows patients in Denmark to recycle used pens through pharmacies. However, these are individual projects because it is difficult to separate the modern products into their various components.
“Tackling this problem requires a rethink when developing new products,” said Heinemann. “Designers have to think about recycling from the start. Otherwise it will be difficult to separate batteries, electronic parts and plastic. There is also a need to change the attitudes of people who buy diabetes products so that sustainable products are perceived positively and have a competitive advantage in the market.” It is not yet known whether patients are willing to pay a higher price for more environmentally friendly products. However, Heinemann is confident that when they have a choice between products with different environmental impacts, they will pay more attention to plastic waste. Appropriate political frameworks would also be helpful: “If all stakeholders work together to form coalitions dedicated to the sustainability of diabetes devices and waste management, then a lot can be achieved.”