Uniting healthcare toward environmental responsibility: A call for collaborative product stewardship

• As new regulations emerge, the role of product stewards is becoming increasingly important for driving forward product sustainability efforts
• Dedicated product stewardship teams within healthcare organizations are critical for evaluating current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering collaboration across the industry
• There is a growing need for closer collaboration among industry players to create a robust network of product stewards or sustainability managers from different companies to increase the power of shared knowledge and collective action

Leaders in healthcare are constantly looking for ways to enhance patient experiences while reducing their environmental footprint. Product stewardship is an environmental management strategy that places environmental responsibility squarely in the hands of whoever has the most ability to affect the life cycle environmental impacts of a product, most often the producer of the product.¹ As the healthcare industry evolves, the concept of product stewardship will become the cornerstone of environmental responsibility and sustainability.

We sat down with Ursina Kohler, head of product stewardship at Roche Diagnostics, and an industry expert, as she shared her insights on the critical role of product stewardship in healthcare and the key steps needed to propel the industry toward a greener, more sustainable future.

HT: Before we get started, can you tell us a little bit about what product stewardship means from your perspective?

Ursina Kohler:  Essentially, it embodies a company’s dedication to managing and mitigating the environmental footprint associated with its products across their entire lifecycle.

This lifecycle approach spans from the initial design phase through the procurement of raw materials, all the way to what we commonly refer to as the product’s “end of life.” Traditionally, this end-of-life phase followed a linear trajectory, where products were disposed of after use. However, contemporary perspectives have shifted towards embracing this phase as an opportunity within the framework of a circular economy. Here, the focus lies on exploring avenues for reuse, recycling, and sustainable disposal of product components, thereby minimizing environmental impact.

HT: Why is product stewardship important for organizations and for the wider society? Should companies prioritize it in order to remain competitive?

Ursina Kohler: Put simply, it’s essential for every organization to prioritize. In today’s landscape, it’s not just a matter of choice but a fundamental requisite for remaining competitive. Product stewardship transcends mere corporate responsibility; it has become an underlying principle that defines organizational ethos. Originally rooted in the chemical industry, its essence extends beyond environmental management to include a crucial element of transparency.

In an era where corporate actions are subject to heightened scrutiny, transparency reigns supreme. Being forthcoming about product stewardship efforts isn’t just commendable; it’s non-negotiable. Failure to uphold these standards not only undermines competitiveness but also erodes trust and credibility in the eyes of stakeholders. In other words, product stewardship isn’t merely an option, it’s an imperative for organizational sustainability and relevance in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

HT: How does product stewardship help to support wider sustainability goals?

Ursina Kohler: Over the past two decades, regulations have evolved significantly. They’ve shifted towards embracing the principles of a circular economy and assessing environmental impact based on lifecycle analysis—a scientific methodology crucial for evaluating our footprint.

Our aim should be to address our immediate impact, which includes everything from our manufacturing processes (often termed as scope one and two) to the full lifecycle of our products, from sourcing raw materials to end-of-life (i.e. scope 3). Ideally, companies should set goals encompassing all these scopes and our product stewardship programs directly align with these objectives.

It’s simply part of our sustainability efforts, seamlessly integrating into our broader goals. Furthermore, product stewardship, alongside product sustainability, is increasingly becoming regulated. So, it’s not merely about aligning with a sustainability strategy to outdo others; it’s become a regulatory imperative. We’re not just inclined to do it—we’re obliged to.

HT: How far has healthcare come as an industry to implement responsible product stewardship and can you please give any examples of progress made in that time? 

Ursina Kohler: Looking at sustainability as a whole, it’s often depicted as resting on three pillars: economic, social, and environmental. Now, healthcare has undeniably excelled in the social sustainability domain. When it comes to caring for patients and ensuring their well-being, we’ve truly made significant strides.

However, when it comes to product stewardship, it’s been more of a slow burner, if you will. It’s not that it was forgotten, but rather, the spotlight was heavily focused on the quality and medical efficacy of products—understandably so, as that’s our primary mission.

In the past five to seven years, there has been a noticeable shift. We’ve witnessed a surge in initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, minimizing other harmful emissions, scrutinizing the chemicals we use, and enhancing product efficiency. From transitioning supply chains from air to sea transportation to reducing hazardous chemicals, these are just a few examples of the tangible improvements we’ve seen.

Moreover, the topic of product stewardship has gained prominence in industry associations, with every company starting to commit to sustainability goals and re-evaluating their production methods. These developments signify a shift towards a more holistic approach to addressing product sustainability through robust stewardship programs.

So, while there’s still work to be done, there’s a palpable sense of momentum. We’re moving in a more coordinated direction, and I’m genuinely optimistic about the trajectory we’re on.

HT: Are there any industries you think are ahead of the curve in terms of Product Stewardship, and what are they doing differently?

Ursina Kohler: The chemical and consumer-focused industries stand out in terms of their proactive approach to product stewardship.

These companies boast extensive organizational structures dedicated to product stewardship, ingrained deeply into all facets of their operations. Granted, their terrain might be a tad more straightforward—after all, they’re dealing with chemicals. Meanwhile, in our realm, where we’re crafting intricate instruments and assays, the landscape is undeniably complex.

For consumer-focused industries; when you’re catering to the public, there’s immense pressure to deliver sustainable products. Just take a stroll through the aisles of a supermarket—you’ll notice the demand for shampoos packaged sustainably, formulated with natural ingredients, and so forth. While we might not see the same level of consumer-driven demand in the medical industry—because, let’s face it, as patients, we prioritize efficacy over everything—there’s a growing awareness of the need to minimize waste and environmental impact.

HT: What are the key stages at which manufacturers can make a difference in the product life cycle?

Ursina Kohler: When we’re considering environmental impact within the product lifecycle, data is our guiding star. We need to pinpoint the key stages where our interventions can yield the most significant difference. Naturally, our focus often veers towards climate change and the imperative to mitigate carbon emissions. However, it’s crucial to broaden our perspective beyond just emissions.

Take, for instance, the issue of packaging waste. While it might not immediately scream “climate change,” its environmental repercussions are undeniable. Yet, when we scrutinize the data, the impact might not appear as substantial as expected.

So, what are the key stages?

Product Use— We need to anticipate how our products will consume energy, water, and plastics. These factors determine the size of a product’s carbon footprint, which needs to be mitigated to meet long-term greenhouse gas emission targets.

End-of-life stage. Transitioning towards a circular economy demands a concerted effort to minimize landfill contributions. This might entail implementing recycling programs or exploring alternative disposal methods.

Raw materials. Where are we sourcing them from? Are they sustainably procured? We need to forge strong partnerships with our suppliers and ensure ethical sourcing practices.

HT: For organizations with already established products and manufacturing practices, what are some common challenges to implementing responsible product stewardship principles? Where should the focus be on making improvements?

Ursina Kohler: Some common challenges to implementing responsible product stewardship principles are:

1. Cost: Implementing responsible product stewardship principles often requires investment, and sometimes, that’s a tough sell.
2. Strong leadership support: It’s not just about grassroots efforts; we need unwavering commitment from the top down.
3. Prioritization. Where do we focus on improvements? We’re talking functionality, diagnostics, standards compliance—the list goes on.
4. Sustainability mandates: reduce energy, conserve water, comply with regulations—it’s a lot to juggle.

The crux of the challenge lies in synthesizing these myriad requirements into one cohesive instrument. Everything in the medical industry hinges on our quality management system. If we don’t embed product stewardship and sustainability principles into that system, they’ll never truly integrate into our products.

The focus should be on infusing these principles into our quality management ethos. It’s about shifting mindsets and allocating resources—both human and financial—to this endeavor. Communication up and down the supply chain is also of great importance. It’s not just about our own backyard; it’s about fostering collaboration across the entire ecosystem.

HT: What impact does legislation or legal requirements have on product stewardship, if any?

Ursina Kohler: A significant amount of product stewardship revolves around ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These regulations dictate what chemicals we can and cannot use in products. Consequently, there’s an ongoing push to minimize hazardous chemicals—a move that not only aligns with sustainability goals but also keeps companies on the right side of the law.

As product sustainability gains more importance, legislation is being drafted that specifically targets requirements like recyclability and reusability. Europe, with its ambitious EU Green Deal, is spearheading much of this regulatory drive.

Now, while regulations are crucial for nudging us towards a sustainable future, they also pose challenges. We walk a tightrope, ensuring that while we adhere to regulations, they don’t hamstring our ability to innovate and serve our patients effectively. It’s all about striking that delicate balance.

That’s why we’re actively engaged with industry associations like MedTech Europe, Advamed, and APACMed. They help us advocate for balanced regulations that foster sustainability without stifling progress.

And let’s not forget about regulations closer to home—like the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). Compliance with these regulations is non-negotiable for us. However, aligning sustainability regulations with broader regulatory frameworks can be a Herculean task. Implementing changes to our products to meet IVDR requirements often entails a significant amount of work.

So, regulations are both a blessing and a curse. While they propel us towards a more sustainable future, they also present hurdles that need careful navigation. It’s a complex dance, but one that’s essential for shaping a greener, more responsible industry.

HT: There are many stakeholders to consider when developing and implementing a Product Stewardship plan. How can you ensure responsibility is taken across the product life cycle?

Ursina Kohler: Absolutely, it’s a team effort through and through. We often emphasize that product stewardship is everyone’s responsibility. However, a team of product stewards is necessary to coordinate and partner with stakeholders along the product life cycle.

These folks are like the Swiss Army knives of our organization—jack-of-all-trades, if you will. They’re not just science whizzes; they’re also adept negotiators and top-notch communicators. When we say everyone’s involved, we mean everyone. But let’s be real, you still need someone to steer the ship. We like to think that in 20 years, we won’t even need a dedicated team for this—product stewardship will be ingrained into the fabric of our organization.

Until then, having a solid team in place is crucial. You need that backbone— and a robust quality management system that spells out what needs to happen at every stage of the product life cycle. Whether it’s adhering to environmental regulations, considering sustainability requirements, or planning for end-of-life scenarios, it all needs to be documented. Otherwise, it’s like trying to remember your grocery list without jotting it down—it’s bound to slip your mind.

HT: Are there any key changes you think the healthcare industry could make to advance product stewardship strategies? What would be your one ask of the industry?

Ursina Kohler: Well, it’s all about teamwork, isn’t it? One of the first things I’d suggest is getting a dedicated team in place. Surprisingly, not all companies have a product stewardship team. Some companies might have sustainability managers, but having individuals specifically focused on product stewardship or product sustainability within each organization is a game-changer. These are the people who can assess what’s working, what’s not, and foster collaboration across the industry.

My big ask for the industry would be to foster closer collaboration. Let’s create a stronger network among product stewards or sustainability managers from different companies. It’s about sharing best practices, learning from each other, and maybe even embarking on joint projects. And hey, it’s not just about the industry players—let’s loop in the entire supply chain and our customers too. After all, we’re all in this together, right?

It’s about prioritizing the greater good over individual achievements. If we truly want to make strides towards net zero, we need to put our heads together and focus on solutions that benefit everyone.