Single-use endoscopes and the environment

Introducing bioplastics in our endoscopes

The world’s first endoscopes with bioplastic material

One tangible example of how we are paving the way in sustainability for single-use endoscopy is by introducing the use of bioplastics in our endoscope handles. This will start with Ambu^® aScope^TM Gastro Large, and by 2025, we aim to  use bioplastics in every endoscope handle we produce. While there will be no difference in the look, feel and performance of our endoscopes, the handles will be composed of material with a lower carbon footprint.

A more sustainable source of material

Bioplastics are made from second-generation bio-based feedstock mixed with fossil-based raw materials. Second-generation bio-based feedstock:

• check Is made from by-products and waste, such as used cooking oil
• check Doesn’t compete with food and agriculture production
• check Opens the possibility to recycle the organic waste into valuable resources

Reduces our carbon footprint

The ABS plastic used in the handles emits 70% less CO2 than handles made from purely fossil-based ABS plastic.* (Note that this reduction applies to the carbon footprint of the ABS plastic in the handle only, not the full lifecycle for the finished good.) 

In the future, we will build on this initiative by expanding the use of bioplastics in other parts of our endoscopes. We will also work towards introducing  bioplastic material with an even smaller carbon footprint.

_{*Based on cradle-to-gate LCAs on the raw material from the supplier. The LCAs compared ABS plastic made with 100% fossil-based feedstock with our new bioplastic ABS (which consists of 50% second-generation bio-based feedstock and 50% fossil-based feedstock).}