FrostPharma is now launching WoodSafe®, a new range of innovative biocomposite hazardous waste containers that reduce CO2 emissions by over 66%. Of plastic-based products, today's medical waste containers represent the third largest carbon dioxide surplus in the healthcare sector.
FrostPharma's WoodSafe® hazardous waste containers are made of biocomposite from Stora Enso, and consist of 80% renewable raw material Swedish forestry. According to LCA analysis, switching from today's fossil hazardous waste containers to WoodSafe® would reduce CO2 emissions from hazardous waste container incineration by over 66%. In Sweden alone, there are currently about 4 million fossil plastic hazardous waste containers that are incinerated after use, making them one of the largest climate-impacting waste categories in the healthcare sector. A switch to WoodSafe® hazardous waste containers would have a significant positive effect on CO2 emissions.
WoodSafe® has the same characteristics as today's hazardous waste containers, making replacement easy and frictionless without changing routines.
"We at FrostPharma are proud to now be able to offer Woodsafe® hazardous waste containers. A climate-smart alternative to the hazardous waste containers used today. It is important for us as a company, to try in different ways, to integrate a climate mindset into our business model. The development of Woodsafe® has therefore been a priority for us at FrostPharma. The result is a product that can replace today's hazardous waste containers, and with it reduce the climate impact of hazardous waste containers by as much as 66%" says Fredrik Andersch, CEO of FrostPharma.
Developing bio-composite hazardous waste containers has been a development journey that has been going on for a long time, not only at FrostPharma.
"There have been previous attempts, including here in Sweden, to develop hazardous waste containers in biocomposite materials," says Henrik Alfredsson, Environmental Manager at FrostPharma and product manager for WoodSafe®. "But it has proved difficult. That's why we are very pleased that FrostPharma can now launch a finished product that meets all quality requirements and for which we have applied for a patent. The interest from the healthcare sector is very high and it is clear that there is a clear goal and willingness from the healthcare sector to do what they can to make the transition to more fossil free", Henrik continues.
Apoteket AB has already replaced existing hazardous waste containers with WoodSafe® and Danderyd Hospital is one of several examples of healthcare facilities that are now starting to use WoodSafe®.
"This is a very welcome product," says Jenny Lilliehöök, environmental coordinator at Danderyd Hospital. She continues, "As switching to bio-based vessels from the current fossil-based ones does not involve any change in procedures, they will be easy to start using with great benefits for the environment, which we welcome."
About FrostPharma
FrostPharma is a Swedish pharmaceutical company with a focus on specialty medicines and products that add value to specific patient and healthcare needs.