Science-Backed.
Verified Climate Impact. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) about WoodSafe

66% less CO₂. Same certifications. That's what switching to WoodSafe delivers — measurable and verified.

Below are answers to the most common questions from WoodSafe users. Still have question or having a personal request? Contact us.

66% CO₂ reduction
vs. fossil plastic
80% less fossil plastic
UN/ADR Certified for transportation of hazardous waste
ISO 23907‑1:2019 Certified for sharps injury prevention
134°C Autoclave tested

Common Questions

Sustainability meets Safety Compliance

Sustainability

WoodSafe containers reduce CO₂ emissions by 66% compared to equivalent fossil-based plastic sharps bins. This reduction is achieved by replacing fossil-based plastic with 80% biobased material (sawdust and pine oil) derived from renewable residual waste from the forest industry.

Sharps bins and risk waste containers are among the largest plastic consumable items in healthcare and account for huge amounts of plastic that go to incineration every year. By switching the raw material in sharps bins to renewable material, we reduce the amount of fossil-based plastic by 80%. This gives a significant reduction in plastic volumes being sent to incineration.

Switching to WoodSafe delivers a measurable 66% CO₂ reduction compared to fossil-based plastic sharps bins. Sharps bins and risk waste containers are among the largest plastic consumable items in life sciences and healthcare. Accordingly, hazardous waste containers are one of the most impactful and actionable procurement switches.

WoodSafe containers carry the same function and approval as regular sharps bins in fossil-based plastic (UN3291 & UN3249, ISO 23907‑1:2019) and can therefore be replaced without any differences in function and safety. WoodSafe's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) makes this impact reportable per ward and per site.

By replacing fossil-based plastic in sharps bins with renewable material, we reduce the amount of plastic that must be destroyed by incineration — delivering a reduction grounded in biocomposite composition.

The Full Picture We work directly with LifeScience and Medical Wholesale procurement teams to calculate and document CO₂ impact specific to your facility's volume and container mix. Get in touch for a site-specific CO₂ impact calculation.
Safety

WoodSafe is safe to use in laboratory and cleanroom settings up to Grade C. Please contact our team for more information.

WoodSafe has demonstrated shape retention and stability at high temperatures compared to standard PP. WoodSafe is validated through a moist heat sterilization process (autoclavation) at 134°C for 20 minutes (3 L and 12 L) and 10 minutes (50 L).

The Full Picture All unit sizes maintained full structural integrity throughout the evaluation process. For formal accreditation documentation and technical specifications, please contact us.
Compliance

Yes. Sharps bins from WoodSafe have the same function and approval as regular sharps bins in fossil-based plastic. UN/ADR, ISO, and AutoClave tests and approvals are done by independent institutions. Please contact our team for any documentation requests.

The Full Picture The regulatory approval is identical to that of conventional fossil-based plastic sharps bins.
Material

WoodSafe containers are made from 80% renewable residue material from the forest — primarily sawdust and pine oil sourced as by-products of the Swedish forest industry. The biocomposite has been engineered to meet industry standards for clinical waste containers, so there's no compromise on performance.

Wood fibers are fully integrated within the material matrix. Users can expect the same experience they are used to, with a significantly lower environmental impact.

The material in the hazardous waste containers consists of renewable residual waste from the forest industry, mainly sawdust and pine oil. When these are heated, harmless volatile hydrocarbons are formed, which emit a scent from the heated wood fibers. The scent is most intense in newly produced hazardous waste containers and diminishes with time.

Usage

If risk waste containers require cleaning during use, they can be wiped with an alcohol-based surface disinfectant or an all-purpose cleaner without impairing their function or properties.

The 0.5L, 2L, and 3L containers feature a two-part lid connected by a thin string, designed to be detached when first putting the container into use.

0.5L Sharps Bins come with a fixed opening in the lid suitable for unmounting needles from syringes. 2L and 3L Sharps Bins feature a lid with a round center opening that can be adjusted in two sizes. For the 6L–50L range, containers are available with either a single or double lid. The double lid includes an adjustable center opening that can be customized by partially or fully releasing the inner section — giving users flexibility to adapt the container opening to 3 different types of hazardous waste disposal needs.

WoodSafe is approved according to the same standards as "traditional" hazardous waste bins and is intended for Solid Waste. If there is a risk of residual liquid waste from syringes, ampoules, etc., the recommendation is to put an absorbent in the bin. For pure liquid waste, special containers are available — often called Jerrycans.