Value-based, sustainable healthcare through reprocessing
Sustainable Technologies is committed to reducing healthcare’s environmental impacts while delivering the utmost quality of care and cost-savings for hospitals.
Reprocessing is not a new concept. It dates back to the 1980s when medical device companies began labeling devices as “single-use” or “reusable.” Those single-use labels quickly led to tons of waste, requiring a more environmentally friendly solution.
That's when third-party reprocessors like Sustainable Technologies came in to help reduce costs, divert waste from landfill, and still comply with FDA regulations.
Today, more than 2,000 U.S. hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers participate in the program, doing their part to reduce healthcare delivery’s environmental impacts.
Capabilities
Sustainable Technologies offers its customers convenient collection methods that fit in various sized rooms and locations within the facility. These containers come with packaging materials to send them for reprocessing quickly and efficiently.
When the devices arrive for reprocessing, they undergo inspection and sorting. Next, a high-level disinfection or sterilization process is utilized to thoroughly clean devices. Finally, they are tested and inspected before returning to the supply chain for sales and distribution.
Product overview
Sustainable Technologies is uniquely positioned for high-quality reprocessing because it is the manufacturer or collaborator with the manufacturer. Reprocessed products meet new product specifications while offering value to your facility.
Medical device collection and reprocessing includes two product categories: invasive and non-invasive.
Have a question or need support?
Reach out to your Sustainable Technologies Sales Representative. If collections related, please email GoGreen@cardinalhealth.com or call 844.268.2583
Sustainability and efficacy of medical device reprocessing
1. The case for reprocessing
Hospitals emit about 8.5% of all greenhouse gases in the United States, and the healthcare industry is responsible for about 4.6% of emissions globally.2
View the article to learn how reprocessing helps reduce your environmental impact and helps strenghten your bottom line.
2How the U.S. health care system contributes to climate change. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund. org/-publications/explainer/2022/apr/how-us-health-care-system-contributes-climate-change. Published April 19, 2022. Accessed June 2, 2023
2. Follow the interactive reprocessing cycle
From the moment a device is collected from your hospital to when it is sold back, we are here for you. Follow the interactive cycle to learn more about our process and how we provide value at every step.
3. See the stringent reprocessing cleaning and inspection process
Cleaning and disinfecting processes occur in the reprocessing facility in Riverview, Florida. Every device is tested for functionality to ensure safety and quality before resale. if the product has reached the end of its life, its disposed of through a waste-to-energy process.
4. Benefits of purchasing blended code products
The benefits of purchasing blended code products range from consistent value to consolidated sales and support. Review the full list of benefits your facility can use.
5. How the zero waste to landfill model works
Care for patients while caring for our future through the Sustainable Technologies zero waste to landfill model. Learn how the model disposes of devices and waste using one of the most environmentally beneficial solutions available.
6. Comparing single-use to reprocessed IPC Sleeves
Single-use devices have been estimated to contribute between 59% and 71% of the carbon footprint of healthcare4. Learn how reprocessing IPC sleeves can reduce overall environmental impact.
4. Rizan C, Steinbach I, Nicholson R, Lillywhite R, Reed M, Bhutta MF. The carbon footprint of surgical operations: a systematic review. Ann Surg. 2020;272(6):986-995. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000003951
7. CHARME Playbook: Expanding Single-Use Device Reprocessing in Healthcare
Published by the Collaborative for Healthcare Action to Reduce MedTech Emissions, this playbook provides step-by-step guidance, stakeholder engagement strategies, real-world case studies, and practical tools—from FAQs to program maturity assessments—to support successful program expansion.
8. Find the custom collection bins that best meet your hospital’s needs
Maximize collections with customizable solutions. From small rooms to varying setups, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of the Sustainable Technologies™ Program. View printable collection posters to help assist your facility with making sure the correct medical devices go into the collection bins.
9. How to collect and ship items for reprocessing (mail back accounts)
Review the simple options for collecting, packaging and shipping items for reprocessing. Find the various formats and options that will match your hospital’s needs, complete with everything you need for hassle-free return shipping.
10. Download and display collection bin flyers
Review the collection of flyers explaining the various collection bins and their uses. Print these flyers and hang them near your reprocessing bins to make it clear to your staff what to place inside to maximize medical device reprocessing for the greatest environmental and cost-saving benefits.
11. Understand the collection process to help increase capture rates
View this in-servicing video on the proper disposal of items exclusively reprocessed by Sustainable Technologies.
12. Zero in on what’s important
Review our brochure to learn about our quality offerings and comprehensive portfolio. At each step of your journey, our personalized support and dedicated service team are here to help you achieve your reprocessing goals.
13. How reprocessing can benefit your ASC
Review how our program is designed to help put more zeros on your bottom line through our set up, service, and ongoing support.
14. Find the custom collection bins that best meet your hospital’s needs
Maximize collections with customizable solutions. From small rooms to varying setups, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of the Sustainable Technologies™ Program. View printable collection posters to help assist your facility with making sure the correct medical devices go into the collection bins.
15. How to collect and ship items for reprocessing (mail-back accounts)
Review the simple options for collecting, packaging, and shipping items for reprocessing. Find the various formats and options that will match your hospital's needs, complete with everything you need for hassel-free return shipping.
16. Understand the collection process to help increase capture rates in the Ambulatory Surgery Center
View this in-servicing video on the proper disposal of items exclusively reprocessed by Sustainable Technologies.
17. Reprocessing with Provision
View the in-servicing video on the proper disposal of items reprocessed at Provision.
18. How to ship back Provision collection bins for reprocessing
View the flyer to prepare shipment of the bin back to Provision when ready to reprocess.
19. Participate in a blind study to see how to maximize your invasive reprocessing program
We offer blind studies to be conducted with invasive devices. This helps provide visibility to surgeons who will be using the OEM and reprocessed invasive versions.
20. Review Provision's reprocessing protocols
Understand their FDA regulated process for cleaning, disinfecting, testing, and inspecting of invasive devices at their reprocessing plant.
How to incentivize medical device reprocessing
Maximize your reprocessing collections to help care for the environment and experience savings
Your entire team needs to be on board with medical device reprocessing to see the greatest return on your investment. That starts with good education, but a little healthy competition and showing measurable results can also make a difference. Here are some ways to incentivize reprocessing.
Host a competition
Break your facility down into teams based on the floor they work on. See which floor can collect the most devices each month and then offer a recognition and reward program.
Help your staff visualize the difference they are making
Use the Visual Value Poster to share monthly or quarterly updates that show how many pounds and devices you’ve saved from landfills thanks to their participation. Get them involved in beating last quarter’s numbers.
Recognize sustainability leaders with certificates
Use the Sustainable Technologies Certificate Template to recognize sustainability leaders within your organization. Issue monthly, quarterly or annual certificates to staff members making a difference in your organization.
See what others are doing
Read and share the champion support case study to review how others are tracking involvement in the Sustainable Technologies™ Program.
Survey your team
As everyone gets used to recycling medical devices for reprocessing, you can learn valuable insights about how the program is going and how you can best support your team. After several months of participation, survey your staff to learn ways to support them further.
Promote Sustainable Technologies within your facilities
Introduce our medical device reprocessing program to your staff and educate them on where to find collection bins with our "Understanding Sustainable Technologies" poster.
Sustainable Technologies now offers an ecommerce platform that provides order management, bank balance information, advanced reporting and a cost savings calculator all in one easy to use website!
Watch this video to learn more about our new portal and how it can provide value to you.
Returning customers sign in here. Have questions or need help receiving login credentials, please contact GoGreen@cardinalhealth.com
A proud member of AMDR
In 2018, Sustainable Technologies™ joined the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR). As the trade association for third-party reprocessors, AMDR focuses on providing value to the healthcare sector through reprocessing.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
We are working to enable a more sustainable and equitable world — and a healthier future for our employees, customers and communities.
