INFECTION CONTROL
test method involves a sample of the fabric being held vertically and exposed to a small flame. The fabric is then further analysed to see what happens once the flame stops, but when the fabric still may be glowing. Results are analysed and closely monitored, and form part of our Internal Quality Management system. We removed all thread from our
privacy curtains following tests that demonstrated the impact of thread on the spread of fires. Instead, we use an ultrasonic welding process on all our privacy curtains, blinds, and shower curtains.
With the NHS’s drive to achieve a carbon Net Zero health service by 2040, the recyclability of polypropylene disposable curtains has, understandably, been called into question. What steps has Marlux taken to put in place recycling options for its customers? We have always taken the matter of our
environmental impact very seriously. For the past 10 years, we have been able to recycle our customers’ uncontaminated curtains thanks to a partnership with polypropylene recycling specialists, Preston Plastics. Through this partnership, we offer customers a ‘take back’ service for their uncontaminated curtain waste. The waste is then reprocessed into recycled plastic compound agglomerate to be used in the production of new plastic products. Until recently, no recycling solution for contaminated curtains has been available, but in May 2021, Thermal Compaction Group (TCG), a business focused on green sustainable waste solutions, launched Curtainmelt. Curtainmelt is said to be the world’s first point-of-origin thermal compaction machine for recycling both contaminated and uncontaminated disposable privacy curtains.
Solid briquettes By converting the curtains into a valuable recyclate in the form of solid briquettes, Curtainmelt recovers the curtain waste and reprocesses it so it can be used in the manufacture of new plastic products for the NHS, such as chairs, kidney trays, containers, or even 3D printer filaments. This is a significant breakthrough, and provides Trusts with an environmentally sound recycling solution for their disposable curtains. What’s more, Trusts benefit financially, as they can get a waste rebate of around £100 per tonne. To adhere to the high purity levels
required for use in the Curtainmelt machines, all raw infeed material must be rigorously tested. We approached TCG to determine whether our curtains, hooks, and labels, would be suitable for them to be recycled using this process, and subsequently gained full certification.
Curtainmelt converts curtains into a valuable recyclate in the form of solid briquettes.
This means that our customers now have the option to divert their contaminated plastic curtain waste from landfill and/ or incineration. Our customers now have options to recycle our full range of curtains – whether they are contaminated or not.
Finally, does Marlux have any further plans to become a more sustainable manufacturer? Yes. We are currently testing a new solution to replace the polythene sleeves that our curtains come supplied in with
two paper touchpoint locators at the top and bottom of the curtains. This will significantly reduce the volume of plastics used in our supply process. We are currently preparing for full accreditation to ISO 14001 to demonstrate our long- term commitment to being a sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturer.
References 1 National standards of healthcare cleanliness 2021. NHSE/I, April 2021 [
https://tinyurl.com/26dnt9b5].
Steve Parker and Marlux Medical
Steve Parker joined Marlux Medical in 2009, initially as a machine technician, before progressing through the company as team leader and then manufacturing supervisor before being appointed Operations manager in 2017. He has overall responsibility for Marlux’s end-to-end manufacturing process, including supply chain management, product distribution, regulatory requirements, and health, safety, and environment. Marlux is a UK-based global innovator of 100% recyclable privacy curtains with built- in antimicrobial technology for healthcare environments. It said: “Having pioneered one of the world’s first disposable privacy curtains in 2003, today we continue to lead the way in our industry. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities enable us to develop high-quality products that directly address the needs of healthcare professionals worldwide.” The business is based in Coleshill, Birmingham, and is part of the Summit Medical Group.
March 2022 Health Estate Journal 53
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