Sustainable theatres
not having enough fully functioning instruments resulted in reduced theatre capacity, high instrument repair costs, increased spending on fast-track instrument sterilisation, cancelled operations and decreased morale.16
Conclusion The shift to a circular economy in healthcare is no longer optional - it is essential. Transitioning to reusable surgical instruments delivers a dual benefit: it dramatically reduces environmental impact, while unlocking significant financial savings for hospitals. Managed equipment services, such as B. Braun RENU, make this transition practical and scalable by ensuring instruments are maintained to the highest standards, extending their lifespan, and guaranteeing clinical quality. This service model helps to equip surgical teams with reliable, fit-for-the-future tools; improves patient experience; and frees resources for frontline care. By embracing managed services, hospitals can move beyond incremental change and embed sustainability at the heart of surgical practice - protecting both people and the planet, while safeguarding the financial health of our NHS.CSJ
References 1. Comes, D.J., et al., The carbon footprint of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Br J Surg, 2024. 111(9).
2. Streeting, W., Major crackdown on NHS waste. Department of Health and Social Care 16 October 2024. Available from:
https://www.gov. uk/government/news/major-crackdown-on- nhs-waste.
3. Knightley, L., B. Dent, and I. Cameron, Financial and environmental impact of the introduction of reusable laparoscopic instruments, in BADS Annual Conference 2025. 2025: University Place, Manchester.
4. Reducing the environmental impact of equipment, medicines and resources. Last
accessed: 16 October 2025. Available from:
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5. Five Years of a Greener NHS. NHS England. September 2025. Available from: https://www.
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6. Bolten, A., et al., The carbon footprint of the operating room related to infection prevention measures: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect, 2022. 128: p. 64-73.
7. Labib, P.L., et al., Revising a laparoscopic appendicectomy set to reduce reliance on disposable surgical instruments: supporting the transition to sustainable surgical practice. Ann R Coll Surg Engl, 2024. 106(2): p. 167-172.
8. What is the meaning of a circular economy and what are the main principles? Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Last accessed: 16 October 2025 2025. Available from: https://
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/ circular-economy-introduction/overview.
9. Policy paper: Design for Life roadmap. Department of Health & Social Care. 31 January 2025. Available from:
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10. Straten, B.v., et al., A Circular Healthcare Economy; a feasibility study to reduce surgical stainless steel waste. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2021. 27: p. 169-175.
11. Ibbotson, S., et al., Eco-efficiency of disposable and reusable surgical instruments—a scissors case. Sustainable Development, 2013. 18: p. 1137–1148.
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clinicalservicesjournal.com/story/9789/ surgical-cost-saving-initiative-gets-award- commendation.
About the author
Sophie Spencer joined B. Braun in 2022 and in September 2025, began a new role as Social Value & Evidence Apprentice, turning her passion for sustainability into a career. She is currently studying for a Level 4 apprenticeship in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University. Sophie holds a BA (Hons) in Events Management.
About the author
Beth Greenhough joined B. Braun in 2018, and since 2020 has worked in the Value and Access team, supporting the company’s diverse therapy areas with evidence generation to demonstrate the value of medical devices to patients, NHS finances and the environment. In 2023 she completed postgraduate study in International Health Technology Assessment and Reimbursement at the University of Sheffield.
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