Stryker has cofounded a coalition of 17 health care suppliers with Practice Greenhealth to advance the purchase of products and processes that are less hazardous to the environment. The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Business Leadership Coalition was developed in response to hospital leaders’ requests for an increasing number of products that support their sustainability goals.
“Hospitals can lower their environmental footprint by saving water or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, for example; but, they depend on suppliers when it comes to the environmental impact of the products they purchase,” said Brian White, president of Stryker’s sustainability solutions division. “Hospitals are asking suppliers to step up and become partners in this effort. It is critical that as suppliers, we begin working towards more environmentally responsible products and solutions. In addition to developing new products, this coalition is about increased transparency and accountability to drive outcomes that lead to a more environmentally and financially sustainable industry.”
Members of the EPP Business Leadership Coalition will work together to identify materials of concern and develop more sustainable products; devise strategies to reduce environmental impact of medical products through practices such as reusing and recycling; and educate other institutions and companies, including hospitals, health care suppliers, and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) about environmental best practices
