Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions

At Great Central Plastics’ drive for sustainable plastic manufacturing has always been at the forefront of their mission. When the opportunity to collaborate with Heriot-Watt University in Glasgow on an innovative project emerged, they knew it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. Together, they embarked on a mission to revolutionise the production of Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs).

Their goal was clear: to reduce the carbon footprint associated with these crucial medical testing devices by utilising injection moulding grade materials sourced from “post-consumer” origins, such as Gum-tec from discarded chewing gum and HIPs from end-of-life fridge parts.

Teaming up closely with Professor Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas and her team at Heriot-Watt University, they leveraged their collective knowledge and resources to develop prototypes that not only met but surpassed industry standards. Securing approval to test these prototypes marked a significant milestone, validating the viability and effectiveness of our sustainable injection moulding approach.

Kiron Phillips, Business Development lead, encapsulates their commitment to sustainable practices: “We take immense pride in our sustainable manufacturing processes, advocating for alternatives like Gum-tec and Limex. This collaboration underscores our dedication to pioneering research and development.”

Navigating the intricacies of medical device manufacturing presented its fair share of challenges, from regulatory hurdles to industry norms. However, their partnership with Heriot-Watt University demonstrated that recycled plastics can indeed meet stringent requirements, paving the way for a more sustainable future in healthcare.

Looking forward, they envision a future where recycled plastics become standard in medical device manufacturing. Professor Kersaudy-Kerhoas shares our optimism: “Recycled plastics could seamlessly integrate into existing equipment, providing a swift and impactful solution.”

The recognition from esteemed national media outlets like the Independent and ITV underscores the importance of their initiative. Their recent feature on Scottish television further amplifies the message, raising awareness about the significance of sustainable practices in healthcare.