Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the spring meeting of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC). Oliver joined as one of the organization’s newest member companies. The agenda covered a wide range of challenges and developments shaping healthcare plastics recycling—from carbon impact strategies to pilot programs and international collaboration.
The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the healthcare value chain—manufacturers, hospitals, recyclers, and sustainability experts—to share progress, identify roadblocks, and align on next steps. It was a valuable session, providing both practical updates and broader strategic context for where the industry is headed.
Below are 5 of my key takeaways that stood out from the discussion:
Looking Ahead
The meeting also included updates on ongoing efforts such as LCA education for hospitals, sustainable procurement initiatives, and the ASTM E60.42 work item to standardize design guidelines for recyclable single-use medical products. In all, the discussions reflected a balance of realism and ambition: there is growing momentum, but also a recognition that change requires time, coordination, and transparency.
As a new member of HPRC, I appreciated the open exchange of ideas and the shared commitment to progress. There’s clear value in connecting the dots between packaging design, hospital operations, recycling infrastructure, and policy trends. HPRC is well positioned to make meaningful strides in helping healthcare move toward more circular, responsible material use.
To learn more about the council’s work or explore how to get involved, visit www.hprc.org.