A deep dive into the current state of healthcare plastics recycling, including the scope of the opportunity, common types of plastics, impacts of the China ban, and challenges and opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.hprc.org/about-hprc Presented to the Environmental Advisory Council at the 2018 Vizient Clinical Connections Summit,

1. Plastics Recycling in Healthcare Facilities:
“What is the Opportunity?”
Vizient Fall Connections Summit
October 3, 2018 | Las Vegas, NV

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Part One: Who am I
and What is HPRC?

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Who Am I?
Alison Bryant
Communications Director for HPRC since 2010
Work for Antea Group
Live in Minneapolis
Two Kids (2, 4)

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What is HPRC?
HPRC is a private, technical coalition of
industry peers across healthcare, recycling
and waste management industries seeking
to improve recyclability of plastic products
within healthcare.
Vision
All healthcare plastics are
safely and effectively
recycled and widely
accepted as a valuable
resource.
Mission
Collaborate across the
value chain to inspire
and enable the healthcare
community to implement
viable, safe, and cost-
effective recycling
solutions for plastic
products and packaging.

5. Corporate Members
5
Our Members
Advisory Board Strategic Partners

6. Completed
6
Our Work
• Value Chain Mapping
• Design Guidelines
• HospiCylce Toolkit
• Environmental Impacts
of Recycling (LCA)
• Hospital Benchmark Survey
• RIC Position Statement
• Materials Testing
• Regional Recycling Pilot
• Case Studies
• Recycler Guidance
• Mixed Flexibles Recyclability
Assessment
• Recycler Directory
• PVC Recycling Guidance
In-Progress

7. Flagship Project: Product Design
Improving Recyclability
and Market Value
Work Product:
Design Guidelines
for Optimal
Healthcare Plastics
Recycling
Looks at product and
packaging design
features that inhibit
post-use recycling
potential.
Articulates desirable
design practices and
less desirable design
practices.
Avoid multiple material
types used within one
discrete product
Avoid paper tapes or
labels attached directly to
products
Avoid metalized plastics
and paper/film packaging
combinations
Allow for the identification
and removal of product
residue
Minimize the use of
pigments in products
Desirable Design
Practice
Less Desirable Design
Practice

8. Flagship Project: Product Use
A Helping Hand for Hospitals
Work Product:
HospiCycle
“How to” guide and
collection of tools for
establishing plastics
recycling in patient
care settings.
Looks at economic,
regulatory, resourcing
and infrastructure
considerations

9. Flagship Project: Disposal & Recycling
Supply, Meet Demand
Chicago Market:
Regional Recycling
Demonstration Project
Connects supply with
demand - - creating
opportunity for hospitals to
reduce waste disposal cost
and recyclers to access
valuable feedstock.
Seeks to demonstrate
economic viability and
business model for
regional approach to
recycling healthcare
plastics.
Hospitals Recyclers Brand Owners
Project Partners

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Part Two: Current State of
Healthcare Plastics Recycling

11. What is the Opportunity
for Healthcare Plastics?
11
5.9 Million Tons of
Waste per Year
20-25% Plastic
Products & Packaging
85% Non-Infectious
Materials
Over 5,000
Hospitals
across USA
1.2 Million
Tons of Clean
Plastics
Available for
Recovery

12. Common Recyclable
Healthcare Plastics
12
PP PP, PET, PETG, PS
PP or PVC“Blue Wrap” PP
PP, PET, HDPE
Tyvek® (HDPE) with PP Tray

13. This Should Be Easy, Right?
Hospital Challenges
Space Limitations
Sorting Difficulties
Finding Willing Haulers/Recyclers
Lack of Program Support
Lack of Staff Resources
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Recycler Challenges
Volume Issues
Contamination Concerns
Equipment/Capability Issues
Mixed Material Issues
End-Market/Resale Issues
Market Challenges
Commodity Pricing
China Ban on Plastic Imports

14. The China Ban:
Impacts & Silver Linings
Current Conditions: China no longer
accepting imports of 24 categories of
consumer waste, including commonly
recycled post-consumer plastics.
Big Investments on the Horizon:
Public and private entities are turning
inward and looking to invest in local
recycling infrastructure and new
recycling technologies.
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New Commitments to Recycled Content: Companies are doubling down
on their recycled content goals, driving towards circular economy.

15. Investments in
Recycling Infrastructure
• Recycling Infrastructure Investment Package in US Senate
• Plans for new Plastics Recovery Facilities (PRFs)
• New processing capacity
– Chinese Recyclers Setting Up Shop in US
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16. Investments in
Recycling Technologies
• Historically, used mechanical recycling methods to recycle
plastics (sorting, shredding, washing, melting, remolding, etc.)
• Big developments over past decade in chemical and solvent
recycling methods
• Involves depolymerization, plastic monomers can feed directly
back into production process without any degradation
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17. Commitments to
Recycled Content
• A very positive sign, brands want to be part of the solution
• Circular Economy movement gaining momentum
• Increasing use of recycled resins will boost market demand
– P&G: commitment to use 50% recycled content in their plastic bottles
– Adidas: commitment to eliminate use of virgin plastic from
manufacturing by 2025
– Target: commitment to create 3 new end markets for recycled materials
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19. The China Ban:
Conclusions
• No doubt the recycling industry is in a point of transition.
• But, plastics recycling is not dead.
• Domestic (USA) processing capability and capacity will be more robust
than before as a result of these challenges.
• New technologies and capabilities are expanding where and how we can
use recycled content.
• Don’t abandon your recycling programs! Keep collecting materials!
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Part Three: What Can You Do to
Further Recycling Efforts?

21. Key Insights
1. Keep it Simple
2. Champions are Critical
3. Behavioral Change is a Process
4. Solve the Sorting Challenge (Comingled Materials Have Marginal Value)
5. Reduce the Variety and Complexity of Plastics Used
6. The Economics Must Be Favorable for Recyclers
7. Plastics Recycling Supports Broader Sustainability Goals
8. Keep Collecting Materials Despite China Ban
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22. HospiCycle Toolkit:
A Helping Hand for Hospitals
“How to” guide and
collection of tools for
starting, running and
improving plastics
recycling in patient
care settings.
Looks at economic,
regulatory, resourcing
and infrastructure
considerations.
www.hprc.org/hospicycle

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CleanMed 2019:
See You There!

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For More Information:
Visit www.hprc.org
Peylina Chu
HPRC Executive Director
peylina.chu@anteagroup.com
+1 774 369 4048
Alison Bryant
HPRC Communications Director
Alison.bryant@anteagroup.com
+1 651 697 5162