Sustainability
We’re lowering our carbon footprint and helping our partners do the same
Our goal is to make healthcare more sustainable
Climate change is a pressing healthcare issue. In the process of caring for patients, healthcare takes its toll on the environment. Not only does our industry consume significant natural resources, such as energy and water, it also generates tons of landfill waste.
To keep people and the planet safe and healthy, we’re committed to building a future where healthcare operates more sustainably. That’s why we’re investing in green technologies and creating practical solutions that help conserve natural resources and reduce waste. Our actions are lightening our ecological footprint and helping our partners to do the same.
Discover real-world, eco-friendly solutions
We offer programs designed to help our healthcare partners make a positive impact on the environment and reduce costs.
ReNewal Medical Device Reprocessing
Did you know hospitals produce more than 5 million metric tons of waste each year?1 Medline ReNewal helps minimize hospital waste by reprocessing medical devices so that they may be safely used again. In 2019 alone, the program diverted over 1 million pounds of waste from landfills.
1. “Waste” Practice Greenhealth. Accessed May 29, 2020. https://practicegreenhealth.org/topics/waste/waste-0.
ReNewal Medical Device Reprocessing
Did you know hospitals produce more than 5 million metric tons of waste each year?1 Medline ReNewal helps minimize hospital waste by reprocessing medical devices so that they may be safely used again. In 2019 alone, the program diverted over 1 million pounds of waste from landfills.
1. “Waste” Practice Greenhealth. Accessed May 29, 2020. https://practicegreenhealth.org/topics/waste/waste-0.
OR Towel Take-Back
Instead of throwing away used operating room (OR) towels, we help facilitate pick-up free-of-charge through our OR Towel Take-Back program. These towels are then repurposed for use outside of healthcare.
Tote Exchange
Tote Exchange is a nationwide program that delivers Medline products in reusable totes instead of cardboard containers, helping to reduce the amount of corrugated cardboard within supply chains.
Waste-to-Energy Gloves Program
Gloves are known as a source of protection, but they can also be a source of energy. Our Waste-to-Energy Gloves Program transforms used exam gloves into clean, renewable energy.
Choose green products to help protect the environment
Now more than ever, healthcare providers need new and innovative ways to lighten their environmental footprint. We’re here to help with eco-friendly products, designed to help reduce waste, conserve energy and protect the health and well-being of people and the planet.
What we’re doing to make a difference
- Minimizing fuel consumption in our transportation fleet
- Streamlining deliveries and transportation services whenever possible
- Implementing environmental management systems that meet global standards
- Investing in clean sources of energy
- Donating surplus product to clinics in need around the world
- Participating in industry work groups to make more green products available throughout healthcare
5%
fewer emissions
per square foot
$12.6
million
invested in solar energy
3,784 metric tons of CO2 offset*
by our MedTrans fleet from 2018 to 2019
3,784
metric
tons of CO2
offset*
by our MedTrans fleet from 2018 to 2019
1,355
pounds of gloves
converted to renewable energy since 2018
116
metric tons of waste diverted
from landfills
24,000+
solar panels
installed
globally
10 facilities
using renewable
sources of
energy
92% LEED-certified
92%
LEED-certified
distribution space
*Based on CO2 equivalents (CO2e)
IN THE NEWS
How we’re helping to build a healthier, more sustainable future
- December 23, 2020Top stories of 2020
- November 5, 2020Medline employees fight food insecurity by donating produce and backing local pantries
- September 29, 2020Medline and its employees raise funds to combat heart disease and stroke
Sharing our progress
We hold ourselves accountable for our progress toward becoming a more sustainable company. Along with sharing data about our emissions, we track our environmental performance over time, and we’re committed to improving year over year. Check out our 2019 Social Responsibility Report for more details.
