The past 50 years of improvements in public health are under threat from climate change, with more intense heatwaves, higher risks of flooding and a changing pattern of emerging infectious diseases. Health systems both contribute to the problem through the generation of greenhouse gas emissions, yet also have a central role to play in the solution [Tennison, 2021]. This is seen in the NHS, where action is being taken to drastically reduce emissions, which are currently equivalent to around 4% of England’s total carbon footprint [NHS, 2022].
As a major supplier of infection control products to the NHS, schülke is fully committed to sustainability, with a vision to continually innovate to minimise environmental impact; whilst developing infection control products to the highest standards of efficacy. A recent schülke innovation is new mikrozid® universal wipes green line, which offer a unique ecological alternative to conventional plastic-based wipes. 100% plastic free with no micro-plastics, the sustainable wipes are produced using only green energy and are climate neutral due to carbon offsetting. No toxic substances are released if the wipes are incinerated.
mikrozid® universal wipes green line are uniquely manufactured using a three-layer, non-woven process produced with 100% FSC-certified materials, using 25% less CO2 emissions than most other wipes. The packaging contains 22% PIR (post-industrial recyclate) and the new optimised format requires 14% less packaging material per soft pack and achieves a 27% higher pallet utilisation.
In addition to their green credentials, mikrozid® universal wipes green line provide outstanding cleaning performance combined with maximum material compatibility and excellent skin tolerance. With a unique low alcohol formulation containing a blend of two alcohols, the wipes contain added surfactants to boost cleaning performance, are rapid acting and certified to the highest standards.
Providing cleaning and disinfection in a single product, mikrozid® universal wipes green line are effective against bacteria, yeast and viruses, including enveloped viruses such as coronaviruses. They are ideal for clinical use, particularly when a material friendly disinfectant is needed, including the surfaces of keyboards and touch pads / display screens of sensitive equipment. Using a harsh cleaning agent on sensitive equipment can lead to damage and deterioration. Meaning that expensive replacements need to be made, adding to both financial and environmental costs.
Patients’ lives depend on effective infection control today, but their future depends on protecting the environment for tomorrow.
Please visit https://www.schuelke.com/gb-en/ or email: mail.uk@schuelke.com to find out more.
References
1. Tennison I, Health care’s response to climate change: a carbon footprint assessment of the NHS in England, Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5: e84–92
2. NHS England, Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service, July 2022
