Biodegradable bioplastics in healthcare: opportunities, challenges and sustainable recycling

The healthcare sector ranks among the largest consumers of single-use plastics, generating substantial
amounts of waste, an issue strikingly captured in Maria Koijck's breast surgery photography. To reduce
the environmental impact, biobased and biodegradable polymers are promising alternatives to
conventional plastic medical disposables, offering sustainability while maintaining functionality. This
review evaluates the suitability, circularity and benefits of various biobased and biodegradable plastics for
healthcare applications and the critical role of effective waste management in enhancing sustainability in
the medical sector. Implementing biobased medical plastics requires rethinking recycling strategies and
waste management. Unlike fossil-based plastics, which reduce in quality while recycling, enzymatic and
whole-cell biocatalytic recycling processes can preserve the quality of biobased and biodegradable
materials, allowing them to be re-used for new products and offering a sustainable end-of-life solution.
Integrating these materials into existing waste management requires overcoming social, economic,
logistical, and technological challenges that must be addressed. Standardised regulations, awareness of
the circular economy, and collaboration between academia and industry are crucial for developing
medical-grade, sustainable solutions for a circular and environmentally responsible healthcare system.