Do not use oversized surgical sets or open unnecessary single-use materials; instead, adopt custom sets, assembled for specific procedures and follow the “Do not open it if you don’t need it” rule, according to Circular Economy principles.

May 12, 2026

Do not use oversized surgical sets or open unnecessary single-use materials; instead, adopt custom sets, assembled for specific procedures and follow the “Do not open it if you don’t need it” rule, according to Circular Economy principles.

Type of practice

Other health practices

Age

Adult, Geriatric, Pediatric

Topic Area

Environment

The healthcare supply chain is responsible for approximately 60% of the sector’s total emissions. Adopting Circular Economy principles (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) reduces the quantity of material used and drastically mitigates the carbon footprint in the operating room. Using customized procedural packs and separating necessary devices from those that are optional, to be kept only “on standby” represent concrete actions to reduce the opening of unnecessary materials and thus cut down on waste, according to the “Do not open it if you don’t need it” principle. Likewise, rationalizing surgical kits by removing unused instruments and optimizing sterilization cycles is an effective action from an environmental perspective. Introducing these principles does not compromise clinical safety; on the contrary, it reduces the inappropriate opening of supplies, counting times, and the risk of injury to staff, thereby improving efficiency. Effective communication within the surgical team, standardization of procedures, and adherence to operative scheduling are also fundamental.

 

Sources

1. Rizan C, Lillywhite R, Reed M, et al. Minimising carbon and financial costs of steam sterilisation and packaging of reusable surgical instruments. Br J Surg 2022;109:200-10.
2. Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist: Compendium of Evidence v2.0 [Internet]. Edinburgh, UK: RCSEd; 2022 (last accessed: January 2026). https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/media/vspi2d5g/green-theatre-checklist-compendium-of-evidence-document.pdf
3. Chasseigne V, Leguelinel-Blache G, Nguyen TL, et al. Assessing the costs of disposable and reusable supplies wasted during surgeries. Int J Surg 2018;53:18-23.
4. Healthcare Without Harm (HCWH) Europe. Sustainable Theatres: Part II – Action on sustainable procurement and circularity. Brussels: HCWH Europe; 2021.

Download

PDF

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.