Northern Netherlands unites for green healthcare
Care2Change launches in Northern Netherlands, aiming for sustainable healthcare through innovation and collaboration.
Published on May 13, 2025
© Care2Change
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A consortium of hospitals, local public authorities, knowledge institutions, and healthcare companies of the North of the Netherlands has launched Care2Change. This project, with a total budget of €6 million, aims to significantly reduce pollution caused by healthcare and boost the regional economy through the circular production of healthcare products.
The core objective of Care2Change is to promote the conscious and economical use of healthcare products, thereby reducing waste. The consortium will explore methods to reuse and recycle products that would otherwise be discarded. Additionally, the project will investigate the feasibility of manufacturing these products locally in the Northern Netherlands, creating new trade routes and stimulating the local economy.
"By producing healthcare products regionally, we not only guarantee security of supply but also contribute to the local economy, which is crucial in today's geopolitical climate," said Femke van der Zant, project leader from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).
Research and innovation
The University of Groningen’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) is playing a pivotal role in the project. Assistant professors Bart Noort and Kristian Peters are leading research efforts, focusing on the operational, logistical, and procurement aspects of transitioning from disposable to reusable products. The project will also involve two PhD candidates who will conduct life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental performance of healthcare product systems.
The research group of Heeres, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, will conduct experimental research on recycling plastic waste from hospitals using advanced pyrolysis technology.
Commitment to patients and the environment
Project leader Femke van der Zant emphasized the urgency of sustainable healthcare practices. "We owe it to our patients to protect their environment. Global warming increases the risk of diseases such as heat-related deaths, Lyme disease, and allergies. If we continue on the current path, our healthcare system will struggle to cope, and we will fail to uphold our oath to do no harm," she stated.
Behavioral change and sustainable practices
Achieving a sustainable healthcare sector requires significant behavioral changes among healthcare professionals. The project will develop reusable alternatives and implement strategies to integrate sustainable practices into daily routines. Environmental psychologists Josefine Geiger and Berfu Ünal from Campus Fryslân will lead efforts to develop behavior change strategies, resulting in concrete hospital guidelines and tools.
