Recycling of SutureTOOL™
Each year, the healthcare sector generates more than 15 million tons of plastic waste, largely due to the extensive use of single-use products. Finding a way to recycle these products without compromising patient safety is a significant challenge for the industry. Suturion aims to lead the way by exploring the feasibility of a recycling solution for SutureTOOL.
A project has been initiated together with Lund University, Zirq Solutions, and Redivivus Polymers. The joint project, named «Entrance», aims to explore the feasibility of a technical solution for recycling the SutureTOOL, alongside a logistics solution and a business model for the recycling program.
The project partners have been awarded €610,000 by Eurostars, a funding program that supports small and medium-sized enterprises focused on research and development. The program is part of the international EUREKA network and is co-financed by the EU through Horizon Europe.
The project started in the fall of 2024 and is planned to be finalized in 2026.
About the project
SutureTOOL is the research subject of the Entrance project
Suturion will produce, sell, and ship SutureTOOL to hospitals, where it is used for fascial closure. After use it will be collected for recycling.
Zirq Solutions will transport the used devices to the recycling site where it will be sterilized, disassembled and sorted.
Redivivus Polymers will handle the subsequent recycling of the plastic material by upcycling it into high quality repro-pellets.
Lund University will conduct a life cycle assessment of the SutureTOOL and the entire value chain to assess its environmental impact.
The project team
Suturion AB, established in 2018 by surgeon Gabriel Börner. The company’s innovation, the SutureTOOL, revolutionizes abdominal wall closure in surgery. This user-friendly device enables surgeons to execute standardized, efficient and safe closures of the fascia, significantly reducing the risk of post-operative complications for patients.
Zirq Solutions is part of the NG Group, a leading Nordic recycling company. Zirq Solutions is developing breakthrough technology for decontaminating and recycling medical devices. Zirq aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, and by supporting the health sector in transitioning from a linear to a circular economy we are combating the substantial negative impact the sector emits.
Redivivus is a plastic compounding company with a focus on turning recycled feedstock into high quality repro-pellets for use in the plastic industry. With sophisticated equipment and extensive technical know-how, Redivivus is also able to upcycle pre-used plastic to a higher value by compounding the polymers with fiberglass to achieve engineering grade of polymers.
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.