Single-use synthetic plastic and natural fibre anaesthetic drug trays: a comparative life cycle assessment of environmental impacts

Abstract

Background: Single-use anaesthetic drug trays are used widely in Australia, but their environmental impact is unclear. Methods: A life cycle assessment was completed for 10 different types of single-use anaesthetic drug trays made of four materials: the synthetic plastics polypropylene and polystyrene, and the natural fibres bagasse (sugarcane pulp) and cellulose pulp. Results: Carbon emissions per tray from total life cycle with landfill disposal were 33–454 g CO2-eq, which equates to 152–2066 tonnes CO2-eq annually. Recycling mitigates this impact, reducing emissions per tray to 16–294 g CO2-eq. The tray with the least emissions for landfill and recycling was the small polystyrene injectio..