A child and grandparent smiling in a green environment banner

Protecting the Environment

When we challenge our impact on the environment, we advance ways to protect it.

 

Our Commitment

For healthy lives, we need a healthy planet. Our commitment to better patient outcomes includes confronting climate change and protecting the environment. In 2017, we were one of the first medical device manufacturers to pledge to achieve carbon neutrality (scope 1 and 2)¹ in our manufacturing and key distribution sites by 2030. 

Our Path to Net-Zero¹

Boston Scientific path to reach net zero emissions in 2050 and carbon neutrality in 2030

Sources
1 Trajectory to net-zero emissions defined by science-based targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050 from a 2019 base year.
2 Inclusive of all manufacturing and key distribution sites only.
3 Purchased electricity matched with electricity from renewable sources. 

In 2022, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the predominant third-party, net-zero target assessment organisation, approved our science-based net-zero target, making us one of the first in our sector to do so. This approval will help guide us on a path toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.

Our Promise

From January 2021 to December 2022, we promised for every four LithoVueᵀᴹ Single-Use Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes utilised in Europe, Middle East and Africa, we will plant one tree in the Boston Scientific Forest. 

Tree planting initiave 4 LithoVue equals 1 tree image

In fulfilling this promise we have now planted over 15,000 trees across the region. As well as protecting the environment, this collaboration also has the potential to deliver social benefits to the farmers and local communities in terms of food resources and economic opportunities.

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As we continue our journey towards net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our entire value chain by 2050, a concerted effort is being made to minimise the environmental impacts of our devices, packaging and materials. 

Customer Voice

Let’s hear from Mr Jake Patterson on how he is bringing environmental sustainability into his daily life and practice.

Why is environmental sustainability important to me?

Why is environmental sustainability important in healthcare?                                                                                                        
What part can medical device companies play in reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry?

 

Product Stewardship

Product stewardship focuses on the environmental footprint of our products at every stage of their life cycle, from design, sourcing (of materials/components), production and distribution to waste disposal and recycling.

 

Boston Scientific products life cycle

In 2022, we finalised the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) guidance and created a focus group to introduce a company-wide LCA methodology. We plan to conduct LCA pilot studies in Urology in 2023 as we further our methodologies. 

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In 2023, we will be embarking on a pilot recycling programme in EMEA for single use scopes, including LithoVueᵀᴹ.

Packing and Labelling

The company develops packaging and labelling sustainability goals with input from a global steering committee and processes that meet international labelling regulations. 

In 2022, we established a dedicated team to develop and share best practices and tools, across all business divisions, that minimise the footprint of our packaging and labelling. Here are some of the highlights: 

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eLabelling

We supported Medtech Europe's effort to assess the healthcare sector's endorsement of eLabelling as a sustainable alternative to paper and will continue to advocate for solutions that will allow eLabelling. By 2026, we expect to reduce paper Instructions For Use (IFUs) by ~90%. 

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Collaboration

Boston Scientific collaborates with industry peers in the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) to ensure our practices reduce waste, limit emissions and maximise opportunities to recycle.

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Distribution

In Kerkrade, the Netherlands distribution centre, we use integrated packaging machines for most of our orders. These machines better fit products into custom-sized boxes, reduce empty space and require fewer cartons per order. Since 2011, Boston Scientific has reduced packaging during shipping by 30% in Kerkrade.

 

CAUTION: The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, Contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.