The University of Manchester and Vernacare join forces to revolutionise plastic use in healthcare

The University of Manchester is teaming up with Vernacare to revolutionise the use of single-use plastics in healthcare.
Plastics play a crucial role in healthcare, but the current linear model of using and then incinerating leads to significant waste and environmental harm. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), materials experts at Manchester will work in collaboration with Vernacare – specialist manufacturers of infection prevention solutions – to investigate how the sustainability of plastics can be improved through the creation of more circular products from waste polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate (PC).

A 24-month project, led by an interdisciplinary team from The University of Manchester and Vernacare, aims to create new insight into the behaviour of real-world polypropylene and polycarbonate products during mechanical recycling. The team will be led by experts including Dr Tom McDonald, Dr Rosa Cuellar Franca, Professor Mike Shaver, Simon Hogg, and Dr Amir Bolouri. It also will advance knowledge on the selection, characterisation and use of plastic to optimise recyclability, while developing understanding of the complex environmental impacts of product design and supply chain.
Finally, life cycle assessment will be used to evaluate the sustainability for different approaches to the circularity of these plastics. This project will involve the knowledge transfer of the academic team’s expertise in plastics recycling, plastics circularity and rigorous life cycle assessment.

Alex Hodges, CEO of Vernacare, explains: “Through this project we aim to change how plastics are viewed and used in healthcare. Our work with Manchester will ensure we’re at the forefront in sustainable single use healthcare product research. It will enable us to embed product lifecycle, environment assessment capability and materials research and development into our business culture so that we’re in pole position, able to lead the market in the development and testing of future solutions. It will also help Vernacare economically, by offsetting a portion of our £7m annual polypropylene costs while also broadening their appeal to eco-conscious customers.”

Dr Tom McDonald, Reader in Sustainable Materials at The University of Manchester added: “This project directly connects our prior research on plastics recycling with commercial benefits associated with Vernacare’s mission to protect patient safety while reducing environmental impact. As such, this collaborative project provides the opportunity for direct impact from our research.” The research will be conducted through the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub (SMI Hub), a cutting-edge facility dedicated to sustainable plastic solutions. The SMI Hub is part of the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Manchester and is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships funding support innovation by matching businesses with world-leading research and technology. Projects are focused on delivering a strategic step change in productivity, market share and operating process by embedding new knowledge and capabilities within an organisation.

Delivered through the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team, part of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, The University of Manchester has collaborated on more than 300 KTPs and in the last five years alone, has supported 42 KTPs with a total research value of £11 million.

By working together, The University of Manchester and Vernacare aim to lead the way in sustainable healthcare products, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.