Surgical Gown Study Highlights ‘Green’ Benefits of Reusables
A new life-cycle assessment (LCA) study of reusable surgical gowns echoes the findings of six previous research efforts to remind healthcare providers of the environmental benefits associated with reusable surgical gowns vs. their disposable counterparts, according to a news release from the American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA).
The study, conducted by Environmental Clarity LLC and co-sponsored by ARTA and the International Association for Healthcare Textile Management (IAHTM), was underwritten in part by TRSA and the European Textile Services Association, ETSA.
The study sought to gauge the environmental impact of reusable and disposable surgical gowns from their inception as raw materials, to manufacture, use/reuse and “end-of-life dispositions,” the release said. Summary findings noted that choosing reusable isolation gowns, vs. disposable varieties, reduces the environmental impact in the following ways:
- 64% reduced use of natural gas
- 66% cut in greenhouse gas emissions
- 87% less water consumed
- 83% less solid waste generated at healthcare facilities.
End users also can count these improvements as a credit toward their sustainability programs.
“The results of the surgical gown LCA support the conclusions from six other reusable/disposable studies that showed reusables provide a significant improvement in energy, environmental footprint, water and energy-associated emissions,” said Michael Overcash, Ph.D., of Environmental Clarity.
The study was organized by ARTA’s LCA Committee, which contracted with Environmental Clarity to produce the study, the release said. The research team includes Overcash, along with colleagues Eric Vozolla and Evan Griffing. Members of the LCA committee include TRSA’s Joseph Ricci and Robert Long of ETSA.
For more information, contact ARTA Executive Director Nancy Jenkins at njenkins@ARTA1.com.
Click here for information on a similar draft study on isolation gowns released last year.