CASE STUDY

Halyard's Blue Renew Program

Introduction

The healthcare industry is becoming increasingly aware of their impact on the environment, specifically sustainable recycling initiatives to help divert waste from landfills. The BlueCON Company®, an industry leader in circular recycling, works closely with O&M Halyard Health, a surgical solutions company, to implement the Blue Renew Program at U.S. hospitals.

“The BlueCON Company has assisted 350+ hospitals divert 5.5 million lbs. of blue wrap waste from U.S. hospitals each year”

Through BlueCON’s industry expertise and consulting efforts, the Blue Renew Program provides assistance to hospitals in the circular recycling of used, clean Halyard Sterilization Wrap from their operating rooms. The BlueCON Company® has assisted 350+ hospitals divet 5.5 million pounds of blue wrap from the landfill each year. This diversion creates landfill cost reduction, reduced carbon footprint, and demonstrates environmental and social responsibility.

About The BlueCon Company®

The BlueCON Company®, a dominant force in circular recycling consulting and product development, is dedicated to creating circular economy solutions to problematic waste streams. Through circular recycling consulting, The BlueCON Company® works with companies of all sizes to help them understand and reduce their impact on the environment. BlueCON has completed extensive R&D on recycling and converting blue wrap into BlueCON Resin® and BlueCON Nonwoven® circular products. Over the last 15 years, they have developed an extensive knowledge base of the plastic recycling industry as well as a network of recyclers and processors throughout the country. Their intellectual knowledge and innovative processes are years ahead of their competition in creating end-of-life solutions.

About Halyard

Halyard, now part of the Owens & Minor family, is focused on advancing health and healthcare by delivering clinically-superior infection prevention and surgical solutions. Halyard sells its recognized sterilization wrap, facial protection, gloves, protective apparel, surgical drapes and gowns in more than 100 countries, and holds leading market positions across the portfolio.

Formerly part of Kimberly-Clark, Halyard Health became an independent company headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia on November 1, 2014. Halyard operates 11 global manufacturing facilities with 12,700 employees worldwide – generating approximately $1.6 billion in net revenues.

Working Together to Achieve Results
2010

Halyard identified a need in the healthcare industry. Hospitals were seeking assistance in recycling used, clean Halyard Sterilization Wrap from their operating rooms. Halyard developed and implemented the Blue Renew Program that provides support and assistance to healthcare facilities that are interested in successfully recycling Halyard’s blue wrap. Halyard formed a partnership with The BlueCON Company®, fomerly Sustainable Solutions, to provide education and training to implement the Blue Renew Program.

2017

Halyard expanded the program and signed a licensing agreement for The BlueCON Company’s BlueCON Resin® products. These products are derived from Halyard’s Blue Renew Program. All of the Environmental Preferred Purchasing (EPP) products, including distribution totes, healthcare apparel, wash basins, bed pans and Circular Blu’s Patient Belonging Bags are made with recycled sterilization wrap. When healthcare facilities purchase BlueCon Resin® products, they are participanting in creating a circular economy as well as creating demand for their waste. This ensures a robust and sustinable circular recycling program.

2019

The BlueCON Company® formed a national partnership with Iron Mountain for Blue Wrap collection support. This partnerships primary goal was to provide an additional collection solutions to our already successful program. Participation in this partnership is not mandatory for involvement in the Blue Renew program.

Environmental Impact

The BlueCon Company® provides each hospital system with an annual environmental impact report measuring the hospital’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions reflecting:

  • Landfill direct cost savings
  • Landfill diversion volume
  • Oil and KwH indirect reduction savings

 

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BlueCON Resin Products are derived from Halyard’s Blue Renew Program

Discover More

Blue Wrap Recycling Process

  • Collect blue wrap before a patient enters the room
  • No need to remove the sterilization tape or ID labels
  • Folding the blue wrap into neat squares alerts the collector that the proper work instruction was followed
  • Place folded wrap into a designated colored bag and tie off before patient enters the room