At Schupan, we’ve always believed that innovative partnerships can lead to remarkable outcomes in corporate sustainability. We’re excited to share an example of this: our collaboration with Stryker, a global leader in medical technology.
The Challenge
When we started working with Stryker, they were facing a significant challenge. As a company deeply committed to environmental stewardship, they were grappling with how to responsibly dispose of their medical-grade plastic waste. Their manufacturing processes were generating substantial amounts of plastic scrap, and traditional disposal methods no longer aligned with their ambitious sustainability goals. We knew this was a challenge we were uniquely positioned to address.
Our Approach at Schupan
As experts in recycling complex materials, we were eager to tackle this unique challenge. Our team, led by then VP of Business Development Ron Morrison, immediately began developing a specialized solution tailored to Stryker’s needs. We saw this not just as a recycling project, but as an opportunity to revolutionize sustainability practices in the medical technology industry.
Our Innovative Solution
We developed an innovative process to recycle Stryker’s medical-grade plastic waste, which involves several key steps:
- Collection: We arrange for Stryker’s plastic scrap to be carefully collected and transported to our facility.
- Sorting: Our team meticulously sorts the materials to ensure the highest level of purity.
- Processing: Using our advanced technology, we grind the plastic into a fine powder.
- Quality Control: We implement rigorous testing protocols to ensure the recycled material meets our high standards and Stryker’s exacting specifications.
- Reuse: Finally, we sell the processed plastic back to manufacturers for various applications, closing the loop in the recycling process.
Impressive Results
We’re proud to say that our partnership with Stryker has yielded some remarkable outcomes. Together, we’re making a significant impact on the environment by diverting over 1 million pounds of plastic from landfills annually—an amount equivalent to the weight of about 40 school buses! This impressive feat has not only significantly reduced Stryker’s carbon footprint, and measurably contributed to their sustainability goals, but it has also allowed us to create a circular economy model for medical-grade plastics. By doing so, we’re setting a new standard in the industry and paving the way for more sustainable practices in healthcare manufacturing.
Beyond Recycling: Our Holistic Approach
At Schupan, we believe in going beyond mere recycling. That’s why we’ve implemented a comprehensive sustainability program for Stryker that includes:
Detailed reporting on environmental impact, providing Stryker with valuable data to track their progress and set future goals.
Employee education on sustainability practices that helps to foster a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the organization.
Continuous improvement of the recycling process, as we’re always looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Looking to the Future
The success of this partnership has opened doors for further innovation. We’re actively exploring new ways to expand our sustainability efforts, not just with Stryker, but across the medical technology industry. We’re also looking at how we can apply the lessons learned from this partnership to other industries, inspiring them to follow suit.
We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in recycling and sustainability. Our partnership with Stryker is just the beginning. We’re excited about the future and the potential to create even more impactful sustainability solutions. Together, we’re not just recycling materials; we’re revolutionizing sustainability practices in healthcare and beyond.
