Disposing of a small item dramatically reduces the volume of waste and cost of disposal for the Hospital. The recurring cost of the small disposable element is also much less than a fully disposable device, providing two cost saving benefits.
One of the most polluting areas of the hospital is the Operating Theatre. Although Operating Theatres physically occupy a relatively small area in hospitals, they generate a disproportionate amount of waste.
‘In the US, it is estimated that 20% - 33% of all hospital waste is generated by the operating theatres and a single operation can generate more waste than a family of four produces in one week.’*

Surgical Innovations have been leading the way in the reduction of plastic disposable since 1992. The innovative design of Resposable ranges provides a high-quality instrument with the clinical benefits of a small disposable element.
Resposable products can reduce waste by up to 85%¹, compared to full disposable alternatives, providing the solution for Hospitals looking to reduce costs and waste whilst maintaining reliability and quality.
Much of the waste generated in the Operating Theatre is ‘incidental’ and with simple training and some thought, can be dramatically reduced.
It is important to consider what options are available to reduce the carbon emissions of healthcare providers. This will also generate large cost savings in clinical waste disposal and recurring costs of single use items.


Aiming to identify sustainable solutions and overcome challenges by shared experiences, as well as providing clear examples of possible actions for theatre staff and hospital management. We create a support network for those looking to implement change whilst facilitating an informed approach to greener theatres.
We recognise the challenges that healthcare providers face, and we work closely with clinicians and professional bodies to make sustainable changes for greener theatres worldwide.
Surgical Innovations are partnered with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and proudly support their efforts in the UK (and globally) to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste in surgery.
The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is an independent registered charity. Established in 2008, it works to help the NHS fulfil its commitment to reach net zero by 2045. “Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ national health service.” It is now the one of the foremost institutions in the world working on sustainable healthcare in research and practice.
In celebration of UK hospitals taking steps to reduce plastic waste by moving to Resposable™ devices, Elemental Healthcare (a subsidiary of Surgical Innovations) have pledged to plant trees in the ‘NHS Forest’. This means that by making the decision to move to this sustainable healthcare solution the hospital will not only experience significant reductions in plastic waste, but the planting of trees in the NHS forest also provides health, social and environmental benefits.