The Hospital Clínic Barcelona has taken a step forward in its sustainability strategy thanks to the implementation of a circular economy project in the management of scrubs and uniforms. Aware of the significant impact the textile sector has on the environment, according to recent data from the European Parliament (2024), the hospital has fully integrated a recycling system that allows for maximum reuse of the pieces of clothing. Up until now, damaged uniforms were mended so that over one tonne of scrubs and uniforms were recovered each year. Now, those scrubs and uniforms that used to be sent to a landfill site can be recycled and will once again form part of the textile chain.
In 2024, the project allowed over 900 kilos of textile waste to be recycled and transformed into polyester thread for the production of new uniforms. This initiative not only avoids the accumulation of waste in landfill sites, but also reduces the environmental impact associated with the use of natural fibres such as cotton.
Contrary to popular belief, natural cotton has a very high ecological impact. For example, around 1,559 litres of water are required to product 1 kg of cotton fibre. With this project, the cotton is eliminated from the composition of the new uniforms and scrubs and is replaced by recycled and recyclable polyester, contributing to a more efficient management of natural resources. So far, this new recyclable material has been incorporated into the uniforms for the Information Systems Management (ISM) and the Cross-cutting Hospital at Home (HaH) Unit staff.
The Clínic consolidates years of actions for a more sustainable hospital textile chain
The Hospital Clínic Barcelona has been working for years to make the use of clothing at the centre more sustainable, promoting initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of the textile sector. Since 2021, the Clínic has been applying measures to extend the lifecycle of uniforms and other textile materials. In 2022, over 37% of the damaged uniforms were recovered, which helped reduce CO₂ emissions and water and energy consumption.
Non-recoverable fabrics have also been transformed into reusable products, such as cloth bags or materials for operating theatres. Moreover, a new initiative has been promoted to eliminate the plastic bags that were used in the past to deliver clean uniforms and other textiles to the wards in batches. The bags have been replaced by paper strips, and this has made the hospital textile chain even more sustainable.
By recycling the textiles and acquiring these new uniforms made from recyclable materials, the Clínic Barcelona not only closes the recycling loop, but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability. This new project joins other initiatives at the hospital aimed at minimizing environmental impact and promoting a responsible use of resources. This is yet another example of how sustainability can be fully integrated into the day-to-day management of a leading healthcare organization.
