The textile industry produces 10% of the world’s total C02 emissions, as well as high water consumption, making it one of the sectors with the greatest impact on the planet. With this in mind, the Clínic Barcelona hospital is carrying out various actions to extend the life cycle of clothing. Of all the clothes used at the Hospital Clínic, uniforms are one of the types that undergoes the most frequent rotation and recycling. For this reason, since 2021, efforts have been made to try to recover as much clothing as possible.
In 2022, 37% of the damaged uniforms (gowns, etc.) were recovered. That represents over 2,800 uniforms, amounting to over one tonne of clothing (approximately 1,200 kg). It is calculated that, thanks to this action, over 3,300 kg of CO2 were saved, similar to the emissions per passenger of 23 Barcelona-Madrid flights. Moreover, over 98,600 kWh of energy were saved, equivalent to the average consumption of 28 households over one year, and over 630,000 L of water, equivalent to the average consumption of five three-person homes over one year.
On the other hand, non-recoverable uniforms are recycled for other uses. The clean parts (with no stains) are used to make cloth bags for different services, thereby reducing the use of plastic bags. Moreover, other items are made ad hoc to help health professionals perform their duties. These items include bags for nursing staff to keep medical equipment in.
In 2023, ink-stained pieces of clothing have also been used to make “tote-style” bags. Awareness-raising workshops for hospital professionals have been held where the bags have been printed to extend the life cycle of the textiles. Fifty-five bags have been printed, reusing over 7 kg of clothing.
In addition to the uniforms, other types of hospital linen are recovered. For example, one of the initiatives launched in 2022 was the reuse of mattress covers. This special textile is made of a material that can be washed in sterile conditions and it has been reused to make operating theatre curtains and cushion covers.
The hospital has also carried out other actions such as the “No siguis calamar” (“Don’t be a squid”) internal campaign. The purpose of campaigns like this is to raise awareness among professionals, so that they take care of their uniforms and try to avoid them getting stained with ink. Although clothes are mended and recovered, the best way to lengthen their life is to take care of them and avoid them getting damaged. With these and other actions, the Hospital Clínic continues to work towards becoming an increasingly sustainable hospital.
