Highlights
Plastics, Health, and Climate Resilience Under Discussion at COP31 in Türkiye
November 9, 2026
Science, innovation, and circularity in the service of more sustainable healthcare.
At COP31 Türkiye, APIP brought together science, industry, and public policy at the Portugal Pavilion. Moderated by Elsa Agante, the roundtable discussion focused on how to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare and strengthen its resilience while ensuring patient safety.
Richard Thompson argued that prevention begins by assessing the need for each product and considering its end-of-life from the design stage. Pedro Paes do Amaral highlighted the importance of recognizing the role of plastics in healthcare and comparing solutions through life-cycle assessment. Jorge Coelho presented the contribution of innovation in polymers and explained why reuse requires a case-by-case analysis, weighing clinical safety, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Ana Cristina Carrola identified measures to translate circularity into hospital practices through environmentally conscious procurement, staff training, and the sharing of best practices.
Moving forward requires international cooperation among researchers, industry, healthcare professionals, and public policymakers, supported by clear, science-based communication. Sharing knowledge and experiences makes it possible to transform best practices into solutions with a broader impact.
Watch the roundtable discussion by clicking the button below: