Challenges and opportunities for reduction of single use plastics in healthcare: A case study of single use infant formula bottles in two Irish maternity hospitals

The issue of plastic pollution is now recognised as a catastrophic global crisis. Single-use plastics have attracted much attention in terms of elimination and mitigation measures. The concept of circular economy aims to attain a state where waste no longer exists. Pathways to eliminate or adapt stages of the life cycle, long before the end-of-life phase, are necessary to address single-use plastics. This paper examines single-use food packaging plastic waste in Irish maternity hospital settings through a case study of ready-to-use infant formula bottles. A quantitative and qualitative assessment of single-use plastics arising from infant feeding bottles is presented. Quantitative examination reveals a high variability in materials used for bottles, teats and associated packaging, thus creating difficulties in standardising labelling and identifying appropriate waste treatment options. Quantitative calculations reveal the extent of plastic waste generated by this single use product. Possible mitigation options include: demand reduction for single-use bottles in the first place, alternative solutions to eliminate single-use bottles, opportunities for manufacturers to address product design, impetus for policy makers to act on coherent labelling systems for materials and improved overall waste management. Considering the level of confusion at hospital and household levels as to best practice in recycling, this research highlights the need for targeted collaborative research utilising sectoral best practice, waste hierarchy and circular economy principles.