CIRCULAR HEALTHCARE · ARTICLE 17 · JUST TRANSITION
Reprocessing SUMD(SINGLE-USE MEDICAL DEVICES)& Global South Impact
Explore how safely reprocessing medical devices labelled for one use could reduce hospital costs, carbon and waste—and where lower demand for new materials may ease extractive pressure.
What is Article 17?
Article 17 of the EU Medical Device Regulation allows single-use medical-device reprocessing only when national law permits it, under strict safety and quality rules.
Read the simple explanation
10
of 30 study countries allow reprocessing
EC reporting period: Dec 2022–Dec 2023
6
of 38 surveyed notified bodies offer certification
No certificates reported in the study period
<10
manufacturers identified
Only two active and operating in the EU
44%
illustrative average GHG reduction
Scenario default; device-specific LCAs vary
Two tools · Two different questions
Measure the value. Then explore who could benefit.
The tools work together, but they do different jobs.
In one line: The Impact Model calculates the value created. → The Global South Calculator explores how that value could be shared.
Scenario lab
Model avoided new-device demand
Tap any ⓘ for a simple explanation.
Annual estimate
Potential system-level effects
66,667
new devices
potentially displaced
€10.5m
procurement
gross cost saving
12 t
materials
device mass retained
55,733 t
CO₂e
estimated avoided emissions
In simple terms
The model asks: if hospitals safely reuse more eligible devices, how many new devices might they avoid buying—and what could that save in money, materials and emissions?
Important limitation
This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Real results depend on the device, hospital, supplier and number of safe reuses achieved.
Take these results with you
Preview a colour infographic PDF of this scenario, then download it for $1.99.
Evidence architecture
Five steps from estimate to evidence
Each step adds information that makes the dashboard’s results clearer, stronger and easier to verify. Tap a step for a simple explanation.
01
Regulatory status
What the law allows ·
02
Hospital activity
What hospitals are doing ·
03
Device inventory
What devices contain ·
04
LCA impacts
Environmental effects ·
05
Mine traceability
Where minerals come from ·