[ksd482]

Can it be used for medical products such as syringes and vials? Is research being done there?

I had a close relative admitted in hospital for 2 weeks and I saw them use and throw so much plastic like I have never seen before; think 100 gallon bucket of plastic. I am not discounting the benefits plastics have brought to medicine such as hygiene, but I am concerned its environmental impact.

I also understand that industrial plastic waste is probably an order of magnitude greater than that in medicine.

But I am curious what sort of test a biodegradable/sustainable plastic would need to stand for it to replace traditional plastics.

[mjevans]

In a hospital setting the alternative materials would be some types of glass and steels. Those mostly have the downsides of being expensive, tough to clean correctly, and higher liability if someone breaks them.

I don't think it'd be easily possible to easily replace plastic tubing, particularly the clear aspect.