Medical Waste Crisis – We Can No Longer Ignore It

The medical industry plays a crucial role in protecting human health, but the massive amount of waste generated in the process has become a serious environmental issue.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 30 million tons of medical waste are produced worldwide each year, with 15–25% classified as infectious or toxic waste (Source: WHO, 2022).

In South Korea alone, over 230,000 tons of medical waste are generated annually, and this number continues to rise (Source: Ministry of Environment, 2023).

Why Splints?

Orthopedic splints are single-use items that cannot be reshaped once hardened. Disposable splints, such as Roll Splints, are made of composite materials that make reshaping difficult, requiring new splints as the patient’s swelling changes.

• More than 100 million splints used annually worldwide (Source: Grand View Research, 2023)
• Over 60 million splints used annually in the U.S. alone (Source: IBISWorld, 2022)
• Incineration releases CO₂ and toxic substances → Accelerates environmental pollution

At YunBiotech, we asked ourselves: "Is it really the best approach for the same patient to keep using new splints at every stage of treatment?"

YunBiotech's Solution – Eco-Friendly Splints

① Reshapable Splints – One Splint, Multiple Uses

Our splints can be reshaped with heat, allowing:

• The same patient to use a single splint throughout treatment → 50% reduction in medical waste
• Hospitals to save on splint procurement costs → Reduced healthcare expenses

② Bio-Plastic Materials – Reducing Carbon Footprint

YunBiotech has replaced traditional splint materials with biodegradable bio-plastic.

• 60% reduction in carbon emissions compared to petroleum-based plastics (Source: European Bioplastics, 2023)
• Completely decomposable in landfills → Minimized environmental pollution

Eco-Friendly Medical Devices: A Necessity, Not a Choice

As regulations to reduce medical waste tighten in the EU and other countries, hospitals are increasingly adopting eco-friendly medical devices.

At YunBiotech, we are not just making products; we are pioneering a sustainable future in healthcare.

What YunBiotech’s Eco-Friendly Splints Change

• Hospitals: Lower medical waste disposal costs + Environmental protection
• Patients: Cost savings by reusing the same splint
• The Environment: Reduction of non-recyclable waste + Lower carbon emissions

YunBiotech developed eco-friendly splints for a simple reason:
To create a better treatment environment while building a sustainable healthcare system.

References

• WHO, "Global Healthcare Waste Report" (2022)
• Ministry of Environment, South Korea, "Medical Waste Management Report" (2023)
• MDPI, "Medical Waste Management in Orthopedic Surgery" (2021)
• Journal of Arthroplasty, "Surgical Waste in Orthopedics: Analyzing Environmental Impact" (2020)
• European Bioplastics, "Sustainability Report on Biodegradable Medical Products" (2023)
• Grand View Research, "Global Orthopedic Splint Market Report" (2023)
• IBISWorld, "U.S. Orthopedic Device Industry Report" (2022)

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