Reduction of plastic waste: what policy should be implemented in healthcare facilities?

Background. Healthcare facilities generate large amounts of plastic waste, contributing to climate change and environmental and health damages. However, the Covid-19 pandemic increased reliance on single-use plastics, with production expected to triple by 2060. Objective. To identify and implement strategies to reduce single-use plastics in healthcare facilities while ensuring high clinical standards and reduction of costs. It was conducted through the PHARE project, led by Hôpitaux de Provence and coordinated by the Service Central des Opérations Pharmaceutiques (SCOP) of Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM). Methods. A two-phase approach was followed. Mapping: identification of priority actions through a multidisciplinary working group; assessment of indicators on a Likert-type scale; environmental assessments with a before/after implementation estimation; gradual deployment in pilot departments with audits, communication tools and feedback. Results. Most strategies focused on plastic reduction at source (65%), followed by reuse (27%) and recycling (8%). High-priority interventions included promoting oral administration (score: 29/30), rationalizing glove use with hand hygiene (26/30) and adopting reusable anaesthesia trays (25/30). Organizational barriers, including training needs and resistance to change, represented the main implementation challenges. Discussion and conclusion. Early integration of professionals, institutional support, and governance are key to success. Source reduction strategies (right care, practice optimization, eco-design) are favoured. The project shows that plastic reduction can align quality of care, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. The model will provide a scalable framework for integrating environmental sustainability into healthcare delivery.