Background and Importance The central sterilisation department is conducting a campaign to reduce the costs and carbon footprint of sterilisation and operating theatres.

Aim and Objectives The aim of this work is to reduce the polypropylene sheets packaging.

Material and Methods In May 2023, a container maintenance operation was carried out at the hospital, recovering those not used in the operating theatres.

Surgical trays (ST) wrapped in polypropylene envelopes (PE) were identified using T-Doc traceability software (Getinge). An inventory was carried out in the operating theatre to validate the feasibility of replacing PE with containers.

The economic dimensions in euros (€) take into account staff work, maintenance, consumables, waste treatment, as well as water, steam and energy consumption.

Results The maintenance work carried out in May 2023 resulted in the recovery of 203 containers of various sizes. 245 PE wraps were identified, 78 of which could not be packaged in containers. The cost of consumables and time spent on washing and packaging amounted to €1.74 for a container and €2.15 for a PE. Other re-sterilisation costs are equivalent for both packaging systems. The PE wraps identified by T-Doc represent 5,186 re-sterilisations per year, and the economic gain from replacing packaging with containers corresponds to a profit of €2,126/year. However, the complete replacement project requires the purchase of 48 additional containers at an initial cost of €13,200. This purchase will pay for itself in 6 years.

The carbon footprint of a container is smaller than a PE because it generates less waste in operating theatres. The PE consists of a sterile barrier and protective packaging, both made of polypropylene. These are disposed of each time they are used in the operating theatre, compared with two filters and two clips for a container.

Conclusion and Relevance This operation offers economic and ecological advantages after a short return on investment, thus meeting the requirements of the ecological transition for our hospital.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.