Supply Chain Sustainability
Our goal is to improve efficiency, procure healthier materials, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
From navigating supply disruptions and pricing instability, to addressing harmful chemicals and embodied climate impacts in healthcare supplies, health systems and suppliers understand the need for a healthier, more efficient, resilient supply chain. However, improving the system is a complex process.
At Kimball Sustainable Healthcare, we leverage sustainability solutions to meet today's most pressing supply chain challenges, while steadily building a better system with our clients and industry partners.
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain
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System-Level Alignment
We design supply chain strategies that integrate industry targets with client clinical, financial, and sustainability goals, creating solutions that support sector-wide progress while generating internal value.
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Policy and Standards Development
We work with system leaders to establish governance structures, procurement policies and standards, and stakeholder education, with an eye toward quality improvement, performance, and cost savings.
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Operational Implementation
From concept to execution, we help integrate best practices into daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and frontline adoption.
- Product Conversions
- Reprocessables and Reusables
- Surgical Kit and Preference Card Review
- Supply Use Optimization
Solutions built for healthcare.
Case Study
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience through Sustainable Practices
Operating rooms (ORs) are responsible for approximately 30% of a hospital's waste, providing a significant opportunity for improvement. A substantial portion of OR waste comes from single-use devices, opened but unused supplies, and incorrectly sorted materials. These practices not only contribute to material waste but represent wasted energy and resources used in the production of underutilized supplies. Transitioning from disposable to reusable supplies where feasible presents an opportunity to minimize environmental impacts and increase supply chain resilience, while supporting clinical quality and efficiency.
Reusable Anesthesia Circuits
An ambulatory surgical center transitioned from single-use to multi-use anesthesia circuits, reducing waste and purchasing demand, while maintaining safe and effective anesthesia delivery.
Implementation Strategy
Stakeholder Collaboration
The program involved close collaboration among anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, infection prevention, supply chain, and sustainability program staff to ensure smooth implementation and adherence to protocols.
Staff Training and Protocols
Anesthesiologists and anesthesia technicians received comprehensive training on cleaning, sterilization, and assembly of reusable circuits, validated by the infection prevention team.
Program Outcomes
Waste Reduction
44% reduction in daily waste from single-use anesthesia circuits.
Cost Savings
Shift from one circuit per case to one reusable circuit per OR per day.
Fewer disposable circuits = long-term cost reductions.
Supply Chain Resilience
Reduced volume requirements ease dependence on high-frequency procurement.
Financial and operational resilience increased by lowering vulnerability to disruptions.
Operational Impact
Reduced OR waste lightens the load on environmental services and cuts hauling costs.
Vendor Partnerships
The reusable circuit manufacturer was actively engaged onsite throughout the program implementation, offering technical support and ensuring proper integration of the reusable circuits into the clinical workflow.
Sustainability is a resilience strategy.
Sustainable supply chains are a strategic investment in stability, performance, and long-term financial success.
We work with health systems and suppliers to identify vulnerabilities, optimize sourcing and utilization strategies, and strengthen sector-wide partnerships.
Let’s Talk Strategy.
Ready to cut costs, reduce waste, and improve your supply chain?
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