Covestro and Allmed have partnered to investigate the recycling of used artificial kidney filters. The study will explore the potential to recover polycarbonate from medical devices for use in new materials with recycled content.

The collaboration seeks to develop a circular economy model for medical devices by proving both technical feasibility and economic viability while navigating the complex regulatory landscape of medical waste management.

“The circular economy in healthcare is still emerging – but it holds tremendous potential. With this feasibility study, we want to demonstrate that even complex applications like artificial kidney filters can be circular and become a valuable source of high-quality polycarbonate recyclate instead of being incinerated or sent to landfill,” said Lily Wang, Global Head – Engineering Plastics, Covestro.

Allmed is committed to ambitious sustainability goals.

“Blood purification devices are essential for life-saving treatments but also require significant resources. Our ambition is to show that high medical performance and ecological responsibility can go hand in hand,” explained Ahmed Sorour, Chief Executive Officer, Allmed.

In cooperation with additional partners in the United Kingdom – including Allmed’s distribution partner Kimal– Allmed and Covestro are now preparing for their first recycling trials.

Matt Press, Chief Executive Officer, Kimal Group, added, "We are proud that Allmed had chosen Kimal and the UK market to be at the forefront of this initiative."