JOYinCARE launches Green Care Concept: step towards sustainable healthcare
Assen, The Netherlands – JOYinCARE proudly launched its Green Care Concept during today’s sewing workshop. As a forward-thinking medical device manufacturer, JOYinCARE is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare by making the production of lifting slings more sustainable, developing circular products, and exploring eco-friendly alternatives to existing solutions.
Sustainability in healthcare
Sustainability is a growing priority in the healthcare sector. Climate change and environmental pollution are contributing to public health problems. Research from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows that the healthcare sector accounts for approximately 7% of national CO₂ emissions. Major contributors include energy use in healthcare facilities and transportation for both patients and healthcare workers. Medical waste also plays an important role.
To safeguard the long-term accessibility of care, JOYinCARE is stepping up to the challenge to minimize the sector’s environmental impact.
Introducing the Green Care Concept
With the Green Care Concept, JOYinCARE aims to improve the entire life cycle of its lifting slings: from design and production, to use and eventual disposal. Since JOYinCARE manufactures its products locally in the Netherlands, long transport distances are avoided, and slings can be repaired instead of discarded when damaged. This extends product life and prevents unnecessary waste.
Material selection is another pillar of the initiative. Whenever possible, JOYinCARE uses recycled materials instead of virgin ones. Additionally, by designing lifting slings using mono-materials, JOYinCARE makes them fully recyclable. That way, old slings can be reprocessed into new fabric at the end of their useful life.
"By making lifting slings circular, our goal is to eventually eliminate the need for new raw materials altogether."
“Using raw materials as efficiently as possible results in environmental benefits, including reduced emissions and less waste,” explains Loes Schilderink, Director of Innovation. “To achieve that, we encourage users to return slings to us at the end of their life cycle. Even non-circular models or those from other brands. We always ensure the correct recycling method is applied.”
Circular slings
As part of the Green Care Concept, JOYinCARE now offers eight circular lifting slings, including three new Comfort models. These are designed for loop attachment and made entirely from recycled polyester. The innovative design provides maximum client comfort and better positioning, reducing the need for post-lifting. Unique features include adjustable head support straps, eliminating the need for boning. The Comfort slings are available in both a standard and an accommodation model.
Looking ahead
JOYinCARE is working to further reduce its environmental impact. Future improvements include installing solar panels and energy-efficient air conditioning in the sewing studio, as well as optimizing logistics to reduce transport movements. The Green Care Concept will also expand with more sustainable product options.
Through innovation, collaboration, and conscious design, JOYinCARE is taking meaningful steps to shape a healthier planet and a more sustainable healthcare sector.