Sustainability strategy

Less Waste, More Care

Through our "Less waste + more care" initiative, we have optimised the size of our ALLEVYN^◊ Dressing packaging – starting with our bordered dressings – to eliminate excess air, reducing the size of our cartons, pouches and cases by over 20%.¹

Our commitment

Daily wound care practice involves the routine use of supplies that, in turn, creates substantial amounts of waste. With a focus on reducing carbon emissions and respectful use of global resources, our Advanced Wound Management business spearheaded the 2022 ‘Less waste, more care’ initiative to optimise packaging for our ALLEVYN Foam Dressings.

How we’re making a difference at S+N

Retaining the same high standards of manufacturing and sterilisation, we’ll now (compared to the 2021 design):

For practices and clinicians, we hope this translates to efficiencies in storage space and alignment with their own sustainability objectives. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to expand the ‘Less waste, more care’ initiative across further dressing and product ranges; reinforcing our commitment to deliver medical technology in a sustainable manner that helps to protect our environment.

Our new look packaging

It will become available from December 2022, starting with the ALLEVYN LIFE Dressing range. The smaller footprint of our packaging will result in:

Our sustainable vision

Recognising the importance of social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability, our vision for building sustainable practice and development echoes through the purpose and imperatives of our company to drive a shared global commitment.

In working to achieve this vision, we:

Prioritise respect and care for global resources to help minimise our impact on the environment
Collaborate with valued suppliers, partners and customers
Have the courage to set ambitious goals for reducing waste, CO2 emissions and our ecological footprint

Reference Materials

References

*Packaging efficiencies based on a calculation of 2,724,540 m2 - equating to a 1cm strip measuring 272,454,005 metres – and a world circumference of 39,842 km. Emission calculation based on an average UK petrol car emitting 0.28053 kg of CO2 per mile; equivalent to 1 tonne of CO2 per 3565 miles or 7 tonnes of CO2 per 24,901-mile trip around the globe.

1. Smith+Nephew 2022. Methodology for the reduction in packaging material of ALLEVYN Bordered Dressings. Internal report CSD.AWM.22.045.
2. Smith+Nephew 2022. Methodology for the reduction in global packaging material and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions of ALLEVYN bordered dressings. Internal report CSD.AWM.22.064
3. Smith+Nephew 2022. Methodology for calculated carbon savings associated with reduction in global packaging materials of ALLEVYN bordered dressings. Internal report CSD.AWM.22.072