In our pursuit of understanding and reducing our environmental impact, we began on a journey to evaluate the carbon footprint of our 2l suction bag’s entire life cycle. We utilized a comprehensive cradle-to-grave* methodology in our study case. Our production site is in Kauhajoki Finland and the end of life cycle / disposal was in Rotterdam Hospital in the Netherlands. We used this example in our study case as most of our shipments are done to central Europe. Our calculations showed us significant reductions in the CO₂e emissions from the waste disposal phase.

Our scenario

Calculation approach and inventory analysis

A comprehensive cradle-to-grave* methodology was employed to evaluate the suction bag’s life cycle and the calculation was performed with reference to the GHG protocol and the ISO 14044:2006 standards, but only taking CO₂e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent) emissions into account.

The energy and material inputs and environmental outputs were assessed with an inventory analysis **. To assess the potential climate change impact associated with CO₂e emissions, we conducted an impact assessment. Other emissions and other environmental impact categories were excluded.

The steps

The carbon footprint of a 2l Serres Suction bag

The emptied Serres Suction bag

The full Serres Suction bag

Saving up to 97% CO₂e emissions from waste disposal

The emission levels significantly rise during the disposal phase when considering full bags. Materials being transported for disposal occupy more space and have greater weight compared to the scenario involving empty bags. Moreover, the organic liquids contained within these bags are subjected to incineration and additionally, in the case of the Rotterdam Hospital, the full bags are transported to the incineration with plastic boxes and are incinerated with their contents.

NOTE: The disposal practices vary from country to country and even hospital to hospital. In the Rotterdam case, the full bags were transported in plastic boxes. Each fit 6 bags and the the boxes were incinerated with the bags, with energy recovery.

Toward carbon neutral hospital

5 ways to decrease carbon footprint in value chain / life cycle

After closely examining the carbon footprint calculations throughout our value chain, we noticed differences coming from mainly five specific points, where we and the hospitals can save CO₂ emissions.

1. Design and amount of materials used in producing the suction bag
2. Packaging materials and weight
3. Outbound freight and distance
4. Waste management practices
5. Waste incineration

You can read more about these steps in our blog post: Towards More Sustainable Healthcare: A 5-Step Approach to Decreasing Carbon Footprint in Hospitals

Sustainable design and use of smart materials

Over the years we have successfully reduced the amount of material used in the suction bag without compromising product quality. Today, our suction bags are the lightest bags in the market and do not contain any PVC, latex or DEPH. We are continuously investigating new raw materials, both recycled and recyclable, to continue being the forerunner in our field.

Serres Suction bag is exceptionally light and compact. The folded bag is unique with its patented folding design. Smart suction bag packaging reduces CO₂e emissions in transportation i.e. package design is scaled down to minimum size, maximized number of bags per package and empty space is minimized in the packaging. This enables that up to 4 times more Serres Suction bags can be packed in logistics packaging than comparable products. Sea transportation from Finland to The Netherlands is used to reduce CO₂e emissions.

Our dispenser and transport boxes are made of 75% recycled material.

How much is 0.20 kg CO₂e?

In order to understand what is much and what is little comparing to a similar product can help to understand the results. However when comparing calculations it is always important to understand that the results are not fully comparable**. This reference is provided to give a ballpark understanding.

Comparing the Serres Suction bag to a plastic grocery bag.

The calculation of the grocery bag was done by Environment Agency GOV.UK read the full report.

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*Cradle-to-grave covers the entire lifecycle of a product. It’s a full analysis of a product from the raw materials to the disposal of the product to asses its full carbon footprint. In 2023 we will complete the the scientific method in our calculation.

** Our Inventory analysis and system boundaries in more detail

1. Inbound logistics – Included: Transportation of raw materials and packaging materials from suppliers.
2. Materials -Included: Emissions from extraction and production of raw materials. It consists of the “cradle to gate” phase. Excluded: Packaging materials where raw materials were distributed to the Kauhajoki factory are excluded since their influence is not significant. (The weight of the packaging material is approximately 0.5 percent of the weight of the transported material.) The minerals were excluded from the calculations.
3. Energy & heat used in production – This phase includes the electricity and heat needed for the manufacturing of the suction bag.
4. Packaging materials – Includes all the packaging materials used for outbound logistics.
   Nemo solution and packaging – Included: Stainless steel and ABS plastic used for Nemo. Included the cardboard, foam, and pallets for the transportation. We have included on p. 15 how much water would be used in Rotterdam. Excluded: Electronic components in the Nemo solution are excluded. Detergent use has been excluded. Emissions from the Transportation of Nemo to the Rotterdam Hospital are excluded. When Nemo is in standby mode, electricity use is excluded.
   Outbound logistics – Included: Transportation of finished suction bags to our distributor partner in the Netherlands. Excluded: Transportation from our partner to Rotterdam Hospital. Excluded:
   Product use and Nemo – Including the excess materials thrown into disposal which are produced in the Kauhajoki factory and the disposal of the suction bag from the Rotterdam hospital. Both options for disposal of full and emptied suction bags are calculated separately. We have included the incineration (with energy recovery) of organic liquids. Excluded: Electronic components in the Nemo solution are excluded. Detergent use has been excluded. Emissions from the Transportation of Nemo to the Rotterdam Hospital are excluded. When Nemo is in a standby mode, the electricity use is excluded.
5. Disposal – Including the excess materials thrown into disposal which are produced in the Kauhajoki factory and the disposal of the suction bag from the Rotterdam hospital. Both options for disposal of full and emptied suction bags are calculated separately. We have included the incineration (with energy recovery) of organic liquids.
6. Other – The disposal phase of packaging materials is excluded (excluding cardboard boxes, since the emission factor used contains the cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of a cardboard box (without transportation)).

What is the carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide) emitted directly or indirectly by a person or other entity such as a building, company, animal, etc. In addition, the carbon footprint concept can also include the emissions of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, nitrous oxide, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Carbon footprint quantifies the impact of our daily choices, including energy consumption, transportation, manufacturing processes, and waste generation. The unit of measurement is usually in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).