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Circular Connectors: Improving the Environmental Impact of Infusion Bags in Hospitals

November 25, 2025

Congratulations to Han Buck, Master student Industrial Design Engineering at the ID E TU Delft, who recently graduated with a 9! Her graduation project is called ‘Circular Connectors: Improving the Environmental Impact of Infusion Bags in Hospitals’.

In her graduation project, Han focused on designing a more sustainable and circular infusion bag building on her earlier findings about the use of infusion bags in the clinical context. 

Science in 3 – Three insights from Han’s research!

Science in 1 – Conversations

“I learned how important and what a privilege it is to be able to involve ESCH-R stakeholders  like Wittenburg, Erasmus MC and Prezero right from the start and keep them engaged throughout the process. Having their perspectives shaped the project in such a real and grounded way. It made the design more feasible, more relevant, and ultimately more meaningful. I’ve come to see that designing with people, not just for them, really elevates the outcome.”

Science in 2 – Small Change, Big Impact

“One of the biggest eye-openers was realizing how a tiny design change like e.g. altering the type of material or shape of the small connectors could reduce up to 32% of healthcare waste that currently is being incinerated. That’s massive. It showed me how even small details can create big environmental benefits, and at the same time improve usability for nurses and others who handle the product every day.”

Science in 3 – In the palm of my hands

“I really enjoyed how tangible this project was, especially because of the scale of the product. It was small enough that I could hold it in the palm of my hand, and that made it feel very real and tangible. Being able to go from idea to sketch, to physical prototype, and straight into testing was incredibly satisfying. The small scale also made it easy to iterate quickly, which kept the process dynamic and creative. I realized that this kind of hands-on, fast-paced way of working is something that really drives me as a designer.”

Han’s project was supervised by Prof.dr.ir. Jan Carel Diehl – WP 5 Lead ESCH-R and in collaboration with ESCH-R consortium partners Wittenburg, Erasmus MC and Prezero. 

Congratulations, Han! We’re excited to see what the future holds for you and hope to stay in touch!