The press release below was sent by Environmental Platform Healthcare (Milieu Platform Zorg) – Member of the Project Advisory Consortium of ESCH-R 

Choosing more sustainably in healthcare sounds logical, but in practice it often proves complicated. Vague claims, complex reports, and promises make it difficult to determine what really works. The new website De Groene Z offers healthcare professionals, sustainability coordinators, and purchasers practical tools to make circular choices for medical devices. The public platform was developed by Milieu Platform Zorg (MPZ) and Stichting Stimular. During the Green Care Festival on September 19, www.DeGroeneZ.org was officially launched.

From science to practice
On the De Groene Z platform (www.DeGroeneZ.org), existing studies, such as life cycle assessments (LCA), are translated into accessible and applicable advice. For each medical device, the impact difference between reusable and disposable products is made clear. The site also shows how use can be reduced—following the steps of the R-ladder: refuse, reuse, recycle—using practical examples and existing guidelines as a basis.

For all healthcare organizations
Whether someone is a purchaser, sustainability coordinator, or healthcare professional, beginner or experienced, working in a hospital or another healthcare organization: De Groene Z provides accessible information and concrete advice. This way, users don’t have to spend hours searching but can immediately see which choice already makes an impact today.

Collaboration in the sector
The development of the platform is a collaboration between industry association MPZ and Stichting Stimular. LCA experts from The Footprinters assisted in the assessment. Collaboration on circular healthcare was also established with the Healthcare Procurement Network Netherlands (ZINN), the Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers (NFU), and the Green Care Alliance. By linking databases and knowledge, duplication of work is avoided, and expertise is optimally utilized. De Groene Z is co-financed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

De Groene Z: the platform for circular steps in healthcare
De Groene Z starts with around 25 medical devices, including the NFU’s “shortlist of disposables with high environmental impact.” The platform will be continuously supplemented with new insights and practical examples. For example, MPZ and ZINN are joining forces to create a shortlist of medical devices in long-term care, and NFU will follow with a shortlist of laboratory materials. These lists will be added to the database in the next phase.

Date: 25 September 2025
Source: Stimular