B. Braun Medical Inc. and Lehigh Valley Health Network are one step closer to developing a sustainable, circular economy for medical plastic waste, thanks to a $72,500 state grant secured by Pennsylvania Senator Pat Browne.

The project will target scrap materials generated by B. Braun’s medical device manufacturing plant in Hanover Township, PA, and high-volume plastics, such as packaging materials, non-PVC IV bags, disposable gowns and masks, and irrigation bottles used at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest.

Both companies are working with PureCycle Technologies, which uses a patented technology to separate color, odor, and any other contaminants from certain non-hazardous plastic waste feedstock to transform it into virgin-like recycled polypropylene.

The pilot project is scheduled to begin in early 2023.