NEW MEDICAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
New Medical is dedicated to sustainability and takes meaningful steps to minimise its environmental footprint. We go beyond simply meeting requirements by actively implementing strategies to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to combating climate change.
At New Medical we reuse all cardboard by making use of a machine we purchased that turns cardboard into ‘concertina packaging’. Our paper wastage is shredded for composting. To supply all of our energy needs we have installed a 8.5 kW Solar PV system with an LG 10.2 kW battery backup set up on the roof of our office. To reduce reliance on the air conditioning system we have applied extra reflective coatings to our office windows. Energy-efficient computers are also in use.
In addition, we seek to reduce our transport burden by utilising energy-efficient vehicles, including a new fully electric Renault Zoe, the first of this model in Qld. We purchased it in June 2018, which proved to be a great change! The Renault Zoe was replaced after six years in 2024, with a new Tesla Model 3. Our other car will be a Tesla Model Y, a new Juniper model in 2025.
At our New Medical office, we use sustainably produced or recycled products. Our preference is to always purchase these items from a local, family-owned, office supply business.
One of our manufacturers has been a source of inspiration for us, consistently using recycled cardboard boxes for many years. These boxes are sealed with paper-based packing tape, adhered using natural gum glue, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices.
We now use paper-based packing tape with biodegradable natural glue and plant-based inks. Additionally, we have successfully encouraged our manufacturers to reduce or eliminate plastic in their shipments to us.
Furthermore, we previously received spare parts individually packed in thick plastic packets, with the overall cardboard box wrapped in PVC clingfilm. To address this, we have forced change resulting in the outer boxes not being wrapped in plastic and the spare parts being wrapped not as individuals but as totals, drastically cutting down the amount of plastic used. The products are then transferred to recycled Jiffy bags or cardboard boxes to send to our customers.
For several years, we’ve been using a recycled concertina roll-packing material from Geami. Our products are carefully wrapped in it and are secured with an elastic band before shipping to our customers. Recycled, Australian-made boxes are sourced from a locally owned company called the Box Factory in Brisbane. This adjustment has significantly reduced the amount of plastic used. Using less plastic, recycling more, and selling quality products provides savings for both public and private hospitals. New Medical always seeks suppliers and manufacturers with the best environmental practices.
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Updated 18th October 2024.